How robotic surgery at FV removed colon tumour, cleared 71 lymph nodes painlessly

After learning he had colon cancer, a 66-year-old man hesitated, postponing surgery for half a year. Upon presentation to FV Hospital, the tumour had enlarged substantially, compressing the colonic stent and resulting in recurrent bowel obstruction. The surgical team utilised the da Vinci Xi robotic system to remove the tumour and clear 71 lymph nodes.

Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, examining the patient after surgery. Image: FV

Colon tumour compresses stent following 6-month delay in surgical intervention

Mr Nguyen Van Men, a 66-year-old driver from Dong Nai Province, experienced acute abdominal pain and vomiting in early 2026 while driving. After more than 10 days of persistent symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation, he sought medical attention at a local hospital. Physicians identified a bowel obstruction but could not initially determine the underlying cause.

Subsequently, his family arranged for further specialist evaluation in Ho Chi Minh City. There, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, which had narrowed the bowel so much that normal movement was impossible. To relieve the obstruction, a colonic stent was placed. Although surgery was recommended, Mr Men hesitated and sought further opinions at several facilities before coming to FV Hospital.

Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, advising on the treatment approach for the colon tumour. Image: FV

At FV Hospital, Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of General Surgery, ordered a repeat CT scan and updated lab tests. Over 6 months, the tumour grew to 7 × 4 cm, invaded the parietal peritoneum, and caused multiple enlarged lymph nodes. It also compressed the stent, resulting in recurrent bowel obstruction.

After a thorough conversation with Dr Thai about his options, Mr Men finally agreed to robotic-assisted surgery. After one week of medication and continuous bowel irrigation, the bowel was clear and Mr Men was fit for surgery.

The da Vinci Xi robotic system removes the tumour and clears 71 lymph nodes in a deep, confined space

In mid-June 2026, the procedure was performed using the da Vinci Xi robotic system. The surgical team removed the affected colon segment and cleared all surrounding lymph nodes. Dr Thai noted that nodal involvement extended to the abdominal aorta, requiring an extensive lymph node dissection.

Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, operating the robotic system to remove the colon tumour. Image: FV

After 4 hours, the operation was completed. The team removed a 25cm segment of bowel and retrieved 71 lymph nodes, four of which were cancerous.

Just one day after surgery, Mr Men took his first steps with help from the physiotherapy team, starting exercises to speed his recovery. By the second day, he was already standing and walking on his own. He described waking from robotic surgery as “barely any pain. I almost couldn’t believe the operation had already been done,” and expressed gratitude for the care provided by the medical team.

According to Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, early-stage colon cancer often has no clear symptoms or only subtle signs, such as changes in bowel habits, persistent constipation or diarrhoea, dull abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, narrow stool, unexplained weight loss, or anaemia.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek prompt medical assessment. Delaying diagnosis or treatment allows the tumour to grow, increasing the risk of bowel obstruction, invasion of nearby organs, or lymph node metastasis, and makes treatment more complex.

For consultation on colon cancer treatment using the advanced da Vinci Xi robotic system, please visit FV Hospital at 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City, or call (028) 3511 3333.