TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital performed four surgeries to save a 62-year-old man surnamed Hu (胡), who was severely injured after being crushed by a 300 kilogram steel beam while working at a construction site.

The hospital held a press conference Tuesday to share details about Hu's case and to celebrate his full recovery. The man said he was grateful for the hospital's care and described his recovery as a rebirth, per CNA.

Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital Director Chien Sou-hsin (簡守信) said that when Hu was brought to the hospital, he had extensive injuries, including multiple rib fractures that led to a collapsed lung, a ruptured liver, and severe damage to the colon, making his chances of survival extremely slim.

During the treatment process, the hospital activated its major trauma response. Surgeons from general surgery, colorectal surgery, plastic surgery, and bone surgery performed a series of operations, including partial liver removal, colon repair, fracture fixation, and bladder bleeding control. Chien added that 19 doctors and several nursing staff were involved in the effort.

Hu's treatment lasted 72 days before he fully recovered, during which he received over 24 liters of blood transfusions. According to the hospital, Hu also developed acute kidney failure and a lung infection during the treatment. 

Because Hu had a history of aortic dissection, which is a serious condition involving a tear in the inner layer of the body’s main artery, the severe blood loss worsened his previously stable condition. The tear extended further into the artery segments in his chest and abdomen. After evaluation, the hospital’s heart surgeons decided to control his blood pressure with medication.

Ko Kuo-yao (高國堯), a surgeon at the hospital and one of Hu's attending physicians, said the case was extremely challenging. He added that many individuals with such similar injuries died at the scene or did not survive surgery. However, Hu's strong will to live played a key role in his recovery.