Baby Kien was born with six fingers on his right hand. At 10 months old, doctors at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, diagnosed him with atrial septal defect (ASD), an undescended testicle, and malnutrition. He weighed 7 kg, while healthy boys his age typically weigh around 9.2 kg. He was transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for comprehensive treatment.
Dr. Nguyen Do Trong, from the Pediatric Surgery Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, determined that Kien was at the optimal age (6-12 months) for surgery to correct the undescended testicle. An undescended testicle can lead to necrosis, torsion, infertility, and in some cases, cancer if left untreated.
The extra finger also required early intervention to minimize its impact on Kien’s hand. Delaying the procedure could lead to the extra finger pressing against and deforming the other fingers, potentially causing psychological distress as he grows older.
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Dr. Trong (center) and the surgical team performing the two-in-one surgery. Photo: Dinh Lam |
Dr. Trong (center) and the surgical team performing the two-in-one surgery. Photo: Dinh Lam
To maximize efficiency, the doctors performed a two-in-one surgery, correcting the undescended testicle and removing the extra finger in a single 40-minute procedure. Kien recovered quickly and was discharged the same day.
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Kien’s hand returned to normal after the surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Kien’s hand returned to normal after the surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital
Dr. Trong assessed that Kien’s ASD had not yet caused pulmonary hypertension or heart failure. He was prescribed medication and will continue to be monitored. If the medication is ineffective or if pulmonary hypertension or heart failure develop, he may require cardiac catheterization or surgery. Doctors also advised on a suitable diet for Kien to improve his overall health.
Hoai Thuong
*The patient's name has been changed.
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