One Surgery, Two Countries: An Italian Child’s Journey to Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital
January 21, 2026
Little Mimi from Italy, born with thumb duplication, was fully corrected in a single operation at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital instead of the two surgeries advised in Milan.
When little Mimi from Italy was born with congenital thumb duplication (commonly called “six fingers”), her family faced a difficult choice. Multiple hospitals in Milan recommended two separate surgeries for correction. But across continents, a better solution awaited at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital (Shanghai Ninth).
The Challenge
Mimi’s condition required precise reconstruction to restore both function and appearance. The prospect of multiple surgeries meant longer recovery, more stress for the child, and greater burden for the family traveling from abroad.
The Shanghai Ninth Solution
Under the care of Director Wang Bin from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mimi received a groundbreaking “Top Displacement Procedure.” This advanced technique, refined at Shanghai Ninth, achieved complete correction in just one single surgery, preserving full thumb function — a testament to China’s leading position in specialized microsurgery.
Seamless Cross-Border Care
- Pre-arrival coordination: The International Patient Service team managed all logistics through WeChat, providing multilingual support every step of the way.
- Clear communication: Detailed pre-operative consultations in the family’s preferred language eliminated uncertainties about medical procedures and hospital processes.
- Comprehensive support: From visa assistance to accommodation guidance, the team ensured the family could focus entirely on Mimi’s recovery.
The Result
The surgery was a complete success. Mimi recovered beautifully, gaining a fully functional hand without the need for a second operation.
A Mother’s Voice
“The technology here exceeded our expectations, and the service was even more thoughtful than we imagined,” Mimi’s mother shared. “Choosing Shanghai Ninth gave us not just a better medical outcome, but also peace of mind.”
Why International Families Choose Shanghai Ninth
This case exemplifies how Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital combines world-class surgical innovation with truly patient-centered international services, transforming complex medical journeys into stories of hope and healing for families worldwide.
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