The patient arrived at Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center with a right wrist wound bleeding profusely. The emergency team could not detect a pulse in his right radial artery. His fingers showed limited movement, indicating a risk of necrosis or permanent disability.

Doctor Phan Xuan Khai, a Master of Science and first-degree specialist on his 9th rotation in Con Dao, conducted an online consultation with leaders from Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic Hospital on the mainland. They decided to perform immediate surgery on the island to reattach the blood vessels and nerves. Exploratory surgery revealed severe damage: a complete severance of the radial artery, median nerve, flexor carpi radialis tendon, and superficial flexor tendons of the fingers.

The surgical team first sutured the tendons. Following this, they performed microsurgery to reattach the radial artery using ultrafine sutures, while flushing anticoagulant solution to prevent blockages. They then repaired the median nerve with a fascicular repair technique. Upon removal of the tourniquet, the radial artery pulsed again, indicating good blood circulation. The patient's hand quickly became pink and warm. His wrist was immobilized with a dorsal splint at a 45-degree flexion.

By 17/4, almost one week post-surgery, the patient's condition showed good progress. Blood vessels were clear, the radial pulse was distinct, and his fingers could move. Fingertip SpO2 levels reached 98-100%.

This landmark operation marks the first reattachment surgery for a severed body part performed directly on Con Dao. The island is located approximately 300 km from the mainland by air and has historically faced limited medical facilities.

Doctors operating on the patient. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, commended the team for successfully managing the complex, high-skill emergency surgery. He highlighted that such cases demonstrate the effectiveness of deploying specialist doctors from central hospitals to support medical care in Con Dao. This initiative ensures patients receive timely intervention on the island, avoiding transfers to the mainland.

Con Dao, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province and now a special administrative area of Ho Chi Minh City, has received significant investment in healthcare. The aim is to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment, aligning with the goal of "leaving no one behind." Since early 9/2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has been rotating skilled doctors from major city hospitals to work for one month at the Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical Center.

Le Phuong