During an abdominal ultrasound at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Toan was found to have a small tumor, measuring approximately 15x22 mm, on his right kidney. A subsequent CT scan showed the tumor located on the anterior surface of the kidney with increased vascularity. Master, Doctor, Specialist Level I Nguyen Tan Cuong, Deputy Head of Urology Department, diagnosed Mr. Toan with renal cell carcinoma. Early stage kidney cancer often presents without clear symptoms such as back pain or blood in the urine. About 50% of cases are discovered incidentally during routine health check-ups.

Although Mr. Toan's tumor was small, Dr. Cuong noted that the malignancy rate for kidney tumors can be as high as 60-80%. Without timely intervention, the tumor could invade the kidney parenchyma, spread to large blood vessels, or metastasize to distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones. Mr. Toan's case was particularly complex due to a previous perforated stomach surgery. The high risk of abdominal adhesion from his prior operation made conventional endoscopy difficult. Consequently, doctors opted for the Da Vinci Xi robot for the intervention.

The Da Vinci Xi robot, equipped with a 3D camera system, provided magnified views, allowing doctors to clearly visualize blood vessels and kidney structures. This enabled the surgeon to control the robot with precision, completely dissecting the tumor and repairing the remaining healthy kidney tissue. One day after the surgery, Mr. Toan was able to sit up and move around, and he began eating light meals. On the second day, his drainage tube was removed, and he was discharged from the hospital.

For the first one or two weeks post-surgery, Mr. Toan was advised to limit strenuous activities, maintain a normal diet, ensure adequate hydration, and change his bandages regularly. Stitches were to be removed after 7-10 days. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial, especially during the first year, to monitor for any risk of recurrence or changes in kidney function.

Doctor Cuong controls the Da Vinci Xi robot during kidney tumor removal surgery for a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Globocan 2022 statistics indicate that Vietnam recorded over 2,200 new cases of kidney cancer, with more than 1,100 deaths. Dr. Cuong recommends that individuals over 40 years old, those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, obesity, or a history of smoking or kidney disease, should undergo regular health check-ups and abdominal ultrasounds. Early detection of kidney tumors when they are small simplifies treatment and significantly increases the chances of preserving kidney function for patients.

Dinh Lam

*Patient's name has been changed