After a traffic accident, Mr Pov Saroeun, 50, from Cambodia, feared he would permanently lose his left leg. Clinging to a final hope, he went to FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where seven challenging surgeries ensured he could walk again.

Facing Possible Amputation, the Patient Sought a Final Chance at FV Hospital

Following a motorbike collision on his way to work, Mr Saroeun sustained a severe crush injury to his left leg. He was initially taken to a local hospital, but the wound was inadequately managed, so his family transferred him to Vietnam for treatment.

However, the infection continued to worsen. It spread deep into the tissue, and his toes began to necrotise. Doctors warned that amputation was necessary; without it, the infection could be life-threatening.

Mr Saroeun and his family were shocked by the news. Fearing he would no longer be able to support his family, he felt overwhelmed. “When the doctors said my leg had to be amputated, I was terrified and devastated. But deep down, I still hoped my leg could be saved,” he recounted.

On the recommendation of friends, his family brought him to Ho Chi Minh City, seeking a final chance at FV Hospital.

Mr Saroeun was examined by Dr Truong Hoang Vinh Khiem, Specialist Level II, Bone and Joint Centre, FV Hospital. Dr Khiem diagnosed a complex open fracture with severe bone infection and extensive soft tissue necrosis.

“Bone infection is one of the greatest challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. Bone has limited blood supply, making it difficult to fight infection. If not treated thoroughly, amputation can become inevitable. Mr Saroeun’s case was even more complicated by uncontrolled diabetes, which severely slowed the healing process,” explained Dr Khiem.

As an experienced surgeon in managing severe necrotic infections, Dr Khiem saw a glimmer of hope. He cautioned, however, that the treatment would be long and arduous. Seeing the patient’s concern, Dr Khiem assured Mr Saroeun he would do his utmost to save the left leg.

Seven Surgeries: Step by Step to Save His Leg

The treatment plan began with controlling the infection. Dr Khiem then applied an external fixation frame to stabilise bone alignment, allowing the surrounding soft tissue to gradually stabilise.

This was followed by a series of meticulous surgeries: repeated debridement of necrotic tissue to clean the wound, rotation of skin flaps to cover the defect, and skin grafts to restore protective layers. In total, he underwent seven surgeries.

After more than two months, the wound healed, and the bone began to recover. The patient continued outpatient treatment for over a month. In the end, his left leg was fully healed and he regained steady steps and mobility.

“When I first met Dr Khiem, I was overjoyed when he said he would do everything possible to save my leg. I placed my complete trust in him. Although the treatment journey was long and costly, I am very happy that I was able to keep my leg,” Mr Saroeun shared.

Success Through Multidisciplinary Collaboration

According to Dr Khiem, the success in Mr Saroeun’s case was due not only to surgery but also to the combined efforts of multiple specialities. Internal medicine specialists managed his diabetes and optimised wound healing. The patient received a personalised nutrition plan, and nurses provided around-the-clock care, including dressing changes, infection prevention, and emotional support throughout recovery.

Hoang Thi Hai Van, Head Nurse of Surgical West Ward, said: “FV nurses always treat patients like family. For complex cases like Mr Saroeun’s, we adjust staffing, work closely with doctors, and provide emotional support to help patients stay confident throughout their treatment.”

On the day of discharge, Mr Saroeun was able to stand and walk slowly on his own. He shared, “Thanks to the doctors and everyone at FV, I still have my leg. I am more grateful for that than anything else.”

At FV, many patients with severe infections once considered hopeless have made miraculous recoveries thanks to multidisciplinary collaboration and the sustained efforts of the medical team.

For more information, please contact the Bone and Joint Centre at FV Hospital on (028) 3511 3333 or visit 06 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.