The renowned surgeon, whose name is synonymous with milestones in Ho Chi Minh City’s medical history, chose to remain in Vietnam after the country’s reunification in 1975. He continued to practice medicine and mentor young doctors, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s medical landscape.
Among his many achievements, he was a key member of the surgical team that successfully separated conjoined twins, Viet and Duc, in 1988. This complex procedure, which lasted 15 hours, garnered international media attention and marked a significant advancement for Vietnamese medicine. The surgery was a collaborative effort between Dr. Trai and doctors Tran Dong A, Van Tan, Vo Van Thanh, and Le Kinh. The successful separation allowed the twins to live independent lives, and the operation was later recognized in the 1991 Guinness Book of World Records.
Dr. Tran Thanh Trai. Photo: Family photo
Viet, who passed away in 2007, survived for 19 years post-surgery under the dedicated care of the medical staff at Lang Hoa Binh (Tu Du Hospital). Meanwhile, Duc grew up to lead a fulfilling life, getting married and even becoming a father to twins himself—a rare occurrence in medical history.
In an interview with VnExpress, Duc shared his sadness upon learning of Dr. Trai’s passing. Dr. Trai had been primarily responsible for handling Viet’s abdominal region during the separation surgery. “It’s been 37 years already,” Duc reflected.
Dr. Tran Thanh Trai (standing, far right) during a pediatric surgery. Photo: Thanh Nien newspaper
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