A man suffered severe facial injuries, including the loss of his nose and part of his lip, in a bear attack while fishing. The 60-year-old victim also sustained injuries to his neck and stomach during the frightening encounter. Although the incident occurred in Thailand, the details of how he managed to escape the Asiatic black bear remain unclear.
Following the attack, the man was swiftly taken to a hospital where he underwent a complex and critical surgical procedure to save his life, despite facing low odds of survival.
The incident, which happened late last year in Thailand, was documented in a medical journal in December. The report by Nutthawut Akaranuchat described the man’s extensive injuries, particularly to his face, including the loss of his right eye, nose, and upper lip, among other damages.
The victim underwent lifesaving procedures at local hospitals before being transferred for further treatment. The initial surgical plan included debridement, removal of the right eyeball, and reconstruction using tissue from his thigh and abdomen. Subsequent procedures focused on nasal reconstruction.
Despite the severity of his injuries, the patient made remarkable progress in his recovery. Within two months, he regained the ability to breathe through his nostrils, use his remaining eye, and eat normally.
Dr. Akaranuchat emphasized that the treatment provided successful outcomes, enabling the patient to breathe and eat without assistance. The case serves as a testament to the effectiveness of a well-planned reconstructive surgery approach.
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