Chinese medical team saves woman with severe postpartum hemorrhage in NW Benin

NATITINGOU, Benin, March 29 (Xinhua) -- A Beninese woman suffering from a perineal tear and a severe vaginal wall laceration was successfully treated by the 28th Chinese medical team at Natitingou Zone Hospital, more than 700 km northwest of Cotonou, despite challenging conditions, medical sources said Sunday.

The patient, who had given birth at another facility, was rushed to the hospital on Friday evening in heavy rain after developing a severe postpartum hemorrhage.

According to Chinese gynecologists Zhang Huijuan and Guo Li, the patient arrived in critical condition, showing pallor, extreme weakness, and heavy vaginal bleeding.

"Without losing a second, we activated the emergency response: uterine massage, rapid infusion, continuous oxygen therapy, and oxytocin injection. Every step was precise and coordinated in a race against death," Zhang said.

Further examination revealed a complex injury: in addition to a second-degree perineal tear, the patient had a severe vaginal wall laceration, with extensive damage to normal anatomical structures.

The operation was further complicated by a sudden power outage that plunged the maternity ward into darkness, Zhang added,

"At this critical moment, interpreter Xiao Yamin quickly guided the anesthetist to shine a flashlight," Guo said. "Under this fragile yet steady light, we relied on our professional skills and clinical experience, working with utmost concentration to precisely suture the torn tissues, gradually restore the anatomy, and stop the massive bleeding, ultimately saving the patient's life."

The surgery was completed successfully, and the patient's condition stabilized.