The surgery, performed on 23/7, aimed to prevent amputation for the 9 kg patient, preserving his leg and the chance to walk, according to Master, Doctor Truong The Duy of the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery.

The patient, a Muong ethnic minority child, also suffers from congenital cataracts in both eyes. The accident occurred when he was playing on the floor and was bitten by a cobra on his left foot. Upon admission to the Pediatric Center at Bach Mai Hospital, his injuries evolved rapidly and severely. The venom continuously destroyed skin and soft tissue, causing widespread necrosis that spread from his foot up to his calf and thigh, resulting in a large soft tissue defect.

The reconstructed leg area recovered well. Photo: Nguyen Ha

Facing the risk of widespread infection requiring limb amputation, the surgical team meticulously debrided all dead tissue while maximally protecting viable structures. Doctor Duy described it as a particularly challenging case. The patient's small size and low weight limited available healthy skin sources on his body, while the damaged area was extensive.

After careful consideration, the team decided to use skin from the boy's own scalp for the graft. Scalp skin is ideal due to its rich vascular system, which allows for rapid regeneration and can cover a large area. The doctors meticulously separated a sufficiently thin layer of skin, preserving the hair follicles underneath. This technique ensures that hair can grow back normally and avoids unsightly scars on the head. The harvested skin was then evenly spread and securely sutured over the injured area, extending from the thigh down to the foot.

After seven days of close monitoring, the entire skin graft successfully took, and the scalp area that provided the graft also recovered quickly. The patient continues to receive wound care and physical therapy to regain mobility promptly.

Le Nga