On December 27, 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health officially approved the implementation of non-invasive tumor treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound guided by ultrasound (US-HIFU), making Vietnam the 43rd country worldwide to adopt this advanced technology.
A Revolution in Tumor Treatment
For the first time in Vietnam, patients can now treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bone tumors without any incisions. This is a monumental leap in modern medicine, offering new hope to thousands of patients.
The journey of bringing US-HIFU to Vietnam is closely tied to the inspiring story of Professor Nguyen Viet Tien, Director of Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Despite being in his sixties, he took out a bank loan to invest in this technology, aiming to provide the most advanced treatment solutions for Vietnamese people.
The Turning Point with US-HIFU
Professor Tien shared that his journey began at an international medical conference where he met Professor Philippe Descamps, Vice President of the World Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Professor Descamps introduced him to US-HIFU and encouraged him to bring it to Vietnam.
Initially, Professor Tien was cautious due to past experiences with other thermal treatment technologies. However, after visiting Chongqing, China—the birthplace of US-HIFU—he was thoroughly convinced by its superior effectiveness.
The “Three No’s” Breakthrough of US-HIFU
US-HIFU is revolutionary with three standout features: no incisions, no blood loss, and no scarring. It operates by using high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to generate temperatures up to 100°C, destroying diseased tissue without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.
The advantages of this method include:
- Safety and low risk: No scalpels or deep anesthesia required.
- Painless with quick recovery: Patients only need mild sedation and remain fully conscious during treatment.
- Organ preservation: Crucial for patients with uterine fibroids or tumors in organs like the liver or kidneys.
- High effectiveness: Capable of treating large tumors without open surgery.
Determination and Challenges
To bring US-HIFU to Vietnam, Professor Tien faced two major challenges: financial and technical. The initial investment cost for a modern US-HIFU system was $3 million. To overcome this, he decided to take out a bank loan, accepting the risks for a greater goal: bringing cutting-edge technology to his homeland.
Regarding technical expertise, despite over 40 years of experience in obstetrics, Professor Tien had to start from scratch. He traveled to Chongqing, China, to attend intensive training courses, learning how to operate the equipment and practice treatments on real cases.
Initial Successes
Since its introduction at Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, US-HIFU has yielded many positive results. Over 40 successful treatments have demonstrated the technology’s superior effectiveness. One notable case involved a 45-year-old female patient with a 16cm uterine fibroid. Thanks to US-HIFU, the tumor was completely treated while preserving her uterus, allowing for rapid recovery.
Future Vision
Professor Tien emphasized that science never stops evolving. While US-HIFU represents a significant advancement, even more advanced technologies will emerge in the future. He hopes that the younger generation of doctors and scientists will continue to embrace a spirit of learning and innovation to deliver the best outcomes for patients.
References:
- dantri.com.vn
- International research documents on US-HIFU technology.
