Chinese doctors save local patient from amputation in Sierra Leone

The 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team in Sierra Leone has successfully saved a local patient from amputation through surgery earlier this week.

FREETOWN, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The 27th batch of the Chinese Medical Team in Sierra Leone has successfully saved a local patient from amputation through surgery earlier this week.

The patient, 42-year-old Mike Foday Baryoh, suffered an open fracture and dislocation of his left ankle following a local tricycle accident. Due to a lack of timely medical intervention, his injury went untreated for eight days, resulting in infection and the risk of amputation.

After the patient was referred to the Chinese medical team, Huang Xianzhe, a member of the team and deputy chief physician of orthopedics at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, quickly assessed Baryoh's condition and devised an emergency surgical plan.

"The surgery involved meticulous debridement and the application of an external fixation frame to realign the dislocated ankle, control the infection, and stabilize the fractured bone," Huang said, adding that they worked alongside Sierra Leonean surgeon Abdulai Bah and other local medical staff, facilitating a collaborative environment focused on skill transfer.

During the operation, the medical team's anesthesiologist instructed local doctors by guiding them through the anesthesia process, ensuring that knowledge was shared throughout the surgical experience.

Huang said the procedure lasted approximately one and a half hours and was conducted under strict infection control protocols. He said the patient is expected to make a gradual recovery over the next several months.

Baryoh expressed his appreciation to the medical team, noting that had it not been for their intervention, his foot would have been amputated as advised by local doctors.

Bah commended the technical expertise of the Chinese medical team, noting their contribution to local healthcare through skills transfer and standardized procedures.

This operation not only saved a limb but also underscored the strong commitment to medical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone, he said. ■