Dr Le Ngoc Diep, Specialist Level II: “I hope every patient could have the opportunity for robot-assisted surgery”

After 15 years of dedicated experience in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery, Dr Le Ngoc Diep, Specialist Level II, once thought laparoscopy was already advanced enough and questioned whether a robot was truly necessary. However, after familiarising herself with the new technology, she realised that a robot does not replace a surgeon’s experience; instead, it allows skills accumulated over many years to be applied in a completely different way.

Dr Le Ngoc Diep, Specialist Level II, robot-assisted gynaecological surgery expert at FV Hospital. Photo: FV Hospital

From 15 years of laparoscopy to robotics

Dr Diep began performing laparoscopic surgery in 2011 at Tu Du Hospital. With a strong foundation built through years of surgical training, she initially believed that laparoscopy adequately met the demands of gynaecological procedures, leaving her unconvinced that a robot would make a significant difference.

However, after hearing a colleague’s account of a robot-assisted surgical experience, she began to view the technology from a different perspective. Her colleague’s mother had undergone robot-assisted urological surgery. Following the operation, she experienced virtually no pain and was extremely pleased with her recovery. This story sparked Dr Diep’s deep interest in the benefits that robotic surgery can offer patients, reinforcing her belief that medicine must continuously evolve to provide better care.

Approaching the robotic system at FV Hospital did not start from scratch. Dr Diep believes that the skills honed through years of surgery remain the foundation, while the robot’s advanced technology enhances the precision and dexterity with which a surgeon performs surgical manoeuvres. This makes the procedure elegant and refined according to the highest standards of modern treatment: keeping the patient at the centre of every medical advancement.

When a skilled surgeon continues to seek better outcomes

Discussing her two most recent robot-assisted surgeries at FV, Dr Diep provided clearer insight into how robotics can assist.

The first case involved a female patient with a very large uterine fibroid weighing approximately 1.3 kg, roughly equivalent in size to a four- to five-month pregnancy, with multiple irregular fibroids occupying the abdominal cavity. In cases involving a large uterus or lesions in hard-to-reach locations, straight laparoscopic instruments can restrict manoeuvrability. In contrast, the flexible joints of the robotic arms allow surgeons to access these areas much more easily. Despite undergoing major surgery to remove the large fibroid, the patient was cheerful and excited to travel abroad just over a week later following a rapid physical recovery.

The next case was a 53-year-old patient with multiple uterine fibroids, some causing prolonged menorrhagia, resulting in a uterus the size of a three-month pregnancy. The patient chose robot-assisted surgery in the hope of recovering quickly, as she was particularly concerned about post-operative pain. The procedure lasted around 90 minutes, and the patient was discharged after two days in good condition, describing the pain from the incision as “no more than a paper cut.”

In addition to the flexibility of the robotic arms, which allows delicate surgical manipulation, Dr Diep noted that the system also supports surgeons during complex procedures. It can help reduce physical and mental strain, particularly during difficult and prolonged operations. As a result, doctors can maintain better focus and precision when performing complex procedures.

“Everything I have learned over the past 15 years, all the skills I have developed, are still fully applied when operating the robot, but with even greater precision and smoothness,” Dr Diep shared.

A robot-assisted gynaecological procedure performed by Dr Le Ngoc Diep, Specialist Level II. Photo: FV Hospital.

“I don’t like the word ‘talent’; I am the result of passion”

Her journey with robotics also reflects a defining characteristic of how Dr Diep entered her profession.

She graduated in December 2001 and began working at Tu Du Hospital. Moving from initial apprehension to growing confidence through countless deliveries, caesarean sections, and open gynaecological surgeries, she discovered a captivating passion for gynaecological laparoscopy in 2010. The fast-paced, exciting and challenging nature of performing surgery through 5 mm incisions meant she could lose track of time, often forgetting about lunch. To her, this was not a sacrifice, but simply the result of being drawn to the wonder of conquering difficult medical challenges.

When asked about her capabilities, Dr Diep shared: “I am hesitant to use the word ‘talent’. I would rather say that I am the result of being inspired by my profession, and now I hope to pass that inspiration on. When you are passionate and devote your mind and time to something, the results naturally take shape just as you hope.”

Perhaps with this perspective, after 15 years of laparoscopy, her enthusiasm and passion for robot-assisted surgery remain entirely intact. It is not because her previous approach was insufficient. Rather, she believes that in medicine, even good approaches can be improved to deliver greater benefits for patients.

Dr Diep seated at the da Vinci Xi robotic console. Photo: FV Hospital

Hoping for more options for patients

Dr Diep currently serves as Head of the Laparoscopy Department at Tu Du Hospital and performs surgeries at the FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre. As she supports women through their robot-assisted procedures at FV, Dr Diep has one simple wish: “I hope that more and more patients have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of robot-assisted surgery.”

After 15 years of performing laparoscopic surgery, she chose to learn a new technique not simply to challenge herself, but because she believes that knowledge is most meaningful when it creates more treatment options for her patients.

BOOK A CONSULTATION FOR ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY WITH DR LE NGOC DIEP, SPECIALIST LEVEL II

Book a consultation with Dr Le Ngoc Diep, Specialist Level II, for robot-assisted gynaecological surgery, including procedures for uterine fibroids, pelvic organ prolapse and gynaecological cancers.

Contact: FV Hospital, 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (028) 3511 3333