Sri Lankan student receives emergency abdominal surgery in Chongqing
A 21-year-old student with acute peritonitis and a history of asthma received coordinated surgical and anaesthetic care, with English explanations throughout assessment.
Published by CareAtlas · Editorial policy
A Sri Lankan student with severe abdominal pain underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery at the Affiliated People’s Hospital of Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College. The hospital’s July 3, 2026 account describes how the team addressed both her acute illness and the additional anaesthetic risk associated with longstanding asthma.
Transfer after acute abdominal pain
Sevomini, a pseudonym, was 21 and studying in China. She first sought help at a community health service centre after sudden, severe abdominal pain. Acute peritonitis was diagnosed and further surgical treatment was needed. Her bronchial asthma, present since childhood, made management of her highly reactive airway an important concern. The centre contacted the hospital and arranged an urgent transfer.
The general surgery department activated its emergency pathway, with department head He Longhai receiving the patient. Surgery was coordinated with anaesthesiology, respiratory and critical care medicine, intensive care and obstetrics and gynaecology.
English explanations before surgery
Sevomini was worried about treatment in an unfamiliar healthcare system, recovery and the possible interruption to her studies. Staff used English, gestures and illustrated explanations to take her history, perform examination and complete the preoperative assessment. They explained her condition and why surgery was necessary.
The team also took account of her daily habits when arranging meals, accommodation and care. These arrangements accompanied the clinical assessment rather than requiring her to manage the communication alone.
Laparoscopy and early recovery
The anaesthetic team used a fast-track strategy tailored to her asthma history to manage the risk of bronchospasm. The surgeons performed laparoscopic exploration and washed out the abdominal cavity.
After surgery, nurses provided postoperative care combining Chinese and Western approaches. She was out of bed the following day, and her measured clinical indicators returned to normal. At discharge, she expressed appreciation for the care and the support she had received during an emergency away from home.