Young man overcomes “death’s door” after surgery for extremely rare giant bone tumor

Professors, experts and doctors are discussing about coordinating surgery for the patient.

A month ago, NVH (19 years old, Hanoi ) and his family were shocked to learn that H. had a giant tumor in his stomach, measuring more than 20 cm. The young man could not believe that he could recover so quickly after a complicated and "unique" surgery. H. was discharged from the hospital exactly 1 week after the surgery - an amazing feat.

From “confusion” to “absolute peace of mind”

For several years now, H. has been living with a giant cartilage tumor in his abdomen without even knowing it. When he started experiencing symptoms such as numbness in the pelvic area, pain in the hips and legs, difficulty walking, and insomnia at night, the young man who loves sports went to many places for examination and was diagnosed with myositis and minor soft tissue injuries due to playing sports. Taking medicine only relieved the pain for a while and then it returned, leaving H. and his family bewildered as to why no matter how many times they examined him, he still could not find the disease.

At the end of August, H. decided to go to Vinmec Times City International General Hospital for a check-up. There, doctors determined that an unusually large tumor was located right in the pelvic floor area.

“The tumor was so huge, as big as a fetus with one leg sticking out, I had never seen it in my entire career,” Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung, Director of the Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital, recounted his unforgettable impression. According to Prof. Dung, at this time the tumor had begun to cause complications, pressing on internal organs, and if not removed early, it could directly threaten the patient’s life.

It is estimated that each year in Vietnam there are only 5-10 cases with tumors in such a "dangerous" position. In addition, the patient faces the risk of death right on the operating table because the tumor is supplied by a large and complex blood vessel system.

Giant tumor over 20cm

It was not until they saw with their own eyes the 3D printed model of the tumor in their abdomen that H.'s family realized the severity of the case. After the doctors carefully analyzed the multidisciplinary surgical plan with hundreds of backup scenarios, including the situation where the patient lost up to 10 liters of blood on the operating table, H. placed all his trust in the Vinmec doctors.

“ At first, I was very afraid of surgery. But after listening to the doctor's analysis, foreseeing all the possibilities and giving the safest surgical plan, I overcame my fear and confidently decided to perform this surgery. The doctors' precision and dedication to the patient is what gave me absolute peace of mind,” H. excitedly shared on the day of discharge from the hospital, September 20, exactly 1 week after being on the operating table.

Professor Tran Trung Dung is examining a patient.

Cancer treatment according to international standards: The key to creating miracles

To accomplish this feat, Vinmec immediately established a multidisciplinary Oncology Council and a Treatment Council. More than 30 doctors from different specialties were mobilized to plan and participate in the surgery.

“The cartilage tumor is like a giant stone blocking the front. How to remove this stone without damaging the blood vessels, nerves and surrounding organs is an extremely difficult problem. We consulted with many outside experts but all shook their heads because the risk was too great,” Prof. Tran Trung Dung recounted.

At this time, 3D printing technology has maximized its effectiveness. This is the technology pioneered by Vinmec and VinUni University in Vietnam. 3D printing of tumor prototypes at a 1:1 ratio helps doctors visually and accurately assess the shape, volume, and correlation of the tumor with important organs, thereby planning a thorough and safe tumor surgery. In particular, doctors have conducted experimental surgery on 3D models to predict difficulties in order to come up with a reasonable surgical plan and minimize complications before performing the actual surgery.

However, the key to success in this surgery is a meticulous surgical plan with the coordinated participation of a team of more than 30 doctors, nurses, and multidisciplinary technicians in the fields of Cardiology, Digestion, Urology, Orthopedics, Diagnostic Imaging, Anesthesia, Resuscitation, etc. The surgical "strategy" is also divided into many stages to "conquer" the rare bone tumor.

Team of Professors and Doctors congratulate the patient on his discharge from the hospital

Specifically, 1 day before the surgery, the Diagnostic Imaging doctors performed a occlusion of the large blood vessels supplying the tumor, thereby minimizing the amount of blood loss during surgery. On the day of the surgery, the Cardiologists , Gastroenterologists, and Urologists participated in the surgery to separate and release the bladder, ureter , rectum, etc. from the tumor. Then, the Orthopedic Trauma specialists joined in, removing the tumor through 2 incisions on the abdomen and behind the thigh. During the entire stage of the major surgery, the team of Anesthetists and Pain Relief doctors continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain a stable state for the patient as well as minimize post-operative complications. The surgical team consisted of dozens of doctors working tirelessly for many hours, all aiming for the goal of the patient's recovery .

“To achieve optimal cancer diagnosis and treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is the key to success, especially in difficult cases. In Vietnam today, for many reasons, this method is not yet popular. Meanwhile, at Vinmec, this is a mandatory procedure. If it has not passed the Multidisciplinary Council, treatment will not be given. This is also an approach to cancer treatment according to international standards,” said Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Duc Huan, Director of the Center for Digestive - Hepatobiliary - Urology, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Thanks to the early post-operative recovery program pioneered by Vinmec, H. did not feel any pain after the major surgery. Discharged after only 7 days, the young man will soon return to normal life to continue his passion for sports. New hope is also opening up for cancer patients in Vietnam as medical facilities like Vinmec increasingly master international standard treatment techniques.

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