City develops use of robots to treat diseases

Bình Dân Hospital in District 3 is a pioneer in using robots in minimally-invasive surgeries to treat 14 different diseases and cancers. - Photo Courtesy of Bình Dân Hospital

District 3’s Bình Dân Hospital, which on October 28 received Third Class Labour Medals from President Trần Đại Quang, is a pioneer in using robots in minimally-invasive surgeries to treat 14 different diseases and cancers approved by the Ministry of Health.

After more than 10 months of using the robotic technology, 222 patients with prostate, liver, lung and other cancers as well as other diseases have benefitted from it, according to Dr Trần Vĩnh Hưng, director of the Bình Dân Hospital.

Of these patients, more than 60 patients with financial difficulties had their costs for the robotic surgery reduced or exempted.

“Using robots in surgeries help treat cancers and diseases, preserve functions in the remaining organs and reduce the risks of common post-operative complications,” Hưng said.

Through a magnified 3D high-definition vision system, surgeons can better control surgery and direct the robot’s hands to bend and rotate 540 degrees, far more than a human hand.

“Instead of going overseas for treatment, patients could be treated in the city’s hospital with this advanced technology and doctors with global standards in robot-assisted surgeries,” Hưng said.

Asso.Prof. Dr Vũ Lê Chuyên, chairman of Việt Nam Urology and Nephrology Association, said robots helped reduce bleeding during operations and enabled surgeons to operate precisely.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the achievements of the use of robots to assist surgeries, deputy chairwoman of HCM City People’s Committee Nguyễn Thị Thu said that Bình Dân Hospital developing robotic surgery is key to developing a high quality specialised health centre.

On October 23, Chợ Rẫy Hospital also started using robots in minimally-invasive surgeries, Thu said.

The robotic surgery is expected to help attract more foreign tourists to hospitals in the country, including HCM City.

The Ministry of Health has recognised the use of robots to assist surgeries as a new achievement in the country.

According to the city Department of Health, with robot-assisted surgeries at Bình Dân Hospital and Chợ Rẫy Hospital, professionally operational technologies in the city are the same as countries with developed health sectors, such as Singapore and Thailand.

The city’s policy to provide promotional loans is an incentive for hospitals to take the initiative in investing in robotic technology in surgeries.

The deputy chairwoman of HCM City People’s Committee expects other hospitals in the city to invest in advanced technologies, including robots, to improve the effectiveness of treatments.