This is a rare and challenging case where a broken lawn mower blade flew into the patient's ankle at high speed, completely severing the patient's entire right ankle.
The accident occurred at 3:00 p.m. the same day while the patient was using a lawn mower. After receiving first aid at a local hospital, the patient was urgently transferred to Viet Duc Friendship Hospital at 7:20 p.m. Fortunately, the severed leg had been properly refrigerated, creating favorable conditions for microsurgery.
The surgery was difficult because the patient had a 10-year history of smoking, which caused the blood vessels to become atherosclerotic, easily constricted, and gradually smaller. This required the medical team to coordinate closely between specialties such as microsurgery, orthopedics, and anesthesia and resuscitation.
Doctors performed a five-hour emergency surgery to reconstruct the bone structure, reconnect blood vessels that supply the leg, and restore the nervous system. Anesthesia and resuscitation also played an important role, ensuring the patient remained stable throughout the surgery.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Hong Ha, Head of the Department of Maxillofacial, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, said: This case is particularly complicated, not only because of the reattachment technique but also due to the strict requirements of the resuscitation system and patient transport time. Severing a limb often leads to rapid necrosis, and if not treated promptly, the damaged limb cannot be saved. In addition, the high risk of toxic blood in the necrotic limb can threaten the patient's life after reattachment.
The surgery was successful, with doctors maintaining the leg length and ensuring blood circulation. The nervous system was also successfully reconnected, helping to restore sensation and motor function to the patient.
Currently, after surgery, the patient's ankle is alive and recovering well.
