On 7/8, Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi reported a patient admitted with injuries to his lower legs and thighs, a fractured left tibia, and a significant open wound to his left scrotum. After receiving initial treatment at a local medical facility, the patient was transferred to Bach Mai Hospital due to the complexity of his injuries.
Doctors at Bach Mai discovered extensive swelling and a large hematoma extending down to the patient's groin, along with the fractured tibia. A Doppler ultrasound revealed that the hematoma was compressing and displacing his left testicle. Emergency surgery was performed that night.
During the surgery, the urological surgical team removed a 1x2 cm piece of hard plastic, suspected to be from the mini gas canister, deeply embedded in the scrotum, along with several blood clots.
Dr. Nguyen Huu Thanh, the surgeon who performed the operation, stated that the external wound on the patient's scrotum appeared as a small, 3 cm suture upon arrival. However, the ultrasound revealed a large internal hematoma, indicating deeper, invisible damage.
Dr. Thanh explained that a delay of even a few hours could have resulted in permanent testicular damage, potentially leading to infertility, hormonal imbalances, and severe psychological trauma. Fortunately, the patient's testicle was successfully preserved.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, Head of the Department of Urological Surgery, cautioned that this was not an isolated incident. He warned that substandard mini gas canisters pose a hidden danger, acting like "time bombs" in many homes. Upon exploding, the projected metal and plastic fragments can inflict injuries similar to those from shotgun pellets. The groin, with its delicate structure, is particularly vulnerable, but initial symptoms can be subtle, leading to a false sense of security.
To prevent such accidents, Dr. Tuan advised against reusing mini gas canisters. He recommended using only canisters within their expiration date, with intact labels, and no leaks. Any dented or expired canisters should be treated as hazardous waste and not stored indoors. He also emphasized keeping mini gas stoves away from walls, people, and flammable materials. Any unusual signs, such as smoke or a gas smell, warrant immediate discontinuation of use.
Le Nga
