The case presented a formidable challenge even for the most experienced surgeons: two tumours and lungs fused to the chest wall within a narrow, constricted chest cavity, the result of scarring from a previous battle with tuberculosis. Despite these significant difficulties, the surgical team at FV Hospital performed the procedure with remarkable precision. The success not only helped the frail 35kg patient safely undergo a complex major surgery but also demonstrated that the hospital meets international gold standards for advanced robotic intervention.

da Vinci Robot “Cracked the Code”: Dual tumours, fused lungs, and a frail patient

Patient N.T.G, a 78-year-old from Tay Ninh Province, was admitted with lung cancer affecting both the upper and lower lobes of her right lung. The surgical team faced a “perfect storm” of complications. Not only were the tumours complex and difficult to access, but the patient’s physical condition was exceptionally fragile. Weighing a mere 35kg, her thoracic cavity was severely constricted, and her lungs were fully adhered to the chest wall, a consequence of scarring caused by a previous tuberculosis infection.

Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Intervention, who personally managed the case, highlighted the complexity of the procedure: “In conventional laparoscopy, this would be considered an extreme case. Standard surgical tools simply lack the manoeuvrability required to navigate such a confined space while detaching fused lung tissue. The risk of vascular damage and post-operative complications would have been dangerously high.”

“For an elderly patient with a small, frail body and such a narrow chest cavity, robotic surgery is key to solving a highly complex surgical challenge, one that conventional laparoscopy or open surgery would struggle to achieve with the same level of precision,” commented Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, MSc, Specialist Level II.

International Experts Affirm FV’s World-Class Standards

On 2 February, Patient G. underwent the procedure. Leveraging the precision of the da Vinci robotic system, Dr Trung created four tiny 8 mm incisions in the chest wall to insert the robotic arms. The surgical team spent more than an hour meticulously dissecting and separating layers of fused tissue just to reach the tumours. Under the crystal-clear, magnified imaging of the robotic system, Dr Trung carefully manoeuvred the sub-centimetre surgical instruments, which offer a 540-degree range of motion, to successfully manage the delicate blood vessels surrounding the tumours.

The entire procedure lasted approximately three hours. The tumours were cleanly removed with minimal blood loss, a critical outcome for an elderly patient in such a frail condition.

The robotic arms are compactly designed, measuring only about 1 cm, with a 540-degree range of motion. Photo: FV

Despite the inherent risks of major surgery at the age of 78, patient G.’s recovery was remarkably swift. She regained consciousness on the same day and was transferred to a regular ward after just one night of post-operative observation. Only four days later, she was discharged in stable and improving health.

For Mrs G., placing her life in the hands of Dr Trung’s team was a decision made with complete confidence. Now on the mend, her gratitude is clear. “I give Dr Trung and the surgical team a perfect 10,” she said with a bright smile.

Patient N.T.G. makes a swift recovery following her surgery. Photo: FV

Dr Suparauk Geanphun, a leading thoracic surgery specialist from Thailand, was unstinting in his praise for the Vietnamese surgical team’s proficiency. “Dr Trung showed remarkable confidence, and the results are simply outstanding. This was an incredibly complex case. Even I am not certain I could have handled it any better myself!”

He also expressed strong admiration for the facilities at FV Hospital: “The operating rooms, medical equipment and surgical instruments are all of a very high standard. FV genuinely meets international benchmarks.”

Dr Suparauk Geanphun, a leading thoracic surgeon from Thailand, observes the FV surgical team performing the robotic procedure. Photo: FV 

FV Hospital Expands the Use of the da Vinci Xi Robotic System for Complex Surgeries

The da Vinci Xi system is among the most advanced robotic platforms in Southeast Asia. Equipped with high-definition 3D cameras and ultra-flexible, vibration-free robotic arms, it enables surgeons to operate with pinpoint accuracy in the narrowest and deepest anatomical spaces. According to Dr Trung, the da Vinci Xi is a powerhouse for specialised interventions: “It can swiftly and precisely handle everything from lung cancer resections to mediastinal and thymic tumour removals.”

Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, MSc, Specialist Level II, performs a robotic lung cancer procedure using the da Vinci Xi system. Photo: FV

Since early 2026, FV Hospital has officially launched its Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre, delivering highly specialised surgical care for complex conditions that require exceptional precision, with the aim of optimising outcomes and long-term postoperative recovery. The centre provides robotic-assisted procedures across multiple specialties, particularly:

• Lung cancer, myasthenia gravis, and deep-seated thoracic tumours
• Prostate and bladder cancers
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Uterine cancer, endometriosis, and pelvic organ prolapse

To make this cutting-edge technology more accessible, FV Hospital has launched a support programme offering a VND 40 million discount for the first 50 robotic surgery cases, valid until 15 June 2026. For more information, visit FV Hospital at 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward, HCMC, or contact (028) 3511 3333.