Australian Resident Returns to Vietnam for Robotic Uterus Removal Surgery

Hanh, a 47-year-old Vietnamese woman residing in Australia, has undergone robotic-assisted surgery to remove her uterus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The procedure addressed uterine fibroids that had caused her six years of excessive menstruation. Hanh had previously undergone surgery eight years ago to remove both fallopian tubes due to hydrosalpinx. Subsequent attempts at in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were unsuccessful, leading her to abandon the hope of having children. In recent years, her menstrual bleeding increased significantly, causing fatigue and paleness. Doctors in Australia diagnosed a uterine fibroid approximately 4 cm in size and recommended medication for bleeding control and pain relief. However, the bleeding worsened, and the fibroid grew larger, prompting a recommendation for hysterectomy. Three months prior to her return to Vietnam, her menstrual period lasted nearly 10 days, and the fibroid had more than doubled in size. She returned to Vietnam for treatment of menorrhagia. An MRI at Tâm Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed a submucosal uterine fibroid measuring 2 cm. This fibroid caused the entire uterus to enlarge, increasing the endometrial surface area and hindering uterine contraction. Dr. Nguyen Thi Yen Thu from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center explained that this is the primary cause of menstrual irregularities like menorrhagia and heavy bleeding, resulting from uneven shedding of the endometrium, impaired hemostasis, and abnormal uterine contractions leading to severe menstrual pain. Given her age and the severity of her uterine condition, Hanh no longer wishes to pursue fertility treatments. Dr. Thu advised that a hysterectomy using the Da Vinci Xi robot was the definitive treatment. Hanh had a history of pelvic surgery, increasing the risk of intra-abdominal adhesions and potential difficulties during dissection. The enlarged uterus also posed a risk of conversion to open surgery if conventional laparoscopy were performed. However, the Da Vinci Xi robot's flexible arms, capable of rotating 540 degrees, allowed the surgeon to easily access deep areas that are difficult to reach with traditional laparoscopic surgery. Despite the patient's enlarged uterus, the robot safely dissected and removed it, minimizing impact on surrounding tissues such as the bladder, rectum, intestines, ureters, and major blood vessels. The robotic system aided in dissecting adhesions to the colon and provided excellent control of blood vessels, limiting blood loss and protecting adjacent organs. According to Dr. Thu, one of the biggest barriers to robotic surgery globally is its high cost. Similar procedures in Singapore can cost nearly $60,000 USD, while in Malaysia it is $20,000 USD, Thailand $15,000 USD, and Australia approximately $15,000-$25,000 AUD. In Vietnam, at hospitals like Tâm Anh General Hospital, the cost for a robotic surgery ranges from $5,000-$8,000 USD, about one-tenth of the cost in Singapore. Hanh was able to walk independently the day after her robotic hysterectomy. Source: VnExpress