SUCCESSFUL SURGERY TO REMOVE A BULLET FRAGMENT PIERCING THROUGH THE CHEST AND LODGED IN THE BACK
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Author: BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA QUỐC TẾ NAM SÀI GÒN
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01/04/2024
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The Orthopedics & Traumatology Department of Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital recently performed a successful surgery to remove two bullet fragments lodged deep inside a patient’s body.
One month prior, Mr. A.L., a 47-year-old member of the Xo Dang ethnic group residing in Kon Tum, suffered a gunshot injury that entered through the left chest and exited through the back. He underwent emergency surgery at a local hospital and survived the critical stage.
However, a few days prior to that, the patient began experiencing worsening pain at the original injury site, spreading toward his back. Suspecting possible complications, his family brought him to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital for further treatment.
Upon admission, the patient underwent imaging diagnostics. After a multidisciplinary consultation between the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department and the Diagnostic Imaging Department, doctors confirmed the presence of metallic radiopaque foreign bodies located near the left thoracic spinal canal. Immediate surgery was indicated to remove the foreign objects from the spinal canal and cord.
The surgical team, including Dr. Vo Van Man, Specialist Level II, and Dr. Le Van Quynh, Specialist Level I, worked closely with the Anesthesiology team to meticulously prepare for the procedure. Precise localization of the foreign object was critical, as even a minor deviation could cause the bullet fragment to fall outside the surgical field, dramatically increasing the difficulty of the operation. The surgery required extreme precision and caution.
According to Dr. Le Van Quynh, Specialist Level I, the operating surgeon and primary physician in charge, this was a technically challenging case due to the small size and deep location of the fragment, which had lodged itself in a high-risk thoracic region, partially inside the spinal canal. The risk of spinal cord injury was significant, so the surgical approach had to be extremely delicate and careful.
To improve accuracy and safety, the team utilized intraoperative C-arm imaging (real-time X-ray) to pinpoint the exact location of the fragment, ensuring safe removal without damaging surrounding structures. Failure to remove the foreign object promptly could have led to infection or serious damage to the spinal canal.
After an hour of surgery, the orthopedic surgeons successfully removed two foreign fragments. Postoperative care was provided in the Orthopedics & Traumatology Department, where the patient made a smooth recovery and reported no residual pain. Mr. A.L. was discharged just two days later.
In some cases, if the foreign object does not cause complications, patients may live with it under strict medical monitoring. However, if the object causes symptoms such as pain or bleeding, surgery is mandatory to remove it and prevent further complications. The smaller or deeper the object — especially when located near vital organs — the more difficult and risky the surgery becomes, with higher chances of damaging surrounding tissues.
Dr. Quynh emphasized that the detection and removal of foreign bodies must be performed in medical facilities equipped with advanced technology and experienced, highly skilled surgical teams. Patients should not attempt to treat such injuries on their own but must seek medical attention promptly to avoid infection, nerve damage, or life-threatening complications.
Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.
Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital
No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.
Hotline: 18006767
info@nih.com.vn
Last updated: 09:31 24/07/2025
