Related videos:
A 35-year-old man, identified as Ardenis Pérez Sablón, survived severe traumatic brain injury after spending nearly three weeks in the Intensive Care Unit of the "Lucía Iñiguez Landín" Clinical Surgical Hospital in Holguín.
The hospital itself announced through social media that the patient was admitted with multiple skull fractures, subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain contusions, and severe cerebral edema, injuries caused by several blunt force impacts to the head.
Due to the severity of his condition, he underwent a decompressive craniotomy to evacuate the hemorrhagic foci and reduce intracranial pressure, medical decisions that carried risks due to the severe shortage of medications and supplies facing the hospital.
After the surgery, Pérez developed multiple organ failure, with cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological dysfunctions. Additionally, he suffered a respiratory infection associated with mechanical ventilation, which further complicated his condition.
According to the hospital report, multiple antimicrobials were administered, surgical washouts were performed, and antibiotics were applied intrathecally through a spinal catheter placed in the dorsal spine.
Despite the severity of the clinical picture, the patient began to show signs of improvement 48 hours into intensive treatment, achieving stabilization of renal function and responding to vasopressor support to maintain blood pressure.
Four days later, the need for medications to control cerebral edema and central nervous system infection decreased. His condition continued to improve until he was finally able to be weaned off mechanical ventilation.
On February 25, Pérez Sablón was transferred to the neurosurgery ward with a progressive recovery of consciousness and the ability to respond to simple commands, and he is currently under medical observation while regaining mobility and muscular strength.
The case was published on the official page of the "Lucía Iñiguez Landín" Clinical Surgical Hospital and presented as an achievement. However, it reflects the serious difficulties of the Cuban healthcare system in caring for critically ill patients amid a deep crisis of supplies and medications, a reality that continues to put lives at risk.
"Stories like these show us what true healthcare professionals in Cuba are made of," emphasized the institution.
This story contrasts with many others where, although the medical staff makes enormous efforts to save lives, the working conditions and lack of essential resources can sometimes have fatal consequences.
The Cuban public has closely followed in recent months the story of the child Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez, whose fragile health condition keeps him hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Institute of Hematology.
The health situation of Damir worsened with a diagnosis of acute leukemia, which further complicates his fragile health.
The United States Embassy in Cuba announced last February that it would continue the process to grant a humanitarian visa to the Cuban boy Damir.
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in Cuba and the Case of Ardenis Pérez Sablón
How did Ardenis Pérez Sablón manage to survive a severe cranial trauma?
Ardenis Pérez Sablón survived thanks to a complex medical intervention that included a decompressive craniectomy and intensive treatment to stabilize his vital functions. Despite facing a severe shortage of medications and supplies, the doctors were able to control the cerebral edema and infections, allowing for his recovery.
What challenges does the Cuban healthcare system face in the care of critically ill patients?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a deep crisis in supplies and medications, which complicates the care of critical patients. Although medical personnel are making tremendous efforts, the lack of essential resources can have fatal consequences at times.
What other cases similar to that of Ardenis Pérez Sablón have occurred in Cuba recently?
Recently, cases similar to that of the child Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez have been reported in Cuba, who remains in intensive care due to acute leukemia. These cases highlight the challenges faced by the Cuban healthcare system in adequately attending to patients with critical conditions due to shortages of resources and medications.
What is the current status of Ardenis Pérez Sablón after his recovery?
Ardenis Pérez Sablón has been transferred to the neurosurgery room with a gradual recovery of consciousness and the ability to respond to simple commands. He is currently under medical observation as he regains mobility and muscle strength.
Filed under: