Complex surgery at “Almana Hospitals” in Khobar saves a child's hand from permanent disability

In a remarkable medical milestone, the surgical team at “Almana Hospitals” in Khobar successfully saved the hand of a five-year-old child after he sustained a severe injury to his upper left arm, above the wrist, as a result of a fall into a glass aquarium. The injury resulted in laceration and rupture of tendons, arteries, and nerves, in addition to a severe injury to his wrist.

Upon the child's arrival at the emergency department, urgent first aid was administered, and an integrated medical team, including specialists from various surgical specialties, assessed the child's condition. After a detailed explanation of the child's condition to the family, the child was prepared for urgent surgery, which required the combined efforts of several medical teams.

The medics undertook a series of complex surgical procedures to save the child's hand from complications that could lead to a permanent disability. The surgical intervention started with Dr. Sami Khalifa, a vascular surgery consultant, who meticulously reconnected the severed artery using the advanced surgical microscope. Then, a neurosurgery consultant, Dr. Mohamed EL-Malawani, connected the delicate nerves using the same advanced technique and microscope. Dr. Ghassan, an orthopedic surgery consultant, then completed the final part of the operation by reconnecting the severed tendons of the muscles. The team's integrated efforts saved the injured limb.

This is a highly complex and delicate surgery, as the diameter of nerves and arteries at this age ranges between 2 and 4 mm. This makes the operation a significant challenge that requires extreme skill and experience, rapid response, and a complex multidisciplinary intervention.

The surgery, by the grace of God, was an ultimate success. Clinical follow-up showed a gradual improvement in the child's recovery, and he was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. He continued his follow-up and rehabilitation program at the outpatient clinic.

“Almana Hospitals” prides itself on its highly trained and experienced medical teams, along with the latest surgical equipment and technologies, which enable such complex surgeries and represent a lifeline for patients and their families.

The milestone underscores “Almana Hospital's” commitment to its mission of providing advanced, comprehensive healthcare, placing patients at the heart of its priorities, and emphasizing the importance of rapid response and integrated expertise in achieving the best medical and humanitarian outcomes.