"Beer and seafood" has long been a favorite among many citizens. However, for those with hyperuricemia or gout, indulging recklessly in such meals poses significant risks.
Recently, Hefei Kanghua Rehabilitation Hospital admitted a gout patient, Mr. Zhang (pseudonym). Due to his lack of dietary restraint and chronic alcohol consumption, his tophi had grown as large as a goose egg, necessitating surgical intervention.
Three years ago, Mr. Zhang from Chuzhou, Anhui Province, first experienced joint swelling and pain. Initially dismissive of the symptoms, he continued his unrestricted diet—drinking beer and consuming seafood and organ meats as usual.As his condition worsened, tophi deposits spread extensively across his joints and subcutaneous tissues. Lumps began forming on the inner sides of his first metatarsophalangeal joints, growing progressively larger—particularly on his left foot, where the lump escalated from the size of a broad bean to that of a goose egg.
Recently, unable to bear the excruciating pain and severely impaired mobility, Mr. Zhang sought help at multiple hospitals. After being told "surgery carries high risks and is not feasible," he transferred to the Orthopedic Surgery Ward at Kanghua Hospital on November 12th. Following thorough examinations by the medical staff, he was diagnosed with "tophi."
The largest tophus on Mr. Zhang's body measured 7.5cm × 8cm × 4cm—the size of a goose egg. The skin stretched over it was paper-thin, revealing crisscrossing subcutaneous blood vessels and a faintly visible white, brain-like mass. The tophus had invaded the foot's tendons, joint surfaces, and bone tissue, partially compressing nerves and blood vessels.Prior to surgery, a multidisciplinary team of specialists conducted a consultation for Mr. Zhang and developed two surgical plans to minimize risks and facilitate his recovery.
Image shows part of the tophus mass removed during this surgery
On the morning of the 14th, Mr. Zhang was wheeled into the operating room. After anesthesia, Vice President Li Jiagang, the hospital's leading orthopedic surgeon, performed the surgery with assistance from Dr. Ma Ji and other orthopedic surgeons. The procedure lasted two hours and was successfully completed through the close collaboration of the surgical team and operating room staff.After regaining consciousness, Mr. Zhang was transferred to the orthopedic ward for continued treatment and is currently recovering well.