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The photo has been published with the consent of the children’s parents.

Walailak University Hospital (WUH) has successfully performed corrective surgeries for congenital heart defects in two pediatric patients. The achievement is part of the Upper Southern Thailand Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Network Development Project, conducted in collaboration with the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing pediatric cardiac care capacity in Upper Southern Thailand while easing overcrowding in access to specialized medical services.

A team of thoracic, cardiac, and vascular surgery specialists - led by Dr. Somchai Waikittipong and Dr. Panuwat Kongsereenon - carried out the procedures. The first patient was a 2-year-8-month-old boy diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), while the second was a 3-year-old girl diagnosed with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). Both children made full recoveries following their surgeries, which took place on October 21, 2025.

Dr. Somchai explained that pediatric cardiac surgery is considerably more complex and delicate than adult surgery, requiring close collaboration among a multidisciplinary team that includes cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, cardiothoracic technologists, pediatric specialists, and nurses from both intensive care and pediatric wards - ensuring care that is appropriate for each child’s physical condition and stage of development.

“Children have smaller body sizes and organs, which means that anesthesia, surgical procedures, and circulatory control demand highly specialized instruments and precision,” said Dr. Somchai. “Postoperative care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is equally crucial, as children are often unable to clearly express their symptoms. Having an experienced medical and nursing team closely monitoring their recovery is therefore essential.”

This success reflects the strong collaboration between WUH and the Cardiac Children Foundation, which not only provides academic and multidisciplinary support from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, but also focuses on knowledge transfer and skill development for healthcare professionals. The initiative aims to meet the growing medical needs of Upper Southern Thailand, where currently only two hospitals - Walailak University Hospital and Songklanagarind Hospital - are capable of performing pediatric cardiac surgeries out of eight hospitals in the region that offer general cardiac surgery.

WUH is continuously advancing toward becoming a Comprehensive Heart Center, providing complete cardiac care for both children and adults. The hospital currently offers surgeries for valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and adult congenital heart disease, and is now expanding its capacity to include pediatric congenital heart surgery.

For those seeking consultation or appointments regarding adult or pediatric heart conditions, please contact the Surgery Clinic (Building B, 2nd Floor) or call 0 7547 9999 (press 0) for more information.