A 21-year-old man weighing only 10kg due to brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) suffered from retinal detachment and has successfully undergone surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital 103 (Vietnam Military Medical University).

On the afternoon of September 23, Colonel Dr. Nguyen Le Trung, Deputy Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital 103, shared:
“When we first received a call from colleagues about a case of retinal detachment combined with brittle bone disease, we could not fully imagine the difficulties ahead. But when we met the young man—21 years old, only 10kg, with a deformed chest, unable to walk, and a fragile body of skin and bones—we truly realized the extraordinary challenges. His parents placed all their trust and hope in our department, which made us feel even more responsible and determined. Without timely surgery, the patient would have lost his vision.”

Colonel, Dr. Nguyen Le Trung, Deputy Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital 103, examines the patient again after surgery.

Because of the patient’s fragile condition, the medical team could not place him on a normal examination chair; instead, his family had to assist during the eye check. Even identifying the retinal tear before surgery proved extremely challenging. Determining the exact location of the tear is crucial in retinal detachment surgery.

Every step of examination required extreme care and delicacy. Any forceful action could cause severe pain and potentially break his fragile bones. Transporting him to the operating room also had to be done with utmost caution, as a single improper move could lead to unwanted complications.

“Right after admission, we coordinated with Colonel, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dac Tiep, Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, to prepare for the surgery. The entire team of doctors and nurses held consultations, encouraged one another, and agreed that this was a critical case requiring special monitoring. The trustful eyes of his parents and the patient’s optimistic spirit became a great source of motivation for us,” Dr. Nguyen Le Trung recalled.

The patient’s father was overjoyed that his son’s surgery had been successful.

During surgery, every maneuver had to be performed with the gentlest touch, as the patient’s eyes were as delicate as those of a newborn. When the operation ended successfully, the entire team breathed a sigh of relief. Yet the challenge did not stop there—nurses and anesthesiology staff had to continue round-the-clock monitoring and pain management. The next day, when the bandages were removed and ultrasound confirmed that the retina had reattached, joy overflowed among the ophthalmology team and the patient’s family alike.

“We have also implemented careful post-operative eye care measures to prevent recurrence, because retinal detachment is a very dangerous condition that can return even after successful surgery,” Dr. Nguyen Le Trung noted.

This case was not only a successful surgery but also a triumph of solidarity, determination, and compassion. The Ophthalmology Department takes pride in restoring the light of vision to this very special patient—a battle in which everyone fought together and achieved victory. The patient is expected to be discharged within the week.

At present, the Ophthalmology Department of Military Hospital 103 is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by highly skilled, experienced doctors. It handles a wide range of eye conditions and is a trusted referral center for patients nationwide.

NEWS, PHOTO: DIEP CHAU, TRANSLATOR: TRAN MINH TUAN