After experiencing sudden severe abdominal pain, a 67-year-old woman was diagnosed with a large necrotic gastric tumour attached to the pancreas. During a five-hour operation, FV’s surgical team successfully removed the tumour using the advanced da Vinci Xi robotic system, avoiding the need for open surgery and supporting a faster recovery.
First medical check-up in 10 years reveals large gastric tumour after sudden abdominal pain
When abdominal pain began on a Saturday afternoon, Mrs H.T. (67, from Ho Chi Minh City) initially thought it was a common stomach problem that would improve with rest. By the following morning, the pain had become much more severe – a sharp stabbing sensation that left her unable to stand. Her family immediately rushed her to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at FV Hospital.
As she had not undergone a medical check-up for nearly 10 years and had experienced no previous symptoms, Mrs H.T. was shocked to learn that doctors had discovered a stomach tumour about the size of an adult’s fist.
“Our whole family was extremely worried. None of us were prepared for such a serious diagnosis,” a family member shared.
Illustration of a GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour) in the digestive tract
According to Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of General Surgery at FV Hospital, Mrs H.T.’s GIST measured approximately 5x5x7cm. The main concern was the tumour’s complex location and condition. It was located at the back of the stomach near the cardia, adherent to the surface of the pancreas, and around 30% of the tumour tissue had become necrotic, making surgery particularly challenging.
“Because of the tumour’s location and condition, conventional laparoscopic surgery would have been extremely difficult. In the past, the patient would most likely have required open surgery, which carries a higher risk of bleeding and damage to nearby organs,” Dr Thai explained.
Five-hour robotic surgery successfully removes tumour attached to the pancreas
Fortunately, Mrs H.T. was admitted just as FV Hospital launched its FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre, featuring one of the world’s most advanced robotic surgical platforms. According to Dr Phan Van Thai, the da Vinci Xi robotic system offers significant advantages over both open surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Because robotic surgery requires only very small incisions of around 8mm, it helps reduce bleeding, preserves healthy tissue, and supports faster recovery.
“I agreed to the robotic surgery after Dr Thai clearly explained the different treatment options and the procedure itself,” Mrs H.T. recalled.
The five-hour gastric wedge resection required meticulous precision. Dr Thai carefully separated the tumour from the pancreas layer by layer, while avoiding damage to surrounding tissues and preventing rupture of the necrotic area. Supported by the da Vinci Xi robot, 3D high-definition imaging with 10x magnification allowed for a clear view of every connective tissue fibre. Meanwhile, the robotic arms – capable of 540-degree rotation, extension, and flexion – navigated the narrow space with superior agility and absolute stability thanks to built-in tremor filtration, enabling continuous precision. As a result, the tumour was completely removed, the surrounding lymph nodes were carefully cleared, and blood loss was minimal.
Laboratory results showed that the tumour carried a low risk of recurrence. Notably, Mrs H.T. does not require chemotherapy or long-term medication.
Dr Phan Van Thai operates the robot to resect the patient’s tumour
We feel very fortunate to have access to such advanced medical technology here in Vietnam
Waiting for his wife outside the operating theatre, Mr M. shared that he had endured moments of extreme stress, followed by an overwhelming sense of relief. “I had imagined many worst-case scenarios, so I am very grateful that everything went so smoothly,” he expressed with joy.
“We are incredibly lucky to have access to such modern medical technology right here in Vietnam! Because the incisions were small, I recovered quickly and my family did not have to worry too much about post-operative care. The doctors explained everything clearly based on my test results, which gave me great peace of mind. I am especially grateful to Dr Thai and the medical team for their care and support,” Mrs H.T. happily shared.
Dr Phan Van Thai, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of General Surgery at FV Hospital
The da Vinci Xi is an advanced minimally invasive robotic surgical system currently used in hospitals around the world. Beyond the technology itself, the success of robotic surgery is driven by a comprehensive professional ecosystem. This includes a team of intensively trained surgeons, rigorous operational protocols, and an operating theatre suite that meets JCI international standards. At FV Hospital, robotic surgery is currently used across multiple specialties, including thoracic, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, urological, gynaecological, and oncological surgery.
For a consultation regarding da Vinci Xi robotic surgery, please contact FV Hospital at: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang St., Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (028) 3511 3333.
