First successful open-chest surgery performed at Truong Sa infirmary

Doctors from Military Hospital 175 in Ho Chi Minh City have successfully performed the first open-chest surgery at the Truong Sa island infirmary, a major medical breakthrough achieved under harsh and limited conditions far from the mainland.

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Senior Colonel Phan Dinh Mung, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175, said the successful emergency operation on a patient with serious chest injuries reflected the effective coordination between the Ministry of National Defense, Corps 18, and the hospital. The event also showed that Vietnam’s military medical forces are now capable of handling complex emergencies at sea, boosting the confidence of soldiers and fishermen living and working on remote islands.

Doctors from Military Hospital 175 perform surgery on a patient on Truong Sa Island. (Photo: Military Hospital 175)

At about 14:00 on November 8, the patient, H.N.K., 35, from Da Nang, an employee of TCDG Company, suddenly suffered severe chest pain and shortness of breath while diving about 11 meters deep near Truong Sa (Spratly Islands). He was quickly taken to the Truong Sa Island infirmary in a critical condition, with low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. X-ray results revealed serious air and blood accumulation in the left chest cavity.

After an initial procedure to drain the chest, the patient showed signs of heavy blood loss and shock, with his life in danger. The island’s medical team immediately activated the Telemedicine system, connecting the infirmary with Military Hospital 175. With remote support from mainland doctors, they carried out emergency treatment and called for blood donations from soldiers on the island.

That night, 1,750 milliliters of blood were collected from volunteer soldiers and transfused to the patient, helping keep him alive until the rescue team arrived by air.

At 7:00 on November 9, after an online consultation, doctors at Military Hospital 175 determined that the patient was suffering from serious lung damage caused by pressure changes during diving. The hospital decided to send a surgical team and a rescue unit to the island by air.

After nearly two hours of surgery, doctors successfully completed the operation. The patient’s condition stabilized, and he was prepared for urgent evacuation.

Thanks to the medical team’s experience in handling emergencies under dangerous conditions, the patient was safely transferred and admitted to Military Hospital 175 at 13:45 on November 10 for continued intensive care.

Source: VNA