In the third month of their mission in Cambodia, the Chinese Medical Team Assisting Cambodia began conducting rounds in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kosma China-Cambodia Friendship Hospital, once again witnessing the unique value of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in critical care. As the only TCM doctor specializing in critical care on the team, Dr. Zhang Xuemei from our hospital felt a profound sense of responsibility. She believes it is her duty to use her expertise to assist critically ill patients in Cambodia. Today, let us follow her perspective to experience the daily work of medical aid doctors.
The first case involves Mr. Liu, a 55-year-old Chinese man working in Cambodia, who suddenly experienced left-sided hemiplegia and slurred speech. A head CT scan revealed a right thalamic hemorrhage (approximately 30ml), and he was admitted to the ICU at the Kosma China-Cambodia Friendship Hospital for treatment. From the perspective of neurological critical care, I conducted comprehensive and meticulous rounds, addressing everything from blood pressure management to potential complications such as cerebral edema and epilepsy during the progression of the hemorrhage. This included fluid therapy, infection prevention, and even detailed aspects like oral and skin care, as well as TCM-assisted rehabilitation. Through our collective efforts, the patient successfully overcame the peak period of post-hemorrhagic edema, infection, and renal impairment. His condition improved, and he was discharged and returned to China on October 19. With tears in her eyes, his wife said, "Seeing you, I felt hope. It was the Chinese doctors who gave my husband a second chance at life!"
The second case involves a 58-year-old Cambodian woman who suffered a left lower limb fracture due to a car accident. After treatment at a local hospital, she developed left lower limb infection, sepsis, septic shock, and acute kidney injury, leading to her admission to the ICU at the Kosma China-Cambodia Friendship Hospital. The patient was in a stupor, with high fever, hypotension, and a procalcitonin (PCT) level as high as 25.76 pg/ml, indicating severe infection and critical condition. Although the local hospital had administered antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and vasoactive drugs, her circulation remained unstable, with persistently low urine output and acute kidney injury. After assessing the patient's condition, I discussed the treatment plan with the attending physicians. For infection control, we focused on actively identifying pathogen evidence and empirically adjusting antibiotic therapy while recommending surgical debridement and drainage. Bedside ultrasound was used to guide hemodynamic therapy, and comprehensive organ function support was provided. Ultimately, the patient was stabilized and moved out of critical condition.
Medicine knows no borders, and compassion transcends all boundaries. These memorable cases not only tested our skills but also reflected the warmth and depth of TCM in critical care medicine. Over the past three months, we have witnessed many challenges but also experienced countless moments of profound gratitude. As a TCM critical care professional on a medical aid mission, I am willing to serve as a bridge—allowing the wisdom of TCM critical care to transcend language and cultural barriers and bring hope to more lives.
