Chinese medical team performs Sierra Leone's first finger replantation

FREETOWN -- The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone has performed the West African country's first-ever finger replantation surgery.

The operation took place on Friday after a local electrician, Sallieu Sorious Yusifu Conteh, suffered a severe finger amputation while working at a mining site in Port Loko District in Sierra Leone's North West Province.

"We knew time was of the essence," said Zeng Lei, deputy chief physician of the orthopedics department with the Chinese medical team, as preparations for the surgery began, involving assessments, wound sterilizations, and formulating a meticulous surgical plan.

Following thorough examinations, the team discovered multiple injuries to Conteh's right hand, with his ring finger hanging precariously by a small piece of skin. After more than two hours of intense effort, the surgery was successfully completed, with positive signs of blood circulation and a likelihood of full functionality for the replanted finger.

Conteh tearfully expressed his gratitude after the operation, saying, "The Chinese performed a true miracle," and noting that patients with similar conditions often faced amputations in the past.

Local medical staff lauded the Chinese team's professional competence and noted that the successful surgery could deepen medical cooperation between Sierra Leone and China.