Microsurgery Saves Man After Self-Inflicted Genital Injury
In a rare and complex case, doctors at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, successfully reconnected the severed spermatic cords of a 42-year-old man who self-mutilated his genitals. The emergency microsurgery, performed within the critical “golden hour,” averted the risk of necrosis and offers the patient a chance of functional recovery.
A Critical Emergency
The patient, a member of the Nung ethnic group from Lang Son province, was admitted to the hospital in critical condition with severe hemorrhagic shock, low blood pressure, and extensive injuries to his groin and scrotum. He had inflicted the injuries with a knife. Upon arrival, he presented with a large wound, complete rupture of both spermatic cord arteries, and massive blood loss, placing his life in immediate danger. Vietnam.vn reports that without swift intervention, the genitals were at high risk of irreversible damage.
Complex Microsurgical Reconstruction
Dr. Nguyen Huu Thao, from the Andrology Center at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, led a team in performing a complex emergency microsurgery to reconnect the entire vascular system and vas deferens on both sides. This procedure demanded specialized expertise and meticulous precision. As Dr. Thao explained, identifying and reattaching the delicate structures – the spermatic artery, spermatic vein, and vas deferens – was akin to “finding a thread in a tangle,” requiring magnification of 8-10x using a surgical microscope. Vietnam.vn
The Importance of the Spermatic Cord and Testicular Function
The testicles are vital organs, responsible for producing testosterone, a hormone crucial for male potency, sexual health, and overall psychological well-being. The patient is already a father of two children. Preserving testicular function was a primary goal of the surgery. Successful restoration of blood circulation provides the patient with the potential for functional recovery.
Underlying Factors and Alcohol Abuse
The patient had a pre-existing history of alcoholic cirrhosis and regular alcohol consumption. Andrology experts at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital emphasize that alcohol abuse can not only lead to chronic liver disease but also impair the central nervous system, diminishing behavioral control. This impairment can result in dangerous and impulsive actions with severe consequences, including self-harm and permanent reproductive damage. Vietnam.vn
Viet Duc Friendship Hospital and Andrology Expertise
Viet Duc Friendship Hospital is a leading medical institution in Vietnam, with a specialized Andrology Center dedicated to male health. Viet Duc University Hospital Dr. Nguyen Duy Khanh is a surgeon at the Andrology Center specializing in male health.
This case highlights the critical importance of timely medical intervention in severe trauma cases and underscores the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse on both physical and mental health.