Vinmec Hai Phong Performs Breakthrough Chest Reconstruction Surgery on 13-Year-Old Boy with Congenital Deformity

The successful completion of a complex chest reconstruction surgery at Vinmec Hai Phong General Hospital not only brings hope and confidence to a 13-year-old boy living with a congenital deformity but also marks a significant advancement in the field of plastic surgery in the region. This innovative surgical procedure has helped the patient regain a normal chest shape, improve respiratory function, and overcome years of psychological distress.

The Special Medical Condition of the 13-Year-Old Patient

The 13-year-old patient N.H.D. from Hai Phong has been living with congenital pectus excavatum since childhood—a congenital chest deformity where the sternum caves inward, creating a noticeable "dent" in the chest wall. According to his family, the condition progressively worsened as he grew older, causing significant difficulties in daily activities.

"He frequently experienced fatigue and shortness of breath even with light activities like running or climbing stairs. He also felt very self-conscious and didn't dare to go swimming or wear form-fitting clothes because he feared being teased by his friends," the patient's family shared.

Understanding Congenital Pectus Excavatum

Congenital pectus excavatum is a condition where the sternum caves inward into the chest cavity, affecting both aesthetic appearance and cardiovascular and respiratory function. The condition affects approximately 1 in 300-400 live births, with males being more commonly affected than females.

Common symptoms include:

• A sunken or caved-in appearance of the chest
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Rapid fatigue
• Chest pain or muscle pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty with physical exercise
• Psychological issues due to appearance concerns

In the case of patient D., the deformity had significantly impacted his quality of life and psychological development, requiring specialized medical intervention.

Complex Chest Reconstruction Surgery at Vinmec Hai Phong

To address the patient's condition, the medical team at Vinmec Hai Phong recommended the Nuss procedure—a complex surgical technique requiring high expertise and extensive experience. The procedure is designed to reshape and elevate the sunken sternum.

The surgery was performed by a team of thoracic and plastic surgery specialists, led by Dr. Nguyen Van Nam, Ph.D., Specialist Level II—Head of the General Surgery Department, who has over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery.

The surgical procedure lasted 3 hours and involved the following key steps:

• Detailed evaluation using 3D CT scan to determine the severity of the deformity
• Optimal incision planning and preparation of specialized instruments
• Insertion of a special metal bar under the sternum to support and reshape the chest
• Fixation of the metal bar using specialized devices
• Closure of the incision and post-operative monitoring

Characteristics of the Surgical Method at Vinmec Hai Phong:

The Medical Team Performing the Surgery

The success of the surgery cannot be attributed without mentioning the seamless coordination of the medical team at Vinmec Hai Phong, including:

• Dr. Nguyen Van Nam, Ph.D., Specialist Level II—Head of the General Surgery Department, who directly supervised the surgery
• Dr. Tran Thi Mai, Specialist Level II—Anesthesiology expert
• Dr. Le Van Hung, Specialist Level I—Plastic surgery expert
• The nursing team from the Surgery and Emergency Intensive Care departments

"This was a complex surgery requiring seamless coordination among multiple specialties and experience in handling various situations. We developed a detailed plan and prepared thoroughly before performing the procedure," shared Dr. Nguyen Van Nam.

Results and Recovery of the Patient

Immediately after the surgery, patient D. showed significant improvement in respiratory function. After 5 days of hospitalization, he was discharged with home care instructions and a follow-up schedule.

"After the surgery, I can breathe much more easily. I no longer feel tired when exercising. I'm very happy that I'll soon be able to go swimming with my friends confidently," shared 13-year-old D. after the procedure.

According to the medical team's assessment, after 6 weeks, the supporting metal bar will be removed, leaving the patient with a normally shaped chest. The recurrence rate of the deformity after surgery at Vinmec Hai Phong is less than 5%, which is lower than the average rate.

The Development Potential of Plastic Surgery at Vinmec Hai Phong

The success of this complex chest reconstruction surgery affirms Vinmec Hai Phong's capabilities in the field of plastic surgery, particularly for procedures requiring advanced techniques.

"Vinmec Hai Phong is continuously enhancing its professional capabilities, investing in modern equipment, and training medical staff to perform complex surgeries that bring the greatest benefits to patients," a hospital representative stated.

Currently, Vinmec Hai Phong has successfully implemented various types of plastic surgeries including:

• Cleft lip and palate repair surgeries
• Post-cancer breast reconstruction surgeries
• Limb deformity correction surgeries
• Post-traumatic reconstruction surgeries

Conclusion

The complex chest reconstruction surgery at Vinmec Hai Phong not only brings hope to the 13-year-old boy but also opens up treatment opportunities for many other patients with complex deformities in the region, reducing the need for transfers to larger hospitals. This success is evidence of the remarkable development of Hai Phong's healthcare, and Vietnam in general, in the field of plastic surgery.

The combination of modern technology, highly specialized medical professionals, and comprehensive care protocols at Vinmec Hai Phong has helped turn the impossible into possible, bringing joy and hope to many families.