Helicopter Flies Across Sea to Airlift Patient with Suspected Hollow Viscus Perforation to Mainland

The helicopter, operated by Brigade 18, touched down at the helipad of Military Hospital 175 on the afternoon of November 10. The patient was transferred directly to the Emergency Department for laboratory diagnostics, diagnostic imaging, and advanced specialized interventions.

One day earlier, the worker, stationed on Nam Yet Island, accidentally fell, violently striking his lower abdomen against a hard object. Although remaining conscious, he experienced excruciating abdominal pain and was admitted to the island’s medical clinic for emergency care.

Attending physicians noted contusions across the lower abdomen. An initial ultrasound showed no evidence of injury to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, and detected no free intraperitoneal fluid. The patient received intravenous fluid resuscitation, analgesics, and smooth muscle relaxants, and was kept under close observation at the clinic.

Late that evening, the patient’s condition worsened, characterized by escalating abdominal pain and progressive distension. By early the following morning, the abdomen presented with severe distension and board-like muscular rigidity, accompanied by generalized tenderness throughout the peritoneal cavity.

Physicians examine the patient at Military Hospital 175. Photo: Provided by the hospital

Confronted with these critical developments, medical staff at the Nam Yet Island clinic conducted a telemedicine consultation with Military Hospital 175. They diagnosed the patient with blunt abdominal trauma, generalized peritonitis (infection of the entire peritoneal lining), and suspected hollow viscus perforation. This represents a severe surgical emergency with a grave prognosis, placing the patient at high risk of sepsis, septic shock, and multi-organ failure.

Requiring surgical intervention as rapidly as possible, Military Hospital 175 coordinated an aeromedical evacuation to transfer the patient to the mainland. Concurrently, hospital specialists guided military medical personnel on the island in administering critical care resuscitation and maintaining continuous vital monitoring while awaiting the arrival of the flight.

The helicopter flight—commanded by pilot Lieutenant Colonel Doan Anh Tuan alongside the Aeromedical Evacuation Team of Military Hospital 175 led by Captain and Physician Le Viet Thang—took off for Nam Yet Island on the morning of November 10.

According to Dr. Thang, upon reaching the patient on the island, the medical team immediately checked vital signs and performed a rapid point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate cardiopulmonary and abdominal status, ruling out parenchymal lacerations to the liver, kidneys, and spleen, as well as hemothorax or pneumothorax. Throughout the long return flight across the sea, the patient developed shock. Physicians closely monitored vital signs, administered continuous vasopressors and inotropes, and stabilized hemodynamics until touching down safely.

The patient remains under intensive inpatient management and specialized treatment at Military Hospital 175.