Behind that number lies not only the professional expertise of one of the country's leading organ transplant centers but also the continuation of "gifts of life" from the families of organ donors—people who chose to share during the most painful times. Of the 21 transplant cases, 19 were performed using organs from 3 brain-dead donors. The transplanted organs included 5 liver transplants, 2 heart transplants, 1 lung transplant, 10 kidney transplants, and 1 tracheal transplant. In addition, the hospital also performed 3 kidney transplants from living donors.

Liver transplant surgery at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital. Photo provided by the hospital.

This is considered one of the largest multi-organ transplant campaigns ever, not only because of the large number of transplants in a short period of time, but also because of the diversity and complexity of the organs transplanted simultaneously. To ensure the "golden hour" for each transplant, surgical, anesthesia, resuscitation, post-transplant, laboratory, and imaging teams worked continuously day and night. Each stage was closely coordinated to optimize the survival rate for patients. In the field of lung transplantation, this campaign marked a new professional advancement as doctors at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital applied the laryngeal mask anesthesia technique for lung transplant patients in Vietnam for the first time. This technique helps minimize airway invasiveness, reduce the risk of respiratory complications, and support faster recovery after transplantation.

Not only has the hospital successfully performed many complex transplant surgeries, but it also plays a central role in connecting and coordinating organ resources among medical facilities nationwide. During this transplant campaign, Viet Duc Friendship Hospital collaborated with the National Children's Hospital to share organs for pediatric transplants; and urgently transported heart transplant patients from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by air to shorten waiting times. Alongside its coordination efforts, the hospital continues to provide professional support and transfer kidney transplant techniques to Tam Anh General Hospital, contributing to expanding the organ transplant network and improving treatment capacity nationwide.

In particular, behind each successful transplant is a deeply moving story of giving. Among the organ donors was a 19-year-old female patient with a craniopharyngeal tumor. While alive, she had expressed a wish to donate her organs to save lives if she were to pass away. After she became brain dead, her family suppressed their grief to fulfill their daughter's wish, giving many other patients a chance at life.

The consecutive achievements in the field of organ transplantation not only affirm the increasingly high professional level of Vietnamese doctors and medical staff but also strongly spread the humane message about donating tissues and organs after brain death – a noble act that helps life continue from loss and sacrifice.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/y-te/cac-van-de/dau-an-moi-cua-ghep-tang-viet-nam-1042376