Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital recently performed a successful surgery on a patient with traumatic brain injury – a large chronic subdural hematoma.
On August 9, 2023, a 45-year-old patient, T.T.T, from Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc City, arrived at Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital with severe headaches and nausea. Upon reviewing the patient’s medical history, it was revealed that the patient had suffered a head injury about three weeks prior and had only experienced occasional mild headaches since then. The patient was promptly instructed by the treating doctor to undergo a CT scan, which revealed a large intracranial hematoma displacing the brain toward the opposite hemisphere. This was diagnosed as a severe case of subdural hematoma with a high risk of brain herniation, potentially leading to irreversible brain damage or death. The treating doctor immediately consulted with Dr. Hoang Nguyen Nhat Tan, a Neurosurgeon at Vinmec Phu Quoc, and, within an hour of the patient’s admission, a decision was made to perform emergency surgery.
The surgery was conducted that night by a team of experienced neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists. After 2 hours, the patient woke up and was relatively alert, with a noticeable reduction in headache and no further nausea. After being monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for 2 days, the patient was transferred to a regular room. Once the patient’s health stabilized, they were discharged after 3 days with a good response to treatment and no symptoms from before.
The patient’s family expressed their gratitude, saying: “As a long-time resident of Phu Quoc, I have witnessed many cases of people suffering traumatic brain injuries who were not treated in time because there were no specialists in neurosurgery on the island, leading to death. Most patients have to be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City for surgery, which incurs high costs and carries a large risk of death. I sincerely thank the medical team at Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital, especially Dr. Hoang Nguyen Nhat Tan, for their passionate care and treatment of my wife.”
Dr. Hoang Nguyen Nhat Tan, who directly performed the surgery, explained, “Chronic subdural hematoma typically develops about three weeks after a head injury, even if the injury was minor and the patient didn’t notice it, especially in older patients. A CT scan immediately after the accident may not show any damage, which leads to a false sense of security for the patient and their family. However, the hematoma grows over time, increasing intracranial pressure, and if it reaches a critical point, it can cause coma or even death due to brain herniation if not treated with timely drainage surgery. This is a critical emergency in traumatic brain injuries.”
Dr. Nhat Tan further shared, “With advanced diagnostic tools, a team experienced in anesthesia and post-operative care, and modern medical equipment, the Neurosurgery Department at Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital is able to perform timely surgeries for severe traumatic brain and spinal injuries. In these situations, time is crucial in determining the patient’s survival.”
Phu Quoc City, being an island city with limited transportation options, especially in bad weather, faces challenges in patient transfer. Therefore, the establishment of the Neurosurgery Department at Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital to handle emergencies such as traumatic brain and spinal injuries is a significant improvement in healthcare services. This provides timely and effective treatment to both local residents and tourists visiting the island.
Since its establishment 8 years ago, Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital, with its team of top doctors and specialists and modern medical equipment, has been steadily growing. The expansion of the neurosurgery department (brain and spine surgery) will make the hospital a reliable healthcare provider, meeting the needs of both local residents and tourists visiting Phu Quoc.
To arrange an appointment, please call … or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
