A multidisciplinary team at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital recently performed a life-saving emergency surgery, successfully saving both a mother and her premature baby after a severe placental abruption threatened their lives.

At 9:00 AM on May 8, 2026, patient K.A. (31 years old, Da Nang City), who was 32 weeks pregnant, presented to Hoan My Da Nang Hospital with abdominal pain. She reported that the pain had begun in the early morning hours, but she had waited until daylight to seek medical attention. This was her second pregnancy, and all previous antenatal check-ups had been uneventful, with no significant medical history.

Rapid Multidisciplinary Response to a Critical Obstetric Emergency

Upon admission, the patient underwent immediate clinical assessment and ultrasound examination. Physicians identified a large retroplacental hematoma and suspected placental abruption. Recognizing the severity of the condition, specialists from the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Diagnostic Imaging conducted an urgent consultation and confirmed a diagnosis of severe placental abruption requiring immediate surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.

An emergency cesarean section was immediately indicated, with close coordination among specialists in obstetrics, neonatology, anesthesiology, and critical care. Within just 10 minutes of arrival at the hospital, the patient was transferred to the operating room for emergency surgery.

The surgical team successfully delivered a baby boy weighing 1.9 kg. The newborn was pink, vigorous, and crying at birth before being transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialized care.

During surgery, physicians observed extensive uterine bruising involving approximately half of the uterine surface, along with complete placental separation. However, because uterine contractility remained satisfactory, the team was able to preserve the uterus, thereby maintaining the patient’s future reproductive potential.

Thanks to prompt diagnosis, accurate clinical decision-making, and seamless multidisciplinary collaboration before, during, and after surgery, both mother and baby were safely stabilized. After four days of treatment and monitoring, the mother recovered well and was discharged from the hospital.

Placental Abruption: A Life-Threatening Obstetric Complication

According to Dr. Phan Van Ha, Specialist Level I and the physician who led the emergency surgical management, placental abruption is one of the most critical emergencies in obstetrics.

“Placental abruption can result in severe complications such as stillbirth, preterm birth, hemorrhagic shock, coagulopathy, and even hysterectomy. Without timely intervention, the lives of both mother and baby may be at risk,” Dr. Ha explained.

Despite its severity, placental abruption often presents without specific warning signs. Pregnant women should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as sudden abdominal pain, persistent abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, dizziness, fatigue, reduced fetal movements, a rigid or tender uterus, or any other unusual symptoms.

Rather than waiting for symptoms to improve, expectant mothers should promptly visit a reputable healthcare facility equipped with experienced specialists and comprehensive medical resources for early assessment and management.

Importance of Regular Prenatal Care

To facilitate early detection and timely intervention for placental abruption and other pregnancy-related complications, obstetric specialists recommend that pregnant women attend regular antenatal examinations at qualified healthcare centers throughout pregnancy.

At the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hoan My Da Nang Hospital offers comprehensive trimester-based prenatal screening packages tailored to each stage of fetal development. These programs help expectant mothers and their families identify potential risks and abnormalities early, enabling appropriate management to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.

For appointments and consultation, please contact:

Hotline: (+84) 236 350 9808 or (+84) 236 399 1451.