Updates on advances in surgery and treatment for stomach cancer.

To improve professional quality, standardize treatment procedures, and strengthen academic connections in the Central region, the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery - Quang Nam General Hospital, in collaboration with the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery - University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, organized a scientific workshop on the topic "Updating advances in surgery and treatment of gastric cancer".

In addition to academic reports, the conference program included a full-fledged demonstration of distal gastrectomy, combining live presentations and case discussions. Photo: LQ

The workshop took place last weekend at the auditorium of Quang Nam General Hospital, No. 1 Nguyen Du Street, Tam Ky Ward, Da Nang City.

The workshop brought together a large number of surgeons, oncologists, and gastrointestinal endoscopy specialists from medical facilities in southern Da Nang and other medical facilities in the region.

The workshop was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Duy Long, Lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Head of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City, and President of the Vietnam Gastric Cancer Association; along with co-chairs Dr. Nguyen Tam Thang, Deputy Director of Quang Nam General Hospital, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, Director of Da Nang Oncology Hospital, and leaders and experts from the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Quang Nam General Hospital.

A notable highlight of the workshop was its program structure, which strongly emphasized the practical application of knowledge.

In addition to academic reports, the program included a full-time demonstration of distal partial gastrectomy, combining live presentations and case discussions.

This is a straightforward and practical approach, showing that medicine cannot be limited to slideshows, but must be tested and verified right in the operating room.

In the opening session and first presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Duy Long presented a comprehensive treatment strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer, emphasizing the role of multimodal treatment and individualized indications.

Research data and international recommendations are presented within the context of Vietnam's practical situation, where patients still arrive at hospitals late and access to treatment is uneven across different levels of healthcare.

The series of scientific reports at the conference delved into issues of current interest to experts: updates on the treatment of stage IV gastric cancer; the first RCT study in Vietnam comparing laparoscopic and open surgery in stage T4a gastric cancer; the application of ESD techniques in the treatment of early-stage gastric cancer; as well as techniques for selecting and performing anastomoses after gastrectomy.

Notably, numerous reports from doctors at Quang Nam General Hospital reflect the initial results of laparoscopic gastrectomy performed at the hospital.

This shows that the professional capacity at the provincial level is gradually approaching that of major centers, although there are still many challenges regarding human resources, equipment, and specialized training.

More broadly, the workshop is not only an opportunity to update on new technologies, but also a test of the ability to genuinely "transfer knowledge."

The workshop concluded with a professional summary, the awarding of CME certificates, and networking activities.

But the more important implication lies in the unanswered question: How can advances in gastric cancer surgery and treatment become not just recurring events, but a permanent, sustainable capability within the local healthcare system?

The answer, as the workshop suggested, lies in long-term collaboration, continuous training, and unwavering adherence to professional standards.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/cap-nhat-tien-bo-phau-thuat-va-dieu-tri-ung-thu-da-day-3314921.html