Nguyen Do Trong, a specialist in pediatric surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, reported on Nguyet's complex condition of polydactyly and syndactyly. This rare occurrence involves extra and fused digits on both hands and feet, along with abnormal bone structures. Nguyet's older sister had a similar polydactyly-syndactyly malformation and underwent successful surgery.

Infants present unique surgical challenges due to the intricate network of blood vessels, nerves, and tendons in their digits, which are susceptible to damage during procedures. Following a three-hour operation to remove extra digits and reconstruct the toes, the baby was discharged the same day.

The baby has seven toes on each foot and six fingers on each hand. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Doctor Trong provided the family with instructions on post-operative care, including hygiene and close monitoring of the surgical site. Parents should observe the skin color, temperature, and movement of the child's remaining digits. Follow-up appointments are necessary as scheduled, or if the fingers or toes show signs of being bluish, cold, abnormally swollen, or if scar contracture develops.

Polydactyly, characterized by extra digits, is a congenital and often hereditary malformation resulting from abnormal cell division during embryonic limb development. Syndactyly, the fusion of two or more digits, usually manifests between the 4th and 8th weeks of pregnancy. While genetic factors are primary, these conditions can also arise spontaneously from maternal exposure to chemicals, poor nutrition, or infections during the first three months of gestation.

Surgical intervention offers a definitive solution for these malformations, ideally performed on children between six months and two years of age. Early treatment is crucial not only for physical correction but also to mitigate potential psychological distress for the child.

Doctor Trong advises families with a history of limb malformations to seek genetic counseling before conception. Expectant mothers can mitigate risks by ensuring adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy, abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, and harmful chemicals, and never self-medicating without a doctor's guidance.

Gian Don

*Character's name has been changed