Following the arrival of the Da Vinci Xi, one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced surgical robotic systems, valued at over $3 million, FV Hospital officially launched the system on 3 January 2026. This milestone was marked by the successful completion of a complex lung lobectomy for a 72-year-old patient with lung cancer.

The launch represents a key step ahead of FV Hospital’s planned opening of its dedicated Robotic Surgery Unit and reflects a significant advancement in the hospital’s high-technology surgical capabilities.

“Virtually Pain-Free” Robotic Surgery for 72-Year-Old Lung Cancer Patient

The surgery was performed by Dr Dang Dinh Minh Thanh, PhD, Specialist Level II, Head of Thoracic Surgery and Robotic Surgery at FV Hospital. Dr Thanh is a highly experienced surgeon with extensive expertise in performing complex procedures using the Da Vinci robot system.

The patient, Mrs N.T.B. from Ho Chi Minh City, discovered a shadow on her left lung during a routine check-up in October 2025. A subsequent PET/CT scan confirmed two small nodules measuring 10–13 mm, making her an ideal candidate for robotic surgery.

Dr Dang Dinh Minh Thanh, PhD, Specialist Level II, personally inspecting the surgical robot and preparing the patient ahead of the procedure.

Dr Thanh explained: “Surgery is the most effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer. However, removing the upper lobe of the left lung is very difficult using standard keyhole surgery. Robotic surgery allows for the same level of precision as open surgery while remaining minimally invasive.”

The Da Vinci Xi robotic system operating through precise 8 mm incisions, helping to minimise patient trauma.

The surgery began with three small incisions, approximately 8 mm in size, made in the chest wall. Through these openings, the surgeon guided the robotic arms to access the lung area. The first lung nodule, located near the outer edge of the lung, was removed in just 20 minutes. The tissue sample was immediately sent to FV’s Pathology Department for a frozen section analysis, allowing doctors to receive instant results while the patient remained on the operating table. The analysis showed that the nodule was benign, requiring the surgical team to proceed with a biopsy of the remaining lung nodule.

The real challenge came with the second lung nodule, which was located deep within the lung tissue, more than 3 cm beneath the lung surface. Biopsy results of the second nodule confirmed non-small cell lung cancer. The surgical team immediately proceeded with removal of the entire upper lobe of the left lung, along with five groups of lymph nodes.

Dr Dang Dinh Minh Thanh, PhD, Specialist Level II, performing the procedure from the Da Vinci Xi robotic control console.

The entire procedure lasted 3.5 hours, including 90 minutes awaiting biopsy results. Supported by the Da Vinci Xi system, the surgery was performed with high precision, minimal blood loss, and no complications.

The patient shared: “I feel very strong and have almost no pain. If no one told me, I would forget I just had an operation. Choosing robotic surgery at FV was the right decision.”

She recovered well and was discharged after just four days.

Patient N.T.B. beginning physiotherapy and walking independently just one day after surgery.

Da Vinci Xi: The “Supercar” of Surgery

The Da Vinci Xi system functions as an extension of the surgeon’s hands inside the body, enabling exceptional precision in very confined spaces. This is particularly important when operating near blood vessels and during complex cancer surgery.

A highly trained assisting team working in close coordination with the Da Vinci Xi’s four robotic arms

Key features of the system include:

• EndoWrist Technology: Surgical instruments can rotate up to 540 degrees, allowing access to areas that standard surgery cannot reach.
• High-Definition 3D Vision: Surgeons benefit from a magnified view of tiny blood vessels and nerves.
• Anti-Shake Technology: The system eliminates natural hand tremors, ensuring millimetre-perfect accuracy.

Dr Thanh compared the experience to driving: “Using the Da Vinci Xi is like switching from a standard car to a supercar. It is much safer and more efficient.”

A New Standard for Complex Surgery at FV

An assisting surgeon carefully guiding the Da Vinci Xi robotic arm into its designated position.

Investing over $3 million in this technology is part of FV’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading healthcare provider in Asia. To support the robotic system, FV has established:

• International Experts: Surgeons undergo structured training and certification under the guidance of regional Da Vinci experts.
• Multi-specialty Support: On-site laboratories deliver rapid biopsy results, and the hospital maintains an infection rate of below 0.5%.
• High-Tech Ecosystem: The robotic system works alongside other advanced technologies at FV, including the Cath Lab, linear accelerators for cancer (Navigation), and CyberKnife S7.

A New Era for Robotic Surgery at FV Hospital

Experienced surgical hands maximising the precision and control of robotic surgery

The success of this first lung cancer case opens a new chapter for robotic surgery at FV Hospital. Over the next 3–6 months, the Da Vinci Xi system will be used across multiple specialties, including:

• Urology: Prostate and bladder cancer
• Gastroenterology: Stomach and colorectal cancers
• Gynaecology: Uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine-sparing fibroid removal
• ENT: Head and neck surgeries

Dr Jean-Marcel Guillon, CEO of FV Hospital, stated: “Our vision is to be a leading medical provider in Asia. We want to bring the very best to the Vietnamese people.”

Contact Information: For more information on robotic surgery, please visit FV Hospital at 06 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward, HCMC, or call (028) 3511 3333.