StoriesIn recent years, an increasing number of international visitors have chosen to travel to China, with "China Travel" becoming a viral sensation online. This wave has not only brought international tourists but also tested the capacity of Chinese medical institutions to serve foreign patients.
Recently, an elderly Indonesian tourist who suffered a fall resulting in a lumbar fracture was successfully treated by the orthopedic team at Guangdong Pharmaceutical University Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital (Guangzhou Xinshi Hospital). After completing surgery and rehabilitation, the patient was discharged and continued her journey through China.
Unexpected Fracture: "China Travel" Forced to Pause
70-year-old JEN (pseudonym) had specifically chosen to visit Guangzhou for tourism during the New Year holiday. While exiting Baiyun Station carrying heavy luggage, she suddenly experienced severe lower back pain. She was transported by emergency ambulance (120) to the hospital, where orthopedic examination confirmed a fracture of the first lumbar vertebra.
"We determined that JEN had underlying osteoporosis, and the strain of carrying heavy luggage during travel overloaded her body, leading to the lumbar vertebral fracture," explained Dr. Ying Wenkui, Director of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
Faced with sudden injury and an unfamiliar medical environment, JEN found herself in a dilemma: "I had heard that medical standards vary between countries. Would the surgery achieve the expected results? Would postoperative recovery meet expectations? What if it affected the rest of my trip?"
Upon learning of her concerns, the orthopedic team quickly activated a response mechanism. Director Ying Wenkui addressed JEN's worries by explaining the treatment plan in detail, along with personalized pain management and postoperative rehabilitation plans. After discussing with fellow patients in the same ward and careful consideration, JEN chose to undergo surgical treatment at the hospital.
Careful Consideration: Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery in Guangzhou
Following comprehensive preoperative assessment, Director Ying Wenkui led the surgical team to complete the procedure in just one hour. On the day of surgery, JEN was able to walk. She remarked: "I never expected that China's medical standards had advanced so remarkably."
Meanwhile, JEN's attending physician, Dr. Huang Haitian, assisted her in completing insurance company documentation to facilitate smooth reimbursement. Although JEN, being of Chinese descent from Indonesia, could communicate in basic Chinese, she occasionally encountered difficulties with specialized medical terminology. Head Nurse Xin Xiaoxia of the orthopedics department utilized AI translation tools to bridge communication gaps. Postoperatively, Dr. Huang carefully taught JEN how to use a professional lumbar brace and explained precautions for future travel.
"From the ambulance to hospitalization and surgery, I felt the help of so many people at the hospital. Thank you all," JEN expressed.
On the day of discharge, JEN specially took a group photo with the medical team: "You healed my pain with professional expertise and soothed my anxiety with genuine compassion. Chinese doctors deserve to be seen and recognized by the world!" Thanks to appropriate treatment, JEN's travel itinerary was not disrupted—she successfully continued visiting famous Guangzhou landmarks including the Canton Tower and Baiyun Mountain before safely returning to Indonesia.
During peak travel seasons, Director Ying Wenkui reminds travelers to prepare a mini first-aid kit containing bandages, alcohol swabs, and essential emergency medications. When traveling with elderly companions, pay special attention to slip prevention and ensure an adequate supply of daily medications. In case of emergencies during travel, seek help promptly; for serious situations, seek medical attention immediately.