Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Next-Generation Robotic Surgery in Vietnam

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Vietnam, with over 180,000 new cases reported annually, making it the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. To address this growing burden, the Ministry of Health has developed a national cancer prevention and treatment strategy focusing on three key areas: prevention, early detection, and improving treatment capacity. Among the advanced solutions, robot-assisted surgery stands out as a revolutionary approach, offering patients a new chance at life through minimally invasive procedures and cutting-edge technology.

Why Robotic Surgery is the Future of Cancer Care

Robotic surgery represents the next evolution in surgical techniques, following the transition from traditional open surgery to minimally invasive procedures. This technology enables surgeons to perform complex operations with enhanced precision, reduced trauma, and faster recovery times. In Vietnam, Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City has become the first facility in the southern region to operate the Da Vinci Xi robotic system, the most advanced fourth-generation platform currently available in Southeast Asia and globally approved by the U.S. FDA. This system can perform more than 120 types of surgeries across multiple specialties, including urology, thoracic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and gynecology. Equipped with highly flexible robotic arms and high-definition 3D cameras, the system allows surgeons to navigate narrow spaces and protect vital structures with unparalleled accuracy.

Proven Clinical Benefits of Robotic Surgery

The advantages of robotic-assisted surgery have been validated by international research. According to data presented at the ISPOR 2021 conference, robotic surgery using the Da Vinci Xi system reduces the risk of blood transfusion by 70%, lowers 30-day complication rates by 39%, shortens hospital stays by nearly two days, and decreases mortality risk by 57% compared to traditional open surgery. Even when compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, robotic procedures demonstrate superior outcomes, including a 28% reduction in transfusion risk, 14% fewer complications, 33% lower mortality, and a 23% decrease in 30-day readmission rates.

Preserving Organ Function and Quality of Life

One of the most significant benefits of robotic surgery is its ability to preserve organ function, which is crucial for maintaining patients’ quality of life after treatment. In the past, prostate cancer surgery often resulted in erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence, while small kidney tumors typically required complete kidney removal. With robotic technology, surgeons can now protect nerve bundles and blood vessels, preserving healthy kidney tissue and reducing the risk of dialysis. Similarly, in lung cancer surgery, the system’s 15x magnification enables precise dissection of blood vessels and nerves, minimizing bleeding and preserving lung tissue. In gynecologic oncology, robotic surgery excels in complex cases such as deep infiltrating endometriosis, early-stage cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer, allowing meticulous lymph node dissection and reducing complications compared to traditional laparoscopy.

Cost Barriers and the Path to Accessibility

Despite its remarkable benefits, the high cost of robotic surgery remains a major barrier to widespread adoption. In the United States, the cost ranges from $15,000 to $22,000, while in Singapore it can reach $22,000 to $60,000. In contrast, patients in Vietnam pay approximately $5,000 to $7,000 (around 120–180 million VND), which is only 30% of the cost abroad. When compared to long-term cancer drug therapy—which can cost up to 1.8 billion VND over five years—robotic surgery offers a one-time solution at a significantly lower overall expense. Experts emphasize that this is not a luxury technique but a practical intervention that improves survival and quality of life. The Ministry of Health has indicated plans to consider partial coverage under national health insurance once the technology’s effectiveness is further demonstrated, paving the way for broader patient access.

A New Era in Cancer Treatment

Robotic surgery is not just a technological advancement—it marks the beginning of a new era in cancer care in Vietnam. As insurance coverage expands and costs become more manageable, this life-saving technique will no longer be an exclusive privilege for affluent patients but a standard of care accessible to all. By embracing this innovation, Vietnam is taking a decisive step toward modernizing its healthcare system and improving outcomes for thousands of cancer patients.

Source: Baotintuc.vn