103-year-old woman wins stomach cancer thanks to multi-specialized treatment at Vinmec Hai Phong

When age becomes a challenge in treatment decisions

Before coming to Vinmec Hai Phong, Mr. Hat often had a lingering pain in the epigastric region, poor appetite and nausea after meals.

The examination results determined that he had stomach cancer and needed surgical treatment. However, at the age of 103, all surgical indications must be carefully considered to ensure a balance between treatment effectiveness and safety level.

When experts at Vinmec Hai Phong directly examined, consulted carefully and explained clearly about the treatment plan, the family decided to place their trust and bring Mrs. Hat here," Mrs. Hat's family shared.

After receiving her, doctors conducted an examination and comprehensive assessment. The results showed that Mrs. Hat had stomach cancer with progressive lesions in the stomach wall, accompanied by inflammation and anemia.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thanh - Deputy General Director of Vinmec Health System, for elderly patients, the challenge is not only in removing the tumor but also in the ability to overcome surgery and recover after intervention.

Old age increases many risks in treatment, but it is important to comprehensively assess the cardiovascular, respiratory, nutritional functions, accompanying diseases and the recovery ability of each patient. Only when we balance the benefits of treatment and the level of safety, do we make an intervention decision," the doctor said.

After many multi-specialized consultations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thanh, along with MSc. Dr. Vu Van Quan - Head of Gastroenterology - Liver - Urology Department, BSCKII Dang Xuan Tung and experts in anesthesia and resuscitation, intensive care, nutrition, and functional rehabilitation agreed to choose surgery as the optimal treatment option.

Multidisciplinary treatment opens up more life opportunities

The team's goal is to completely eliminate cancer damage, while minimizing surgical trauma so that patients recover quickly and safely.

Doctors decided to perform endoscopic surgery to remove a segment of the stomach combined with lymph node dissection according to the principle of cancer treatment. Compared to open surgery, this method helps reduce pain, limit blood loss, reduce the risk of complications and shorten recovery time, especially suitable for the elderly or people with many underlying diseases.

In parallel with that, the anesthesia and resuscitation team develops a plan to closely monitor during and after surgery to ensure maximum safety. Patients are applied spinal erectile anesthesia (ESP) - a modern pain-relieving method that helps control pain effectively, creating conditions for movement and early recovery after surgery.

The nutrition and rehabilitation team also builds a personalized care program, from diet to exercises suitable for the patient's physical condition. Close coordination between many specialties helps each link in the treatment process to be optimal, contributing to reducing the risk of complications and shortening recovery time.

Thanks to a well-built treatment strategy, the surgery took place smoothly. After surgery, Mrs. Hat was continuously monitored by a multidisciplinary team. In the early days after surgery, vital signs were stable, digestive function gradually recovered, and no significant complications were recorded. She was awake, significantly reduced pain, and gradually returned to daily activities.

For the family, this result not only brings joy but also helps them become more confident after many months of persistently searching for treatment opportunities for their loved ones.

The development of modern surgery is opening up more opportunities for people with digestive diseases and digestive cancer. In which, laparoscopic surgery is increasingly affirming its important role thanks to its ability to intervene accurately, minimally invasively, reduce complications and promote the recovery process.

At Vinmec Hai Phong, this technique is implemented according to a multi-specialized treatment model including surgery, anesthesia and resuscitation, intensive care, nutrition and rehabilitation. The comprehensive approach helps build appropriate treatment strategies for each patient.

Reality shows that age is not an absolute barrier in cancer treatment. When comprehensively assessed and the right method chosen, even cases with very high risk still have the opportunity to be treated safely, prolong life and improve quality of life.