After initial treatment at a local clinic, Lien was taken to the Tam Anh General Clinic in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Doctor Hong Van In, Head of the Emergency Unit, observed a small, 0.5 cm wound on Lien's left cheek near her mouth. It wasn't bleeding.
An ultrasound revealed a 7 mm object lodged 5 mm beneath the skin, dangerously close to the carotid artery. "If the object had gone deeper or damaged the artery, it could have caused severe bleeding, nerve damage, and even been life-threatening," Dr. In said.
Following a consultation, the surgical team removed the object, a solid piece of metal. Lien was alert and showed no complications. She returned home the same day and will have a follow-up appointment.
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The object removed from Lien's jaw area. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7 |
The object removed from Lien's jaw area. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7
Dr. In cautions parents against removing foreign objects themselves, as this could further injure surrounding tissue. Instead, children with such injuries should be taken to a medical facility for professional care.
To prevent such accidents, Dr. In advises parents to supervise children during play. Children should not be left alone with hazardous items like nails, wire, sharp sticks, BB guns, or homemade toys. Adults should create safe play areas or enroll children in supervised summer activities. Parents should also learn basic first aid.
Nhat Thanh
*The patient's name has been changed.
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