The Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, colloquially known as “Macau Union Medical Centre” (PUMCH), has successfully completed its first skin graft surgery on an advanced-age patient with multiple underlying diseases and chronic lower limb wounds, according to a statement by the centre on Tuesday.
The statement said that the procedure was carried out by its Plastic Surgery Department as part of the steady expansion of its medical services. The patient was 90 years old at the time of the surgery.
According to the statement, skin grafting is a conventional treatment for wound repair. By transplanting healthy skin tissue to the affected area, the procedure helps close wounds more rapidly and addresses complications such as infection and tissue necrosis caused by chronic wounds.
The surgery aims to preserve limb function and is regarded as an important intervention for wounds that are difficult to heal, the statement said, pointing out that given the patient’s advanced age, limited tolerance to anaesthesia and multiple underlying health conditions, the case involved considerable risk.
The statement added that the medical team conducted a multidisciplinary assessment before the operation and formulated tailored anaesthesia and surgical plans to minimise potential intraoperative complications. Through coordinated care and close monitoring, the patient received what the hospital described in the statement as “precise and comprehensive treatment”.
The case demonstrated the role of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment in managing complex medical conditions among elderly patients, the statement added.
The centre said it will continue strengthening its plastic surgery services and enhancing its integrated diagnostic and treatment capabilities for elderly patients with complex conditions, with the aim of providing more professional and high-quality care for patients suffering from chronic and hard-to-heal wounds in Macau, the statement noted.
This undated handout photo provided by Macau Union Medical Centre (PUMCH) on Tuesday shows its surgeons performing the centre’s first skin graft surgery on an advanced-age patient.
