Walailak University Medical Center Hospital (WUMCH) has successfully performed surgical repairs of congenital heart defects in two pediatric patients under the Upper Southern Thailand Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Network Development Project. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Children’s Heart Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in strengthening pediatric cardiac care in upper Southern Thailand and helping reduce congestion and barriers to accessing specialized medical services.

The operations were performed by a team of specialists in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, led by Dr. Somchai Waikittipong and Dr. Phanuwat Khongserenon. The first patient, a two-year-and-eight-month-old boy, was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD), while the second patient, a three-year-old girl, was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Both children recovered well following their operations on 21 October 2025.

Dr. Somchai explained that pediatric cardiac surgery is more complex and requires greater precision than cardiac surgery in adults. Successful treatment depends on close collaboration among a multidisciplinary team comprising cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, cardiovascular perfusionists, pediatric specialists, intensive care nurses, and pediatric ward nurses. This collaborative approach ensures that treatment is appropriate for each child’s physiology and developmental stage.

“Children’s bodies and organs are small; therefore, anesthesia, surgery, and the management of blood circulation require specialized equipment and an exceptionally high degree of precision. Postoperative care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) also requires particular attention because young children may be unable to communicate their symptoms. It is therefore essential to have experienced doctors and nurses closely monitoring their condition.”

This achievement resulted from cooperation between Walailak University Medical Center Hospital and the Children’s Heart Foundation under Royal Patronage. The Foundation not only provided academic support and facilitated assistance from multidisciplinary specialists at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, but also promoted knowledge transfer and the professional development of medical personnel to meet healthcare needs in upper Southern Thailand.

At present, eight hospitals in Southern Thailand are capable of performing cardiac surgery. However, only two—Walailak University Medical Center Hospital and Songklanagarind Hospital—are equipped to perform pediatric cardiac surgery.

Walailak University Medical Center Hospital is comprehensively strengthening its capabilities with the goal of becoming a Comprehensive Heart Center that provides a full range of cardiac care for both children and adults. The hospital currently offers surgical treatment for valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysms, and congenital heart disease in adults. It is now expanding its capabilities to provide surgery for children with congenital heart disease.

Those seeking consultations or appointments for adult or pediatric heart conditions may contact the Surgery Clinic, located on the second floor of Building B, or call 0 7547 9999 and press 0.

Source: Walailak University website