According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Manh Khanh, Deputy Director of Viet Duc University Hospital and Head of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology No. 1, the patient had suffered from left hip pain for about 10 years. Initially triggered by physical activity, the pain gradually became more severe and frequent, significantly affecting her daily life.
Although she had been recommended for hip replacement surgery in New Zealand several years ago, she had been waiting for about four years for the procedure. Paying for the surgery herself would have cost nearly NZ$40,000.
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New Zealand woman traveled more than 9,000km to Viet Duc University Hospital, where she successfully underwent hip replacement surgery. |
After researching the expertise of Vietnamese doctors and treatment options in the region, she decided to undergo surgery at Viet Duc University Hospital.
By the time she was admitted, the patient was in severe pain, could barely walk independently and relied on a wheelchair. Her weight of nearly 100kg also made mobility, anesthesia and surgery more challenging.
Clinical examinations and imaging showed avascular necrosis of the femoral head that had progressed to end-stage hip osteoarthritis. The condition could have various causes, including disruption of the blood supply to the femoral head, trauma, autoimmune disorders, prolonged corticosteroid use, and being overweight or obese.
Despite the challenges posed by the patient’s physical condition, the surgical team successfully performed a minimally invasive total hip replacement.
On the second day after surgery, rehabilitation specialists helped her stand and begin walking exercises. After nearly a week of treatment, the surgical wound was clean and dry, her lower limbs were balanced, and she was pain-free and able to walk independently.
Doctors said she is expected to quickly resume normal life after returning to New Zealand, including driving, participating in appropriate sports and living independently.
Before surgery, the patient said that persistent pain had severely disrupted her life, forcing her to rely on a cane or crutches with every step. As a property manager and personal assistant, she needed to remain focused and alert at work, but the pain made even routine tasks extremely difficult. Despite taking large amounts of pain medication, she continued working because she needed the income.
Following the operation, she said the surgery had given her renewed hope. “I am feeling wonderful right now. I believe that in about three months, I will be able to run again. I never thought that could become a reality. The doctors here are very professional and highly-skilled. They have helped me and given me a new life. There are no words that can fully express my gratitude to the doctors and the hospital.”
Translated by Tran Hoai