"Broken machine still crushes stones" case: What do patients say?

Within 2 years, the Laser lithotripsy machine of the Central Highlands General Hospital was broken but 255 patients still had surgery and declared lithotripsy. Behind this “unique” story are the patients who came for treatment but still did not know how they were treated?

“After the anesthesia, I don't know what they do?”

That is the affirmation of Ms. Vi Thi Huong (residing in Cu Jut commune, Lam Dong province) when she came to treat lithotripsy twice in 2024 at the Central Highlands General Hospital. According to Ms. Huong, in 2024, she was transferred to the Department of Nephrology - Urology of the Central Highlands General Hospital for treatment a total of 2 times. Here, the doctor diagnosed her with kidney stones and asked her to undergo lithotripsy. "Each time I go in for treatment, after being anesthetized by the doctors, I don't know whether they will perform lithotripsy or not because I'm anesthetized, I don't know what they do," Ms. Huong said.

Sharing the same concern, Mr. Hoang Van Thu (born in 1975, residing in Krong Ana commune, Dak Lak province), said that in April 2024, he had kidney stones so he went to the Central Highlands General Hospital for treatment. Here, Mr. Thu was prescribed lithotripsy by the doctor and then discharged. After returning home for about a week, Mr. Thu continued to have pain but because he "believed" that the stones were gone, he did not go for a check-up.

The Central Highlands General Hospital organized free screening for patients on the morning of September 24.

However, about 20 days later, Mr. Thu urinated out blood clots as big as his little finger, so he was hospitalized again. This time, the doctor at the Central Highlands General Hospital diagnosed him with an infection and treated him for about a week before letting him go home. Recently, Mr. Thu continued to have pain, so he went to hospitals in the area for examination, ultrasound, and medication. "About 2 months ago, I urinated out 1 small pellet. Now there are 2 pellets about 8mm in size," Mr. Thu said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Ha (born in 1974, residing in Ea Ning commune, Dak Lak province) said that in mid-April 2024, he was in pain so his family took him to the emergency room at the Central Highlands General Hospital. Here, he was prescribed lithotripsy. “Two days later, I was discharged from the hospital. Because when I returned home, I still had the JJ tube with me, so I did not feel any pain. 12 days after the JJ tube was removed, the pain continued to torment me so my family took me to Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for a re-examination. Here, the doctors said I still had stones in my body,” Mr. Ha informed.

Organize free screening for patients

On the morning of September 24, the Central Highlands General Hospital began organizing free screenings for patients undergoing lithotripsy while their laser lithotripsy machine was broken during treatment at the hospital.

Dr. Le Ka Thuy, Deputy Director of the Central Highlands General Hospital, said that the incident that occurred at the hospital's Department of Nephrology and Urology was a very heartbreaking incident. However, in addition to handling the violations, the hospital also paid special attention to ensuring the rights and health of the 255 patients involved in the incident.

A patient received free screening on the morning of September 24.

According to Dr. Thuy, immediately after the incident was discovered, the Hospital developed a plan to re-examine all 255 patients with the goal of re-screening the treatment results after lithotripsy, and promptly consulting if any abnormalities were detected. To do this, the Hospital organized a meeting with relevant departments and coordinated with specialized units including: Thien Hanh General Hospital, Phu Yen General Hospital, Buon Ma Thuot University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. In addition, a team of specialized doctors from the Central Highlands General Hospital was also mobilized to participate in the medical examination work.

The examination period for 255 patients was carried out in 10 days, from September 24 to October 3. The examination contents include: Urinary system examination, blood test, ultrasound, urine test and X-ray. After the results are available, depending on each case, specialists will provide specific advice and give appropriate treatment instructions. During the patient's re-examination, the Hospital will fully support the patient's travel expenses. For cases requiring surgery or other treatment methods to treat stones, the treatment costs will be paid according to health insurance. For the costs arising outside the scope of insurance coverage (co-payment), the Hospital will support the patients.

Deputy Director of the Department of Health Nguyen Huu Vu Quang talks with a patient who came for screening on the morning of September 24.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Huu Vu Quang, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Provincial Department of Health, affirmed that the Department's viewpoint is to strictly handle violations of groups and individuals in accordance with the provisions of the law. However, in parallel with that, the important thing right now is to ensure maximum benefits, health and spirit for patients. "The Department has directed the Central Highlands General Hospital to quickly develop a comprehensive re-examination plan for 255 patients, and at the same time mobilize professional forces from many units to ensure the quality of examination, objectivity and timeliness. The Department also directly supervises the re-examination organization process, requiring relevant medical facilities to coordinate in supporting patients not only in terms of expertise but also in travel and treatment costs," said Mr. Quang.

According to Mr. Quang, the re-examination of 255 patients is currently being carried out seriously, with close supervision from the health sector and the coordination of many specialized units. After completing the examination process, cases with further treatment indications will be promptly supported, ensuring that all patients receive full and proper medical care.

Mr. Nay Phi La, Director of Dak Lak Department of Health, said that this is an unfortunate incident and a profound lesson for the Dak Lak health sector.

Mr. Nay Phi La, Director of the Dak Lak Department of Health, said that the incident at the Department of Nephrology and Urology, Central Highlands General Hospital is a profound lesson for the entire Dak Lak province health sector in the management and supervision of professional activities and responsibility for serving patients. “Although there are still mistakes that need to be strictly handled, with the drastic and timely intervention of the authorities and the receptive and remedial spirit of the Hospital and the health sector, the rights and health of the people have been and are being put first. The Dak Lak province health sector is committed to continuing to review and rectify medical examination and treatment work, not allowing similar unfortunate incidents to happen, and at the same time restoring people's trust in the medical staff and the health system in the area,” Mr. Nay Phi La affirmed.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/y-te/vu-may-hong-van-tan-soi-benh-nhan-noi-gi--i782305/