HIU Hospital recently admitted and treated patient F.Y (Chinese national), who unfortunately suffered a workplace accident. Following the incident, the patient sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia (paralysis of both lower limbs). Upon admission, through examination, the doctors also identified a pressure ulcer in the sacrococcygeal area of Mr. F.Y, a consequence of the trauma that was worsening because this is an area that bears significant pressure while sitting or lying down.
Debridement and skin flap rotation were indicated as the treatment for this patient — an optimal option that helps the surgical wound heal faster and reduces the likelihood of the ulcer recurring. The surgery, involving a skin flap transfer technique to cover the sacrococcygeal area, was performed directly by Dr. Nguyen Van Minh (Level I Specialist) in collaboration with Dr. Le Cong Thien (Level I Specialist), with support from the specialized medical team of the Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation. The surgical procedure took about 1 hour and included debridement, wound cleaning, and dissection of a skin flap from the surrounding area to cover the defect.
After ensuring good coverage and blood supply to the flap, the doctors sutured the defect closed, closed the incision, and carefully bandaged it to help stabilize the wound and achieve a good aesthetic result.
The post-operative recovery and care process was also closely monitored, with regular repositioning to avoid pressure on the surgical site, ensuring the flap survived well and the wound healed favorably.
Thanks to the smooth coordination between the doctors and the nursing team, patient F.Y's skin flap survived, appearing pink and warm, and the previous 20cm defect was completely covered. The patient's health condition is currently stable and he is undergoing rehabilitation to return to normal life as soon as possible.
Pressure ulcers (bedsores) are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by a patient remaining in a fixed position for a prolonged period, often due to long hospital stays from a severe illness, a chronic condition, or paralysis of the lower limbs that prevents movement. Ulcers can spread rapidly, and if they progress severely, they place patients at high risk of death from necrosis and infection.
Dr. Nguyen Van Minh (Level I Specialist) - Hospital Director shared: "For patients who are paralyzed or must lie or sit for long periods, frequently changing position, proper skin care, and early monitoring for signs of skin redness and ulceration are key factors in preventing pressure ulcers. When an ulcer shows abnormal signs, the patient should be examined and treated at a specialized medical facility to limit complications and support effective recovery."