10cm bamboo splinter removed from Vietnamese man’s neck after 3 months

A doctor from the hospital said on Friday that the surgery was performed by the hospital’s general surgery department on N.V.M., a resident of Nhi Quy Ward in the province.

According to his medical history, the man fell three months ago, striking his neck against a bamboo bush.

The injury caused severe bleeding.

After receiving first aid at a nearby medical facility, he was transferred to a higher-level hospital with significant swelling in his neck and face, resulting in respiratory distress.

Doctors performed a tracheostomy to secure his airway.

Given the complexity of the injury and the potential risk of damage to vital structures in the neck, doctors initially determined that removing the foreign object was not feasible.

Following treatment, his condition stabilized sufficiently for him to be discharged.

However, the patient did not return for follow-up examinations over the following three months.

Recently, the bamboo fragment gradually migrated toward the surface of the injured area, causing increasing pain, swelling, and pus discharge.

He also began experiencing breathing difficulties again.

When he sought treatment at Military Hospital 120, doctors discovered that the foreign object was still lodged in his neck and immediately recommended emergency surgery.

Medical professionals noted that the neck contains numerous blood vessels and other vital anatomical structures, particularly the carotid artery.

Therefore, removing a foreign object from this area required exceptional precision to avoid damaging surrounding tissues and organs, said doctors.

The operation was directly performed by Senior Lieutenant Colonel Le Thanh Mon, head of the hospital’s general surgery department, alongside a surgical team.

The medical team successfully removed the nearly-10cm-long bamboo fragment.

The patient is currently receiving further monitoring and care at the hospital.

Doctors urge the public not to underestimate injuries, even when wounds appear to have stabilized after initial treatment.

They advise anyone experiencing warning signs such as worsening pain, swelling, fluid or pus discharge, or breathing difficulties to seek medical attention promptly to ensure timely examination and treatment.