The hospital announced the successful outcome on August 5, describing the case as one of prolonged spinal cord compression that had left the patient completely paralysed below the chest.
According to doctors, the woman first developed weakness in both legs shortly after childbirth. Her condition rapidly worsened until she lost all movement in her lower limbs, as well as sensation from the chest down. She also lost control of her bladder and bowel functions and became entirely dependent on family members for daily care.
Despite seeking treatment at several medical facilities in Laos, doctors were unable to determine the cause of her condition. At one point, her family even turned to traditional spiritual rituals, believing she had been affected by supernatural causes.
The family eventually decided to seek treatment in Vietnam after receiving advice from a Vietnamese resident working in Laos.
"We sold our last seven cows and managed to raise about VND50 million (approximately USD1,900) to bring her to Bach Mai Hospital," a family member told doctors.
Dr Nguyen Van Trung of Bach Mai Hospital said MRI scans of the patient's cervical spine revealed a large Schwannoma tumour measuring nearly 4cm long and about 1.5cm wide inside the spinal canal between the C5 and C7 vertebrae.
The tumour had severely compressed the spinal cord, causing progressive swelling and central tissue damage.
"We have treated many spinal tumours, but this is the first time we have encountered such a large cervical Schwannoma causing spinal cord compression for as long as eight months after childbirth. The risk of permanent neurological damage was extremely high," Dr Trung said.
Doctors successfully removed the tumour through surgery. Although they expected recovery to take considerable time because of the prolonged compression, the patient's progress exceeded expectations.
Just 48 hours after the operation, she was able to lift and move both legs independently. One week later, doctors removed her urinary catheter after she regained full bladder and bowel control. She can now stand and walk with rehabilitation support.
Following surgery, the medical team designed a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, including physiotherapy, nutritional support and mobility training, to help her return to normal life.
During her treatment, the family also received financial assistance from members of the Vietnamese community living and working in Laos.
The patient said she had believed she would never walk again.
"Now I can walk by myself. My family back home cried when they heard the news. I am deeply grateful to the doctors at Bach Mai Hospital and everyone who helped my family," she said.