The Da Nang Family Hospital has just successfully performed an emergency operation on a close COVID-19 contact suffering intestinal obstruction.

The 81- year- old patient with intestinal obstruction receive post-surgery intensive care.

Previously, the hospital’s Emergency Department received the 81- year- old patient who was ac close COVID-19 contact from a designated quarantine site due to his lethargy, irritability, slow response, distended abdomen and severe pain.

Following urgent consultations, with the consent of the patient family, the medical team decided to performed emergency surgery onto him during odd hours in an effort to save the patient's life.

After 3 days of post-surgery intensive care, the patient was able to breathe on his own, without a need for a ventilator, and could drink fluid as normal.

After 5 days of intravenous nutrition and the use of active treatment drugs, along with a comprehensive care regimen, the patient is now able to eat rice porridge and flexibly talk with his relatives on the phone.

Intestinal obstruction is significant mechanical impairment or complete arrest of the passage of contents through the intestine due to pathology that causes blockage of the bowel. Symptoms include cramping pain, vomiting, obstipation, and lack of flatus. Diagnosis is clinical and confirmed by abdominal x-rays.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – Translating by A.T