Sleep apnea syndrome conference held

The conference organised by FV Hospital and Can Tho ENT Hospital with the consultation of Thomson Medical Group (Singapore) attracted more than 300 doctors across nine southern provinces and the participation of keynote speakers who are specialists in ENT, maxillofacial surgery, general surgery, and nutrition.

According to Vo Cong Minh, head of the ENT Department at FV Hospital, sleep apnea originates from various causes, including lifestyle changes, being overweight, obesity, and other chronic conditions.

“Therefore, optimal treatment requires a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach,” said Minh.

For obstructive sleep apnea, patients should first be screened and evaluated for upper airway issues by ENT specialists through polysomnography, conducted within 12 months, or comprehensive ENT examinations and endoscopy, Minh suggested.

Based on screening results, doctors will use the Apnoea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) to determine whether the patient requires surgery or medical treatment.

Another cause of sleep apnoea can be abnormal jawbone structure, which narrows or obstructs the airway during sleep.

According to Nguyen Thanh Tung, head Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Dental Surgery at FV Hospital, patients may be prescribed dental devices to advance the lower jaw forward during sleep to prevent the lower jaw from causing airway obstruction.

“For more severe cases, patients may be recommended for surgery using the technique of maxillary and mandibular osteotomy, where the upper and lower jaw bones are advanced,” Tung said.

Specialist Level II, Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, head of Dietetics and Nutrition Department at FV Hospital noted that obesity was a major factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): every 10 per cent increase in body weight, the risk of OSA increases six-fold.

“Therefore, weight loss is crucial and can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea by following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and using medication if necessary,” Thu said.

In cases where patients have a high Body Mass Index and weight reduction through diet, exercise, and medication is not effective, surgical methods such as gastric bypass surgery may be considered.

At the event, Dr Barrie Tan, a renowned ENT from Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore, provided updates on advanced techniques in treating hearing disorders. Dr Barrie Tan’s significant participation underscores FV Hospital’s commitment to its strategy of “Bringing Singaporean Medicine to Vietnam.”

Thomson Medical Group eyes robust growth in Vietnam through strategic M&A initiatives Speaking at the 15th Vietnam M&A Forum 2023 themed Thriving Together that was organised by VIR on November 28, Dr. Melvin Heng, executive director and group CEO of Thomson Medical Group, emphasised the pivotal role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in this expansion.

Thomson Medical Group completes acquisition of FV Hospital Singaporean healthcare group Thomson Medical Group has completed its previously announced acquisition of FV Hospital.

Thomson Medical Group announces FV Hospital as member On January 17, the Singaporean Thomson Medical Group announced that FV Hospital has become a member after an acquisition deal worth VND9 trillion (around $380 million).