Robot performs radical surgery on metastatic esophageal cancer

The patient had a prolonged choking and an endoscopy at K Hospital discovered a necrotic ulcerative tumor occupying about half of the circumference of the lower esophagus. Biopsy results confirmed squamous carcinoma (SCC) – the most common form of esophageal cancer.

PET/CT and MRI results showed that the tumor was about 5 cm in size, widely invasive, highly metabolized and metastatic to many mediastinal and paracardial lymph nodes. According to doctors, this is a locally advanced stage. If surgery is performed immediately, there will be many difficulties and a high risk of recurrence.

The patient received preoperative chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and control lymph node damage before surgical intervention. After treatment, the tumor responded well and decreased significantly in size, creating favorable conditions for radical surgery.

The surgery was performed using a new generation Da Vinci robot with the coordination of two teams from K and Cho Ray hospitals. According to Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Viet Trung, Deputy Director of Cho Ray Hospital, esophageal cancer surgery is one of the most difficult surgical techniques because it requires simultaneous intervention in the chest and abdomen, in a narrow space, close to the heart, large blood vessels and many important nerve structures.

Robots help surgeons observe high-resolution 3D images. Flexible robotic arms can operate in positions that are difficult to reach with conventional endoscopy. Thanks to that, the team removed the entire lesion and thoroughly dissected the lymph nodes along both sides of the recurrent nerve while still preserving important structures for the patient.

Compared to conventional open or laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery helps operate with precision down to the millimeter, reduces blood loss, limits post-operative pain, and reduces complications. Patients can move, eat and drink soon and shorten their hospital stay.

The practical surgery was introduced in the first Basic Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery training course organized by K Hospital on July 2. Prof. Dr. Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital, said that the hospital opened a 30-day training course on laparoscopic surgery using robots to treat cancer.

Professor Quang said that robotic surgery is a development trend in modern surgery, especially in cancer treatment thanks to its ability to improve precision, reduce invasiveness and support the management of complex cases. According to him, the standard training program helps surgeons master new technology, promote technology transfer, and expand the application of robotic surgery at many medical facilities, thereby improving the quality of treatment and bringing more life opportunities to cancer patients.