International specialists and doctors at FV Hospital’s Pain Clinic have collaborated to perform epidural adhesiolysis using the RCE Catheter for two patients suffering from post-operative spinal pain. This marks the first time this technique has been performed in Vietnam.
Unlike previous methods, the RCE Catheter is a minimally invasive technique that requires no open surgery. It allows doctors to guide a thin catheter deep into the epidural space to break down epidural adhesions, relieve pressure on nerve roots, and deliver targeted medication (such as local anaesthetics, steroids, and hyaluronidase). This approach allows doctors to precisely treat complex adhesions that were previously difficult to access. It also uses pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) to gently stimulate damaged nerves, helping to reduce pain and restore normal nerve function.
Epidural Adhesion Release with RCE Catheter: An effective solution for relieving persistent pain after back surgery
The procedure was performed during a CME symposium hosted by FV Hospital on 11 April and broadcast live to hundreds of doctors across Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring provinces.
The first case involved a male patient in his 40s who underwent surgery for a herniated disc two years earlier. While his back and leg pain initially improved, the symptoms returned after three months – this time with greater severity, with increased leg pain, muscle weakness, and disrupted sleep. Despite trying several treatments, he could not find long-term relief.
The second case was a 63-year-old woman who underwent major spinal surgery involving screws and rods from the T11 to S1 vertebrae. However, the pain relief did not last long, and the pain returned so intensely that it severely impacted her daily life. Having found no lasting success with radiofrequency treatment or epidural injections, she visited the FV Pain Clinic seeking an end to her persistent suffering.
In both cases, doctors identified the cause of pain as post-operative scarring (adhesions), which was compressing the nerve roots. After surgery, scar tissue can form around the nerves and surrounding structures. While this is a natural part of the healing process, excessive scarring can trap nerves, leading to persistent or recurring pain. Studies show that around 20–30% of patients may experience Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), which severely impacts their quality of life and can even lead to disability.
Dr Christophe Perruchoud, President of the Swiss Neuromodulation Society, joined forces with the medical team at FV Hospital to perform the RCE Catheter procedure.
Inside FV Hospital’s operating theatre, Dr Christophe Perruchoud (President of the Swiss Neuromodulation Society), alongside Dr Nguyen Nam Binh and Dr Pham Hoang Manh, performed the procedure using the RCE Catheter. This advanced device offers advantages over traditional methods (such as the Racz catheter) as it can both clear adhesions and deliver pulsed radiofrequency to modulate damaged nerve roots. During the procedure, Dr Perruchoud explained each step for the hundreds of doctors watching the live broadcast.
“Each procedure took nearly an hour. We were able to effectively remove scar tissue, stimulate the nerve roots, and deliver medication directly to the target areas. The patients will now begin physiotherapy to help them return to their daily lives as quickly as possible,” Dr Perruchoud shared following the surgery.
Dr Christophe Perruchoud with Dr Nguyen Nam Binh (right) and Dr Pham Hoang Manh (left) outside the FV operating theatre
According to Dr Christophe Perruchoud, FV’s medical facilities meet European standards, ensuring high precision and safety during procedures. He also praised the expertise of the FV medical team, who received direct training in Switzerland and have fully mastered this advanced technique.
FV brings advanced pain management closer to patients in Vietnam
The successful launch of the RCE Catheter technique marks a major milestone in FV’s strategy to develop its Pain Clinic into a world-class, specialised centre. This achievement is built on a solid foundation laid by Professor Louis Brasseur, a world-renowned expert with over 45 years of clinical experience, and a team of doctors professionally trained in Europe.
At the FV Pain Clinic, patients benefit from a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach. This model combines biological, psychological, and rehabilitative care using pioneering techniques such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), and neuromodulation.
Experts discussed at the “Advanced Chronic Pain Management – Insights from the World” CME symposium
Beyond patient care, FV is cementing its role as a hub for medical knowledge through its ongoing series of CME symposia. The “Advanced Chronic Pain Management – Insights from Around the World” CME symposium was a key highlight, bringing together a panel of world-renowned experts: Dr Christophe Perruchoud – President of the Swiss Neuromodulation Society; Dr Denis Dupoiron – Head of the Pain Department at L’Ouest Paul Papin Cancer Institute (France) and President of the French Neuromodulation Society; Dr Alain Delbos – Former President of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia; Dr Louis Brasseur – Head of the FV Pain Clinic. This collaboration offered a comprehensive view of modern pain management, from nerve-related pain to cancer pain, while bringing specialised treatment in Vietnam closer to international standards.
Dr Christophe Perruchoud, President of the Swiss Neuromodulation Society, presenting at the workshop.
These advanced training activities reinforce FV Hospital’s reputation not only as a centre for treatment but as a hub of medical excellence, where global medical advances are shared to ensure long-term benefits for patients.
To learn more about treatment options at the FV Pain Clinic, please contact FV Hospital:
Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St., Tan My Ward, HCMC.
Tel: (028) 3511 3333
