Tumour Removal and Breast Reconstruction in a Single Endoscopic Procedure: A “2-in-1” Solution for Breast Cancer Patients

Early detection of breast cancer offers a high chance of a cure, but the fear of changes to physical appearance remains a major concern for many women. FV Hospital has recently achieved an excellent clinical and cosmetic outcome for a patient with Stage I breast cancer, thanks to a smooth multidisciplinary approach.

Following a standard chemotherapy protocol, the patient underwent a special surgical procedure. The diseased tissue was removed using an endoscopic method through a small 4 cm incision in the armpit (leaving no surgical scars on the breast), combined with immediate bilateral breast reconstruction using implants during the same operation. The surgery not only completely removed the tumour but also fully restored the patient’s self-confidence. 

Multidisciplinary strategy and breakthrough endoscopic technique

The journey of patient H T (43 years old) began with a routine general check-up at another medical facility, where doctors detected abnormalities and recommended further diagnostic assessment. She decided to come to FV for further evaluation.

Through diagnostic imaging and biopsy tests, Dr Phung Ngoc Thu, Specialist Level I – Head of Breast Care Centre, determined that Ms H T had stage I left breast cancer. Fortunately, thanks to early detection, the prognosis for a complete cure in this case was very high, reaching up to 80%. 

Instead of operating immediately, the FV Tumour Board determined that administering chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) would bring optimal benefits to the patient. Therefore, Ms H T received coordinated medical oncology treatment with Dr Tran Thi Phuong Thao at the Hy Vong Cancer Centre. Three weeks after the final chemotherapy dose, when her health conditions were ideal, the patient proceeded to surgery.

Recalling this challenging period, Ms H T shared: “When I heard the news that I was ill, I was very anxious. However, because I had previously given birth and had multiple check-ups at FV, I completely trusted the medical team here.” She also added that after finishing chemotherapy, her health improved significantly, and the attentive treatment and care process at the hospital made her feel extremely reassured.

Instead of the traditional open surgery method that leaves a long, complex scar, the surgeons at the Centre applied the endoscopic technique. Through a discreet 4 cm incision hidden in the armpit, the entire breast tissue containing cancer cells on the left side was dissected and safely and thoroughly removed without leaving any scars on the breast. The application of endoscopic equipment helps surgeons clearly observe blood vessels and tissue structures, minimising damage to surrounding areas.

Prepectoral reconstruction: reducing pain and increasing treatment efficiency

The most distinctive feature of the surgery lay in the integrated “2-in-1” approach: radical cancer treatment combined with comprehensive aesthetic restoration. Understanding the patient’s desire to maintain her figure and confidence after treatment, the doctors proceeded to reconstruct the breast during the surgery itself. Not stopping at compensating for the removed left breast, the doctors also met the patient’s desire to enhance her appearance by placing an additional breast implant on the right side (the healthy side), which also fulfilled her long-held aesthetic wish.

In addition, an important technical improvement was applied to optimise benefits for the patient. The team placed the breast implant on top of the pectoralis major muscle combined with a supported by a synthetic material, instead of placing it under the muscle as in traditional techniques. A representative of the surgical team stated: “This is one of the pioneering endoscopic surgeries at FV, applying multiple methods to optimise breast cancer treatment outcomes. The special point is that we coordinated three tasks: removing the tumour-bearing breast tissue, performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy in the armpit, and placing reconstruction implants through just one small 4 cm incision in the armpit.” At the same time, the surgeon emphasised that placing the breast implant above the muscle helps the patient significantly reduce pain, while the breast after surgery maintains a soft, natural feel and protects the implant safely.

Having undergone a complex surgery including axillary lymph node management, breast tissue removal, and bilateral aesthetic reconstruction, the patient made an excellent recovery. “The treatment process at FV was went very smoothly. In the near future, I will continue to follow up with the Hy Vong Cancer Centre,” Ms H.T shared her satisfaction after the treatment. Post-operative test results showed that the tumour had completely disappeared after chemotherapy and the lymph nodes had not metastasised, which is excellent news indicating a very good prognosis.

The success of this case not only demonstrates the high level of expertise of the breast surgery team at FV, but also affirms the core value of modern medical trends: Treating a disease is not just about saving a life, but also about preserving quality of life and helping women maintain their confidence.

FV prepares to apply the da Vinci Xi robot to breast cancer surgery

FV Hospital is preparing to introduce the da Vinci Xi robotic system into the treatment of breast cancer patients. Compared to conventional endoscopy, this technology possesses outstanding aesthetic advantages with a small incision in the armpit. These streamlined incisions help hide scars perfectly, creating ideal conditions for effective treatment while ensuring the most natural aesthetics for the patient.

In addition, the flexible rotating robotic arms, along with a 3D camera magnified 10 times, help surgeons operate with greater precision in anatomically complex areas while minimising damage to healthy tissue. Thanks to limited blood loss and reduced post-operative pain, patients will recover quickly to return to their normal lives soon. This advancement promises to raise the success rate of treatment, while fully preserving confidence and quality of life for women.