For the first time in Khanh Hoa, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital has successfully performed a laparoscopic surgery to treat stomach cancer in an elderly patient. This achievement not only marks a significant medical milestone, but also represents a major step forward in bringing high-quality healthcare closer to people in the Central region—where patients previously had to travel long distances to access advanced cancer treatment techniques.
From Risk of Death to a Remarkable Recovery
Mr. Le Tan Q. (86 years old, residing in Phu Yen Province) was admitted to the hospital in a severely weakened state—exhausted, with poor appetite, and pale skin. Initial test results showed a critically low red blood cell count, raising suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding. An endoscopy confirmed a large malignant tumor located in the body of the stomach, accompanied by bleeding ulcers—a serious condition requiring emergency surgery to control the bleeding and prevent life-threatening complications.
Recognizing the high complexity of the case—due to the patient's advanced age and multiple underlying conditions such as hypertension, arrhythmia, fatty liver, and overall frailty—the medical team at Vinmec Nha Trang made the decisive choice to treat the patient locally rather than transferring him to a higher-level facility. They swiftly assembled a multidisciplinary surgical team to perform laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive approach was deemed particularly suitable for elderly patients, offering a safer and more efficient treatment pathway.
The surgery lasted nearly 5 hours, led directly by Dr. Truong Dinh Khoi, PhD – Head of the Gastroenterology Department. The surgical team utilized advanced equipment including the Karl Storz 4K laparoscopic system, Harmonic ultrasonic scalpel, and modern anesthesia techniques combined with bilateral ESP (erector spinae plane) block to maximize safety and support rapid post-operative recovery.
Following the procedure, Mr. Q. was cared for under the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. Remarkably, just 24 hours after surgery, he was able to eat light meals, move around, and gradually return to normal daily activities. By the sixth post-operative day, he was discharged in stable condition with no complications reported. His family shared: “We didn’t think Dad would recover so quickly at the age of 86. In the past, with such a serious condition, we would’ve had to transfer him to a hospital in Saigon. Now, it only takes an hour to get to the hospital—so convenient and incredibly reassuring.”
Bringing High-Quality Healthcare to Local Communities, Reducing the Burden on Central Hospitals
Successfully performing the first laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery at Vinmec Nha Trang not only demonstrates the hospital’s advanced medical capabilities, but also marks a significant step forward for the healthcare system in Central Vietnam.
For many years, complex cancer cases—especially in elderly patients with multiple underlying conditions—were typically referred to top-tier hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. This led to prolonged treatment journeys, high financial costs, and increased risks during patient transport.
With a clear focus on developing specialized expertise locally, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital has made comprehensive investments in both human resources and infrastructure. The hospital is staffed by a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, supported by state-of-the-art medical equipment and advanced treatment protocols. Many of the doctors at Vinmec Nha Trang have undergone training in countries like France and South Korea, equipping them with the expertise and confidence to manage complex cases according to the same standards as top-tier national hospitals.
Dr. Truong Dinh Khoi, PhD, Head of the Gastroenterology Department, shared: “Our goal is not only to perform successful surgeries but also to help patients recover quickly and return to their daily lives as soon as possible. The success of this case provides a strong foundation for Vinmec Nha Trang to continue offering advanced treatment for gastrointestinal cancers right here in the local community.”
As a key link in the Vinmec Healthcare System, Vinmec Nha Trang is steadily establishing itself as a specialized treatment center in Central Vietnam. The hospital plays a vital role in easing the burden on higher-level medical facilities while enabling local residents to access high-quality, modern healthcare close to home. Milestones such as the successful laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery in an elderly patient are clear evidence of this commitment—toward a healthcare system that is humane, modern, and free of geographical barriers.
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