The FV Wednesday academic seminar on 7 October 2026 once again provided valuable medical insights through two key topics: “Pelvic Congestion Syndrome” and “Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion”.
At the programme, Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, shared key insights into pelvic congestion syndromes, a condition that commonly affects women of childbearing age.
“Patients often experience heaviness or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. The pain may worsen after prolonged standing or sitting, during menstruation, or during sexual intercourse,” explained Dr Luong Ngoc Trung. As these symptoms can overlap with those of other gynaecological conditions, such as chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis, an accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment.
In addition to ultrasound, CT and MRI scans, doctors may recommend contrast venography to assess the pelvic veins. One treatment option is embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow through the affected veins, helping to reduce venous pressure and relieve pain.
Following this presentation, Dr Pham Nguyen Thanh Nam, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, outlined management strategies for malignant pleural effusion, a build-up of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall that is associated with cancer. This condition can cause shortness of breath, chest discomfort and reduced mobility.
Treatment options include therapeutic thoracentesis (to drain the fluid), pleurodesis, indwelling pleural catheters and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The most appropriate approach depends on the patient’s symptoms, general health, cancer stage and overall care goals.
Dr Nam noted that, in patients with advanced cancer, the priorities are to control fluid accumulation, relieve breathlessness promptly and avoid unnecessary procedures. This approach aims to improve patient comfort and help patients maintain their strength for ongoing cancer treatment.
To support this approach, FV Hospital brings together a multidisciplinary team through its Tumour Board. Discussions involving oncologists, vascular intervention specialists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists and dietitians help develop a personalised treatment plan based on each patient’s clinical condition, needs and preferences.
FV also continues to invest in advanced medical technologies, including the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system, brain navigation technology, a 3.0-tesla MRI scanner and the CyberKnife S7 radiosurgery system. These technologies support clinical teams in planning and delivering treatment, with the aim of improving precision and quality of care.
WHAT IS FV WEDNESDAY?
FV Wednesday is a regular session series held two to three times a month on Wednesdays. It offers a collaborative space for doctors to meet, share insights, and learn from one another. By discussing complex clinical cases and advanced techniques, the programme helps maintain healthcare quality in line with JCI standards in Vietnam.
Next seminar schedule (12:10 – 21 October 2026):
Topic: Ultrasound and Carotid Artery Stenting
Speakers:
– Dr Do Huu Phuc, Specialist Level I – Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology Department
– Dr Tran Dai Quynh Van, MSc – Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology Department
