Unexpected outcome after liver cancer surgery: Patient experiences pain-free recovery with minimal incision

A 44-year-old woman seeking treatment for stomach pain was unexpectedly diagnosed with early-stage liver cancer. Following her minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery at FV Hospital, she made a swift recovery and described her treatment journey as surprisingly comfortable.

Seeking medical advice for stomach pain, patient unexpectedly diagnosed with liver cancer

For several months, Ms Le Thi Van (44, Ho Chi Minh City) experienced persistent abdominal pain, indigestion, and fatigue. She was initially diagnosed with gastritis and received medication, but her symptoms did not improve. Upon her family’s recommendation, she consulted Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of General Surgery at FV Hospital.

While searching for the cause of her pain through an abdominal ultrasound, Dr Thai unexpectedly spotted a 3 cm hepatic tumour. Subsequent CT scans revealed imaging features characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Blood tests demonstrated a markedly elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, a tumour marker for liver cancer, at 2,700 ng/mL compared to the normal reference value of less than 10 ng/mL.

“In this instance, the liver cancer was detected completely by chance. Since the tumour was still small and asymptomatic, it presented an exceptionally favourable window for curative intervention,” explained Dr Phan Van Thai.

As the tumour was localised with no evidence of metastasis and liver function was preserved, the surgical team proceeded with laparoscopic resection of the affected liver segment.

Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, discusses the treatment plan with the patient. Image: FV

Post-surgery surprise: Patient reports pain-free recovery

When Ms Van found out she needed surgery, she was very anxious. “On the day I entered the operating theatre, I was so frightened that I burst into tears. However, the doctor explained that because we caught it early, surgery gave me a very high chance of a full cure, which made me feel better,” she said.

The procedure was performed laparoscopically under general anaesthesia. The surgical team made five small incisions to insert laparoscopic instruments. After careful dissection, the tumour and the affected portion of the liver were removed through a 3 cm umbilical incision, minimising visible scarring.

The operation was successful, achieving complete tumour removal. Ms Van was most surprised by her postoperative experience. “When I woke up, I expected to be in severe pain. To my total surprise, when I touched my abdomen and inspected the site, I saw a tiny incision and felt almost no pain whatsoever!” Ms Van shared.

Dr Phan Van Thai and the surgical team perform laparoscopic tumour resection. Image: FV

Due to the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, the patient was able to start walking two days after surgery and was discharged on the fifth day. Her AFP level decreased from 2,700 ng/mL to 2.5 ng/mL, returning to the normal range.

According to Dr Phan Van Thai, although the tumour was detected at an early stage, the significantly elevated preoperative AFP level indicates a higher risk of recurrence. Therefore, the patient requires close follow-up every three months with liver ultrasound and AFP testing to enable early detection of any recurrence.

“I am very grateful to Dr Thai for doing my surgery. He was so dedicated, and the nurses took such good care of me that I never had to worry about anything. Thanks to everyone, I had a swift recovery,” Ms Van said.

Routine screening can improve the chances of successful liver cancer treatment

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics, liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Vietnam, accounting for more than 23,000 deaths and approximately 24,500 new cases annually. A major concern is that early-stage liver cancer is almost entirely asymptomatic. By the time clinical signs such as unexplained weight loss, right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, or ascites appear, the disease has typically progressed to an advanced stage.

Dr Phan Van Thai recommends that individuals with chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, or a family history of liver disease are considered high-risk and should undergo liver ultrasound and biomarker testing (AFP, AFP-L3, PIVKA-II) every 3-6 months.

For individuals aged 40 years and older, even without symptoms or high-risk factors, annual liver screening using abdominal ultrasound is essential to identify lesions at an early, potentially curable stage.

Dr Phan Van Thai stresses that individuals aged 40 and older should undergo annual liver health screenings. Image: FV

To learn more about liver cancer diagnostic and treatment services 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. FV Hospital offers integrated coverage under social health insurance, private health insurance, and 0% interest instalment options to provide maximum financial support for patients.