Ho Chi Minh City—Gia Dinh General Hospital reported a medical complication involving a cosmetic surgery patient on the afternoon of May 16, detailing an unexpected infection following a procedure earlier this month. The incident highlights growing concerns about post-operative care and infection control in medical tourism cases.
According to hospital records, 57-year-old Indonesian national E. arrived at Gia Dinh General Hospital on May 3 seeking treatment for excess fat in the abdomen, hips, and back. She underwent standard pre-surgical evaluations and consultations, with the surgery and anesthesia proceeding without immediate complications. The hospital stated the patient’s condition was stable following the operation. However, two days later, signs of surgical wound infection emerged. Despite two days of intensive treatment, her condition showed no significant improvement by May 9, prompting an inter-hospital consultation and transfer to Military Hospital 175 for advanced care.
Patient Transferred to Specialized Care as Infection Persists
At the time of transfer, the patient remained conscious and responsive but required low-dose vasopressor medication and nasal oxygen support. Gia Dinh General Hospital dispatched medical staff to assist with her care at Military Hospital 175, where she is currently under treatment in the intensive care unit. While her condition has shown gradual improvement, she continues to require intensive rehabilitation.
A hospital spokesperson acknowledged the incident as an “unforeseen medical event” and emphasized cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to investigate the cause and monitor the patient’s progress. The case underscores challenges in cross-border medical procedures, including post-operative complication management and inter-facility coordination.
Medical Tourism Risks Come Under Scrutiny
Though the hospital did not specify the exact nature of the infection or potential links to pre-existing conditions, the case has drawn attention to risks associated with cosmetic surgery abroad, particularly for international patients. Vietnam’s growing medical tourism industry, which often markets affordable cosmetic procedures, has faced periodic scrutiny over standards of care. Experts note that while most surgeries proceed safely, post-operative infections can arise from multiple factors, including patient-specific health variables and surgical site hygiene.
Gia Dinh General Hospital, a major multi-specialty facility in Ho Chi Minh City, has assured the public it is cooperating fully with health authorities to ensure transparency and prevent similar incidents. The patient’s family has not released a public statement, and her current condition remains under medical confidentiality protocols.
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