Argentine patient receives ear nodule treatment through Shantou’s international service

The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College has described treatment of a right-ear nodule in an Argentine patient associated with Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The university’s clinic contacted the hospital’s international medical department, which coordinated specialist assessment, the procedure and subsequent wound care.

Referral and specialist planning

International department staff discussed when the nodule appeared and how it had changed, previous illnesses and medication allergies. They also asked about cultural background, daily habits and individual care needs before forwarding the organised history to Xie Sitian’s burns and plastic surgery team.

The specialist recommended surgical removal with pathological examination. A specialist appointment was arranged within half an hour of receiving the request, and operating-room coordination secured a procedure the following morning.

Interpretation and consent on the day

International department clinicians accompanied the patient throughout the visit. Wang Jiali and Xie explained the procedure, risks, expected postoperative effects and estimated costs, then checked the history and allergies again before the patient signed informed consent.

During surgery, staff provided on-site interpretation at steps including confirmation of local anaesthesia and marking the operative site. The patient waited about half an hour after arriving; the hospital account says the entire visit, from arrival through completion of care, took less than two hours.

Documents and wound care after the procedure

Staff helped with the dressing, explained how often it should be changed and answered questions. They contacted the school clinic about the wound and dressing procedure so that care could continue outside the hospital.

The international department also assisted with payment and medicine collection. It prepared outpatient records, invoices and itemised charges for the patient’s insurance reimbursement, organised a personal medical file and booked a follow-up visit.

The department supplied a dedicated WeChat contact for postoperative questions and arranged nursing follow-up calls to monitor recovery.