On January 20, International South Saigon Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City announced the successful treatment of a 24-year-old Cambodian woman suffering from multiple severe health conditions. This case presented a significant challenge to the medical team at the hospital.
Patient Condition Upon Admission
The patient was a young Cambodian woman admitted in critical condition with a range of complex health issues. She was diagnosed with short bowel syndrome due to necrotizing enteritis, having undergone surgery for an ileostomy. Additionally, she suffered severely from systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease causing complications such as hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and circulating anticoagulant antibodies. Prior to her admission, she had also undergone a splenectomy.
Upon admission, her condition became even more precarious due to severe malnutrition, coagulation disorders, and acute kidney failure. These factors made her treatment a significant challenge for the doctors.
Doctors performing a complex surgery to save the patient.
Treatment Process and Surgery
Given the complexity of the patient’s condition, the hospital convened a multidisciplinary consultation involving the Chief Medical Director and specialists from Anesthesia, General Surgery, Intensive Care, and Hematology. After careful evaluation, the team decided to perform exploratory laparotomy and adhesiolysis to restore intestinal patency.
According to Dr. Mai Van Dung from the Department of General Surgery, this intervention was necessary to improve the patient’s quality of life. However, the surgery carried high risks, including:
- Hemolytic anemia: Reduced oxygen supply to tissues, slowing wound healing.
- Extended use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants: Slowed recovery and increased infection risk.
- Severe malnutrition: Hindered tissue regeneration and post-operative recovery.
- Coagulation disorders: Increased risk of bleeding at anastomosis sites.
With thorough preparation and risk management, the surgery was successfully completed. The patient recovered well and was discharged after just 7 days post-operation.
Recommendations from Doctors
Doctors recommend that patients with short bowel syndrome and ileostomies adhere to special care measures, including:
- Nutritional Diet: Eating a balanced diet, avoiding foods that irritate the digestive system. If oral nutrition is insufficient, patients should be supported with intravenous feeding.
- Ileostomy Care: Regular checks and hygiene to prevent infections and manage related complications promptly.
- Regular Health Monitoring: Paying close attention to signs of electrolyte imbalances, infections, or bleeding.
Conclusion
The successful surgery at International South Saigon Hospital not only demonstrates the advanced development of healthcare in Vietnam but also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in treating complex diseases. For patients with short bowel syndrome and lupus erythematosus, following the doctor’s care instructions is crucial for improving their quality of life and preventing complications.
For more detailed information on treatment methods and healthcare, readers can refer to: Dantri.com.vn.
