After more than 15 years of unsuccessful treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis at major hospitals in Singapore and Thailand, a 62-year-old Cambodian woman finally found relief at FV Hospital in Vietnam. Doctors successfully treated her condition using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).

Using incisions as small as 1.5 to 3 cm, this advanced minimally invasive technique offers a high success rate in the treatment of thoracic conditions.

Patient Left Exhausted After 15-Year Struggle with Chronic Lung Disease

Chea Uon, a 62-year-old Cambodian woman, began experiencing chronic coughing nearly 40 years ago. Over time, her condition progressed to recurrent pneumonia, severely affecting her overall health. In 2014, she visited FV Hospital, where she was diagnosed with cystic bronchiectasis. Although surgery was advised, she declined due to fear of surgical procedures and instead pursued conservative treatment with medication in Thailand and Singapore.

Despite years of treatment at major hospitals in both countries, Chea Uon’s condition continued to deteriorate. She experienced worsening shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, and increasing weakness in her limbs. On average, she suffered from four to five episodes of pneumonia each year.

In 2025, following her children’s recommendation, Chea Uon returned to FV Hospital. After a thorough examination, Specialist Level II, Luong Ngoc Trung, MD, MSc, Head of  Thoracic, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Department, determined that she had severe bronchiectasis compounded by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a chronic, localised infection in the lower lobe of her left lung.

“The lesion measured approximately 15 to 20 cm, occupying the entire left thoracic cavity and compressing the right lung.” said Dr Trung. “It contained numerous dangerous bacteria, including E. coli and Pseudomonas. This was a rare and severe case of bronchiectasis – the entire lung lobe had completely lost its function, becoming fibrotic, filled with pus, and transformed into a chronic infection site.”

Due to her severely weakened condition, the patient was initially unfit for immediate surgery. Doctors prescribed a two-week course of antibiotics along with pulmonary rehabilitation exercises to improve her lung function and overall health.

Minimally Invasive Surgery to Remove Non-functional, Fibrotic Lung Tissue

After two weeks of antibiotic therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation, the patient underwent surgery on 2 May 2025. The Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), performed by Luong Ngoc Trung, MD, MSc, Specialist Level II, and his team, proceeded smoothly. As a minimally invasive technique using incisions of just 1.5 to 3 cm, VATS is highly effective in treating various thoracic conditions and supports faster postoperative recovery.

During surgery, Dr Trung observed that the entire lower lobe of the left lung was fibrotic and non-functional, the result of chronic scarring and hardening. The lobe contained a large, infected cavity filled with pus, calcifications, and stone-like deposits resembling an abscess. Due to its size, Dr Trung had to divide the diseased lung tissue before removing it thoracoscopically.

The affected lung mass had occupied nearly two-thirds of the left thoracic cavity, compressing the healthy upper lung and restricting its ability to expand. This explained the patient’s prolonged symptoms of breathlessness, oxygen deficiency, and weakened immunity. “If left untreated, the infection could have spread to the right lung, and by then, recovery would have been nearly impossible.” Dr Trung warned.

“If I had known earlier, I would have chosen FV from the start!”

Just six days after surgery, Chea Uon was able to eat, walk slowly, and breathe comfortably without assistance. Her inflammatory markers had dropped significantly, and the persistent coughing and phlegm production had resolved.

“Dr Trung’s consultation and diagnosis aligned exactly with how I felt about my health. His explanation gave me the confidence to undergo surgery without fear,” she shared, visibly relieve and joyful.

Mr Saing Chheann, the patient’s husband, shared that the past 15 years of treatment at various international hospitals had left their family physically and emotionally exhausted. They had previously avoided surgery due to concerns about the risks of open procedures, as minimally invasive techniques like VATS were not yet widely accessible. It was only after speaking with their children, who had trusted FV Hospital for their own healthcare, that the couple decided to return to Vietnam for treatment.

“If we had known earlier how effective the treatment at FV would be, we wouldn’t have spent over 15 years and so much money chasing solutions abroad,” he said.

According to Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchiectasis should have regular follow-ups with a pulmonologist to monitor infections, evaluate lung function, and prevent complications. If lung damage becomes extensive or irreversible, surgical removal of the affected area should be considered to preserve the remaining healthy lung tissue.

For appointments or treatment of lung and thoracic conditions, please contact the Thoracic, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Department at FV Hospital via (028) 3511 3333.