Nghe An: Successful reattachment of a leg severed by a lawnmower.

(Baonghean.vn) - Patient Vi Van Nghiem, born in 1992, residing in Mau Duc commune, Con Cuong district, was admitted to the hospital in a state of severe blood loss, with his right lower leg completely severed due to carelessness while using a lawn mower.

The patient was admitted to the Nghe An Orthopedic and Trauma Hospital at 1:45 PM on March 28th. Recognizing the severity of the injury and the patient's unconsciousness due to heavy bleeding, the hospital's doctors and nurses quickly performed resuscitation, controlled the bleeding, and surgically reattached the severed lower leg.

The surgery to reattach the severed lower leg of patient Vi Van Nghiem lasted four hours. Photo: Thu Hien

The four-hour surgery, which involved reconnecting blood vessels, nerves, and tendons, was successfully completed on the same day. After the surgery, the foot regained its pinkish-warm color, the pulse was clear, and the toes could move slightly.

Patient Vi Van Nghiem, who is continuing his post-operative recovery treatment, said: That morning, he was mowing the lawn in the field when he accidentally cut his lower leg. His family then took him to the Southwest General Hospital for first aid before transferring him to the Orthopedic Trauma Hospital.

The lead surgeon monitors the patient's recovery process after surgery. Photo: Thu Hien

Dr. Nguyen Duy Quyet - Head of the Upper Extremity Department and the lead surgeon in the leg reattachment team for patients - advises on what to do in cases of limb amputation:

- Initial first aid: Apply pressure bandage to stop bleeding, transport the patient to the nearest medical facility for first aid. Then transfer the patient to a medical facility with adequate capabilities and resources to perform reattachment of the severed limb.

- Preserving the severed limb: Clean and wrap in wet gauze (or a clean, wet cloth). Seal tightly in a plastic bag and store in an ice chest. Transport the patient and the severed limb to the hospital as soon as possible, ideally within 6 hours.

Thu Hien