On 29/7, Dr. Trinh The Son, Head of Planning and Quality Management at Hoa Lu Eye Hospital, reported a 61-year-old patient presented with a facial abscess near his nose, a week after being spurred by a rooster. The abscess was swollen, oozing pus and blood, and contained a hard, unidentified object. Emergency surgery was performed to clean the infected area and remove the object.
"Both the medical staff and the patient were surprised to find the object was a 2.8 cm, sharp, off-white rooster spur," Dr. Son said.
The spur was located merely one cm from the patient's eyeball. Fortunately, it hadn't caused any eye damage. Dr. Son emphasized the rarity of such a case and the potential for severe vision impairment if not promptly addressed.
The patient explained he was feeding chicks when the rooster attacked his face. Unaware of the embedded spur, he initially treated the bleeding and swelling with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication at a local clinic. However, his condition worsened, with increased swelling, intense pain, and continued discharge of pus and blood.
According to Dr. Son, the large spur posed a risk of widespread infection, local tissue necrosis, and potentially life-threatening sepsis. The delayed discovery complicated the surgery and post-operative care, increasing the risk of complications.
Post-surgery, the patient received antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatment, resulting in significant pain relief and reduced swelling. "I feel a great sense of relief, like a thorn has been removed," the patient commented.
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The rooster spur removed from the patient's face. Photo: Hospital provided |
The rooster spur removed from the patient's face. Photo: Hospital provided
Dr. Son cautioned against neglecting facial injuries, especially near the eyes. Small objects, like nails, rooster spurs, wood splinters, or metal fragments, can penetrate soft tissue and remain undetected without proper medical examination. Inadequate or delayed treatment can lead to infection, tissue necrosis, and vision impairment, sometimes posing life-threatening risks.
Le Phuong
