Hanoi’ hospital successfully replaces thumb with toe using microsurgical technique

11/9/2018 - 3:50:51 PM

Toe replacement surgery for thumb rehabilitation is a difficult technique that has been performed successfully at the Department of Maxillo-Facial, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, under the Hanoi-based Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, for many years, helping to restore working ability and hand function to many less fortunate labourers who have lost their thumbs.

A thumb reconnection surgery at Viet Duc Hospital. (Photo provided by Viet Duc Hospital)

Dr. Dao Van Giang, Deputy Head of the Department, said that the thumb makes up 50% of the hand function, as one side of the pincer, and missing the other side would make it hard for the patients to be able to handle and work normally.

Patients with a thumb dislocation due to congenital malformations or injuries from traffic accidents and daily activities should undergo surgery to restore the thumb by replacing the damaged ones with toes.

At present, Viet Duc Hospital is applying the microsurgical technique, in which moving the whole one-toed complex, including skin, tendon, and toenails and then using neurosurgery to replace the damaged thumb.

"Depending on the similarity of the thumb, we will take the big toe or second toe to replace the thumb. Normally, doctors will take the toe in the middle next to the great toe because of the similarity and aesthetic aspect, while the function of the foot is not too affected much. When moving the toe into the place of the thumb, we also combine surgeries to reconnect the bone, tendon, blood vessels and nerves," Dr. Giang said.

A micro-surgery normally takes 6-8 hours. The new "thumb” after restoration has the full function of folding, stretching and sensations.

Source: NDO

Hoa Binh works to complete educational database

Hoa Binh province’s Department of Education and Training on April 16 held a conference on the materialisation of the Prime Minister’s directive on the further implementation of the project on the application of population database, e-identification and e-authentication for national digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period with a vision to 2030. The provincial Department of Education and Training signs cooperation agreements on cashless tuition fee collection with partners and businesses.

Linking vocational training with job creation

Creating jobs for labourers in general and young people in particular is currently a focus of the province, with vocational training linked to job creation considered one of the strategic breakthrough solutions.

Intergenerational self-help clubs benefit elderly people

A total of 30 intergenerational self-help clubs (ISHC) have been established in Hoa Binh province under the project "Reducing Income- and Health-Related Vulnerability of Older Persons in Vietnam" (VIE071) since 2021.

Woman active in charity work

Nguyen Thi Nu, a resident of Thach Ly sub-area in Da Bac township of Da Bac district, has been popular in the area as a simple woman that is rich in compassion. For nearly 10 years, she has spread her kindness through many charity activities to ease difficulties for the needy.

All-people voluntary blood donation day, April 7th: Donating blood saves lives - giving life

Voluntary blood donation (HMTN) is a noble and humane gesture. 24 years ago, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 43/2000/QD-TTg on mobilizing and encouraging Voluntary blood donation and designated April 7 every year as "All-People Voluntary blood donation Day”. This is an important milestone in the movement of voluntary blood donation, creating a strong change in the awareness and action at all levels of the government and people from all walks of life.

Yen Thuy working to become new-style rural district

Yen Thuy is aiming to become a new-style rural district by 2025. To achieve this goal, the district has been mobilising the entire political system and local people to early fulfil required criteria.