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Doctors perform the surgery. |
According to the hospital, the patient experienced abdominal pain about 20 hours prior to admission. The pain began in the epigastric region before spreading to the right iliac fossa accompanied by a mild fever. Despite receiving medical treatment at the Level-1 Hospital, his symptoms barely improved, prompting his transfer to the L2FH Rotation 7 for further monitoring and treatment.
Through clinical examination, doctors noted that the patient had distinct localized pain in the right iliac fossa, abdominal wall reaction, and a clearly positive Schotkin-Blumberg sign. Following comprehensive assessment and professional consultation, the surgical team diagnosed the patient with acute appendicitis and promptly indicated emergency surgery.
The surgery faced numerous difficulties due to the patient’s thick abdominal wall and narrow surgical field, which limited exposure and manipulation. The appendix was inflamed and edematous, posing a high risk of necrosis and bleeding. Notably, the base of the appendix was adherent and sharply angled at about 2cm, creating a potential risk of being overlooked without careful dissection.
Captain Phan Van Hau, as the chief surgeon, noted that if not well-controlled, a remnant appendix base could lead to prolonged abdominal pain, recurrent inflammation, and the risk of a re-operation.
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The surgical team involved in the operation |
Thanks to their professional experience and close coordination, the surgical team performed the operation safely, thoroughly treating the lesion and ensuring the highest safety for the patient. The patient’s health is currently stable, and he continues to receive post-operative care at the hospital.
Since deploying to UNMISS, the L2FH Rotation 7 has successfully performed 19 surgeries, including five cases of acute appendicitis. This result further affirms the surgical emergency capacity of Vietnamese medical staff under international mission conditions. It also contributes to promoting the image of professional, responsible, and humane Vietnamese blue berets at the U.N. peacekeeping mission.
Translated by Minh Anh