FV Hospital surgeons remove liver-obscured renal tumour using da Vinci Xi robotic system

A 3 cm kidney tumour, nearly hidden behind the liver, was discovered during a routine health screening for an asymptomatic 37-year-old man. Given the tumour’s challenging position, the surgical team at FV Hospital utilised the da Vinci Xi robotic system to remove it in its entirety whilst preserving healthy kidney tissue. The patient made a swift recovery and was discharged after 4 days.

Catching an asymptomatic tumour

At 37, Mr N.P.L. had no symptoms such as back pain, hematuria, weight loss, or any other warning symptoms. However, an ultrasound during a routine health checkup unexpectedly revealed a 3 cm renal mass, shocking him and his family. Subsequent specialised diagnostic evaluations strongly suspected Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).

After reading a testimonial from a patient who underwent da Vinci Xi robotic surgery at FV Hospital and being impressed by many patients’ recoveries, Mr L. decided to seek a consultation at FV.

Dr Do Quang Minh, MSc, Specialist Level II, consults a patient on the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical technique. Image: FV

Dr Do Quang Minh, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of Urology Department at FV Hospital, explains that early-stage renal cell carcinoma rarely presents with obvious clinical symptoms and is usually found incidentally. By the time patients exhibit classic symptoms such as gross hematuria, flank pain, or a palpable abdominal mass, the disease is often already advanced.

Da Vinci Xi robotic system enables complete excision of liver-obscured tumour

FV Hospital’s medical board considered Mr L.’s case highly complex due to the tumour’s location at the upper pole of the right kidney, nearly hidden by the liver. The surgical team needed to fully mobilize and precisely rotate the kidney to access the mass, as any inaccuracy could damage vital blood vessels or healthy tissue.

On June 9, Dr Minh performed the surgery using the da Vinci Xi system. This advanced technology offers high-definition 3D visualisation and robotic arms that rotate up to 540 degrees, allowing precise operations in confined spaces and minimising blood loss and tissue trauma.

After a two-hour operation, the tumour was fully removed with maximal preservation of kidney function. The patient recovered well and was discharged after 4 days.

The da Vinci Xi robotic surgery for renal cell carcinoma at FV Hospital. Image: FV

Histopathology confirmed Stage T1a Renal Cell Carcinoma, meaning the tumour was localized within the kidney with no metastasis. Thanks to early detection, Mr L. required no further oncology treatment.

“For patients who have undergone complete surgical resection for Stage T1a renal cell carcinoma, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and adjuvant therapy are not required; patients simply need periodic follow-up and monitoring under the guidance of their doctors,” explained Dr Do Quang Minh, MSc, Specialist Level II.

Increasing incidence of kidney cancer among younger patients

According to 2022 GLOBOCAN statistics, there were about 434,840 new cases of renal cell carcinoma and nearly 156,000 deaths worldwide. The disease is more common in men, with a median diagnosis age of 64.

However, more cases are now being diagnosed in younger patients. Small, localised renal masses make up about 40% of new diagnoses by ultrasound, CT, or MRI. When detected early, as in Mr L.’s case, the outlook for recovery is very promising.

Regular health checkups, especially abdominal ultrasounds, are a powerful yet simple way to catch serious illnesses like kidney cancer early. The sooner the intervention, the better the chances of saving kidney function and enjoying a higher quality of life after treatment

Dr Do Quang Minh, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of Urology at FV Hospital – expert in da Vinci Xi robotic surgery. Image: FV

To learn more about diagnostic and treatment options for renal cell carcinoma at FV Hospital, please visit 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan My Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City, or call (028) 3511 3333.