Doan Ngoc Giao, MD, PhD: “Robotic-assisted surgery marks a new era in surgery”

From performing his first challenging laparoscopic procedure nearly three decades ago to becoming Head of the FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre, Doan Ngoc Giao, MD, PhD’s professional journey has mirrored the remarkable evolution of surgery in Vietnam – from laparoscopy to robotic surgery. For him, every medical innovation must begin with one guiding principle: delivering the greatest possible benefit to patients.

Continuously stepping into new challenges

Born into an artistic family, with a father who was a theatre director and a mother who was a puppeteer, Dr Doan Ngoc Giao once dreamed of becoming an artist. However, his fascination with the principles of biology led him to medicine, where he found endless satisfaction in exploring the complex workings of the human body.

Doan Ngoc Giao, MD, PhD – a leading expert in General Surgery. Photo: FV

After graduating from Hanoi Medical University – Hai Phong Campus (now Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy), Dr Giao began his career at Viet Tiep Hospital before undertaking several years of training under some of Vietnam’s leading gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgeons at Viet Duc Hospital. He also undertook advanced training in Japan, South Korea, Europe, the United States and Singapore. More than 15 years into his career, he joined Cho Ray Hospital, one of Vietnam’s leading referral centres for the country’s most complex surgical cases.

Now a leading expert in general surgery, Dr Giao still vividly remembers his first laparoscopic gastrointestinal operation in the late 1990s, a time when Vietnamese surgery was beginning to shift from open surgery to minimally invasive procedures. While the same operation performed as open surgery took only about 30 minutes, that laparoscopic operation lasted more than three hours.

“It was a complete shift in mindset and approach to an operation,” he recalls.

According to Dr Giao, it was this challenging period that shaped his belief that if a doctor wants to deliver better outcomes for patients, they must constantly learn and innovate. That very spirit continues to drive him towards the next surgical revolution: robotic-assisted surgery.

da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgery: Advancing technology to improve patients’ quality of life

Dr Giao performing gastric cancer surgery for a patient. Photo: FV

According to Doan Ngoc Giao, MD, PhD, robotic-assisted surgery is a significant advancement over traditional laparoscopic surgery. Having performed numerous operations, he understands the limitations of operating in anatomically challenging areas. The da Vinci Xi robot helps surgeons operate with greater precision and control, while reducing dependence on the surgical team, minimising tissue trauma, and preserving vital structures, especially in complex oesophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer cases.

“Modern medicine is not just about saving lives. It is also about helping patients maintain their quality of life. Robotic surgery brings us closer to achieving both goals,” he emphasises.

Dr Giao at the FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre. Photo: FV

Partnering to bring advanced technology closer to patients

As Head of the FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre at FV Hospital, Doan Ngoc Giao, MD, PhD is leading his team in bringing robotic surgery closer to patients in Vietnam. At the same time, he is committed to developing the centre into a hub for leading surgical specialists and advanced surgical techniques.

According to him, investing in a robotic system is only the first step. What matters more is building a highly qualified team that is proficient in using the technology and is dedicated to their profession. This is also a key focus for FV Hospital.

“Robotic-assisted surgery is truly valuable only when more and more doctors master it and an increasing number of patients benefit from it,” Dr Giao shares.

With extensive expertise and years of surgical experience, Dr Giao specialises in oesophageal cancer surgery and sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer, helping patients avoid a permanent stoma whenever possible. He also treats colorectal, gastric, liver and pancreatic cancers, as well as many other complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Each year, he performs around 400 to 500 operations, a workload that demands immense resilience and dedication. Yet it is the patients’ smiles on the day they are discharged that that motivate him to keep stepping into the operating theatre with the mindset of achieving the best possible outcome.

Beyond being a highly experienced surgeon, as Head of the FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre at FV Hospital, Dr Doan Ngoc Giao is deeply committed to training, standardising surgical techniques, and developing the next generation of robotic surgeons.

He always reminds his students:

“General Surgery requires hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. The ability to handle situations during each operation, and throughout a patient’s treatment, relies entirely on each individual’s capability and mindset, built on a foundation of solid knowledge.”

From a high-pressure first laparoscopic case nearly three decades ago to mastering modern robotic-assisted surgery, Doan Ngoc Giao, MD, PhD has always chosen to stand at the forefront of innovation with a simple yet powerful belief: every advancement in medicine must ultimately improve patients’ quality of life.