Vinmec Nha Trang pioneers endoscopic cancer surgery for elderly patients

For the first time, an endoscopic surgery to treat stomach cancer for an elderly patient was successfully performed at Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital (Khanh Hoa).

The surgery is not only an important professional milestone, it also marks a new step forward in bringing high-quality healthcare closer to the people of Central Vietnam - where patients used to have to go to distant hospitals to access advanced cancer treatment techniques.

From death to miraculous recovery

Patient Le Tan Q. (86 years old, residing in Phu Yen province) was admitted to the hospital in a state of exhaustion, fatigue, poor appetite and pale skin. Initial test results showed that his red blood cell count was very low, suspecting gastrointestinal bleeding. Digestive endoscopy determined a large malignant tumor in the gastric body with bleeding ulcers - a serious condition, requiring emergency surgery to control bleeding and prevent the risk of death.

This is a highly complicated case due to the patient's advanced age, many underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, fatty liver and poor physical condition. However, the Vinmec Nha Trang medical team still decided to keep the patient for treatment instead of transferring him to a higher level, and quickly mobilized a multidisciplinary team to perform endoscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive treatment method, especially suitable for elderly patients.

After only 24 hours of surgery, Mr. Le Tan Q. (86 years old, Phu Yen) recovered well and gradually returned to normal activities.

The surgery lasted nearly 5 hours, directly performed by Dr. Truong Dinh Khoi - Head of the Department of Gastroenterology. The team used the Karl Storz 4K endoscopy system, Harmonic ultrasound knife, and modern anesthesia techniques combined with bilateral ESP regional anesthesia to ensure maximum safety and help the patient recover quickly after surgery.

Dr. Truong Dinh Khoi - Head of Gastroenterology Department and Vinmec Nha Trang team during the surgery

After surgery, Mr. Q. received care according to the early recovery process (ERAS). After only 24 hours, the patient was able to eat lightly, move around, and gradually return to normal activities. On the 6th day after surgery, he was discharged from the hospital in stable condition, with no complications recorded. The patient's family shared: "We didn't think my father could recover so quickly at the age of 86. Previously, with such a serious illness, he would probably have had to be transferred to Saigon. Now it only takes an hour to get to the hospital, which is both convenient and extremely reassuring."

Bringing high-quality medical services to the locality, reducing the burden on upper-level health care

The successful implementation of the first endoscopic gastric cancer surgery at Vinmec Nha Trang not only affirms the hospital's professional capacity but also creates positive changes for the health care system in the Central region.

For many years, complicated cancer cases, especially in elderly patients with many underlying diseases, have often been referred to central hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi . This makes the treatment journey longer, more expensive and poses many risks during the transfer process.

Vinmec Nha Trang aims for successful surgery, helping patients recover quickly.

With the orientation of developing in-depth expertise right at the local level, Vinmec Nha Trang has invested comprehensively in human resources, including a team of highly specialized and experienced doctors, modern equipment and advanced treatment processes. Many doctors here have studied in France and Korea, ready to handle complex cases according to standards equivalent to those of central hospitals.

Dr. Truong Dinh Khoi - Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, said: "We not only aim for a successful surgery, but also want the patient to recover quickly and return to normal life as soon as possible. The success of this case is the foundation for Vinmec Nha Trang to continue to treat digestive cancers locally."

As an important link in the Vinmec healthcare system network, Vinmec Nha Trang is gradually affirming its role as a specialized treatment center in the Central region, helping to reduce the burden on upper-level hospitals and creating conditions for local people to access high-quality healthcare services right where they live. Professional achievements such as the first laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery for elderly patients are clear evidence of that commitment - for a humane, modern healthcare system without geographical distance.

Source: https://vov.vn/doanh-nghiep/thong-tin-doanh-nghiep/vinmec-nha-trang-tien-phong-phau-thuat-ung-thu-noi-soi-cho-benh-nhan-lon-tuoi-post1214630.vov