The first minimally invasive breast reconstruction surgery in a kidney transplant recipient in Vietnam

SKĐS - On November 8, Associate Professor, Dr. Huynh Quang Khanh - Head of the Breast Department of Cho Ray Hospital (HCMC) said that doctors here had just successfully performed endoscopic mastectomy and breast reconstruction for a female patient who had early-stage bilateral breast cancer. Notably, this was a case of a kidney transplant due to chronic kidney failure.

Previously, Ms. NTH (40 years old, residing in Tay Ninh province) successfully received a kidney transplant in 2021 from her sister. During a routine health screening in June 2024, Ms. H. discovered papillary lesions in both breasts - lesions with a risk of malignant progression.

By September 2025, MRI results showed lesions, and biopsy confirmed in situ breast cancer (stage 0 – also known as precancer) on both sides.

The minimally invasive surgery team is handling Ms. H's stage 0 cancer. Photo: BVCC

Because the patient had many underlying diseases (high blood pressure, osteoporosis, gastritis, and was taking anti-rejection drugs), the surgical team, including specialists from the Breast, Chemo-Radiation, Ultrasound, Diagnostic Imaging, and Urology departments, consulted and agreed to choose minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, bilateral mastectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and breast reconstruction with implants.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Huynh Quang Khanh, this is a new technique in Vietnam, with a small 4 cm incision under the armpit, allowing the doctor to remove the entire breast, biopsy the sentinel lymph nodes and reconstruct the breast in the same surgery.

"This method helps reduce pain, limit scarring, increase aesthetics, and at the same time ensure thorough treatment effectiveness," the expert added.

It is known that immediately after the minimally invasive surgery, Ms. H. recovered quickly and was discharged from the hospital 6 days later.

Two weeks after surgery, the patient returned for a check-up with stable health. Sharing with the doctor, Ms. H. was happy to have been detected early and treated completely, returning to normal life.

From 2023 to present, the Breast Department of Cho Ray Hospital has performed more than 130 minimally invasive breast reconstruction surgeries, of which more than 96% achieved good results.

Associate Professor, Dr. Huynh Quang Khanh - Head of Breast Department is examining a patient. Photo: BVCC

"Patient H. is the first case after kidney transplant to have surgery and successful reconstruction of both breasts using a combination of new techniques. The hospital plans to deploy robotic surgery in breast reconstruction in the near future," Associate Professor, Dr. Huynh Quang Khanh added.

According to experts, stage 0 breast cancer (pre-cancer) is when malignant cells are only localized in the milk ducts, and have not yet invaded surrounding tissue. If detected and treated early, the cure rate is nearly 100%.

"At Cho Ray Hospital, cancer treatment is always implemented in a multi-modal manner - combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy - with multidisciplinary consultation to develop the optimal regimen for each case," the expert added.

In their recommendations to the community, experts note that women aged 40 and over need regular screening, mammograms and breast examinations. If there are any unusual signs, they should go to a specialist medical facility for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/ca-phau-thuat-it-xam-lan-tai-tao-vu-dau-tien-o-nguoi-gep-than-tai-viet-nam-169251108153550293.htm