On April 6, Dr. Le Hoang Hung, a Master of Science and Doctor in the Neurosurgery Department at Children's Hospital 2, reported that a child from Phu Quoc was admitted at midnight. The boy presented with significant swelling and pain in his right eye and head. Examination revealed a 6 mm wound on his lower right eyelid, a torn conjunctiva, scleral hemorrhage, a 4 mm dilated right pupil, and a weak light reflex.

A CT scan of the head and face showed retinal hemorrhage in the right eye. A 5 mm spherical metal foreign object was found lodged close to the meninges near the right temporal lobe. Without immediate intervention, the boy faced risks of osteomyelitis, intracranial abscess, bacterial meningitis, and severe infection, which would complicate treatment and lead to a high mortality rate.

Doctors performed an urgent craniotomy to extract the steel ball overnight. Following the surgery, the boy regained consciousness, and his eye pain and swelling subsided. Doctors successfully controlled the risk of infection. However, due to severe damage to the eyeball and retinal hemorrhage, the child faces a high risk of complete vision loss in his right eye.

Surgery for the patient at Children's Hospital 2. Photo: Quynh Tran

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Do, a Level 1 Specialist and Deputy Head of the Neurosurgery Department, stated that the hospital treats one to two cases annually involving foreign objects in the head and face. These injuries often result from slingshot accidents or homemade guns, with projectiles lodging in the head. Such incidents are dangerous, posing direct threats to life.

Dr. Do urges parents to avoid using or storing harmful items at home. Adults must supervise children closely and keep dangerous objects out of their reach. Schools and families should regularly educate children about the dangers of playing with or creating toys that could endanger their health and lives, preventing future tragic accidents.

Le Phuong