Ms. Hong, 46, recently received an early-stage cervical cancer diagnosis at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, despite experiencing no typical symptoms like abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. Her condition was identified through regular screenings, which she had been advised to undergo after two previous positive HPV tests.

Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, performed a colposcopy with a biopsy of suspicious areas and endocervical curettage. The results confirmed stage IA1 cervical adenocarcinoma, an early form of cervical cancer.

According to Dr. Nhi, some cases at this stage may be treated with uterus-preserving methods. However, given Ms. Hong had two children and a 23x32 mm right ovarian endometrioma, doctors recommended a total hysterectomy and right adnexectomy (removal of the right ovary and fallopian tube) to ensure thorough cancer treatment. The left ovary was preserved to maintain endocrine function and prevent early menopause.

Typically, patients like Ms. Hong would undergo laparoscopic surgery. However, her two previous C-sections increased the risk of pelvic adhesions, necessitating meticulous dissection of structures around the uterus while preserving the remaining ovary. The surgical team utilized the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for laparoscopic surgery, which offered enhanced precision, minimized damage to healthy tissue, and provided better control over bleeding.

Dr. Nhi (seated) controls the Da Vinci Xi robot during surgery. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

The procedure, lasting over three hours, concluded with Dr. Nhi removing the specimens vaginally. Ms. Hong experienced minimal post-operative pain, could sit up and eat shortly after, and was discharged within a few days, recovering quickly.

Dr. Nhi highlighted that robotic surgery is increasingly applied in gynecological interventions, including hysterectomies, oophorectomies, and complex pelvic floor reconstructions. Compared to traditional open surgery, the Da Vinci Xi robotic system is less invasive, involves smaller incisions, reduces the risk of blood transfusions, decreases post-operative pain, shortens hospital stays, and accelerates recovery.

Ms. Hong recovered quickly after surgery. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Dr. Phan The Thi, from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, noted that patients diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer, such as IA1, typically have a good prognosis. Many cases only require surgery without additional treatment. However, the subsequent treatment plan depends on the post-operative pathology results.

Cervical cancer can be detected early through screening methods like HPV tests, Pap smears, and colposcopy. Women should undergo regular gynecological exams, especially after the age of 30 or if they have positive HPV test results. Proactive screening helps identify precancerous lesions or early-stage cervical cancer, enabling timely and radical treatment.

Minh Tam

*Patient's name has been changed