Saving the life of a patient with a critical duodenal rupture due to a traffic accident

On August 15, a source from Vinh Long General Hospital said that the patient with duodenal rupture who was treated more than 15 days ago has passed the critical stage, is in stable health and has been discharged from the hospital.

PHOTO: NAM LONG

Previously, late on July 30, Mr. ST (49 years old) was admitted to the Emergency Department of Vinh Long General Hospital with severe abdominal pain and a wound on his left arm after a traffic accident.

After initial first aid, the doctor ordered a contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan. The scan results caused the entire team to rush into action because the patient had a ruptured D3 duodenum and severe peritonitis. Because this is one of the most dangerous closed abdominal injuries, if not treated promptly, the patient's life could not be saved.

The hospital immediately activated the internal red alert. Under the command of Dr. Tran Van Nhieu, Head of the Department of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, and the team, the surgery lasted for more than 3 hours. The doctors had to perform a series of complicated techniques such as: suturing the D3 duodenal perforation, pylorus removal, Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy, duodenal drainage to the skin and necessary drainage to control digestive juices, protect the abdominal cavity... Each operation was vital.

After surgery, the patient was transferred to the General Surgery Department for continued intensive care: intravenous fluids, antibiotic treatment, and intravenous feeding. After only one week, the patient was able to eat normally, his health was stable, and he was discharged after 14 days of treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Chi, Deputy Head of the General Surgery Department, Vinh Long General Hospital, said that this was a very complicated surgical emergency, with extremely urgent time. However, with the smooth coordination between the specialties and the spirit of being ready to fight for the patient's life, the doctors and the team did what seemed impossible to save the patient's life.