A special surgery 'rescues' a patient with a 6 kg abdominal tumor at Vinh City General Hospital.

For many years, Mrs. DTH (56 years old, residing in Nghi Xuan - Ha Tinh) lived with an increasingly swollen, heavy, and uncomfortable abdomen. Thinking it was just age-related weight gain, Mrs. H. didn't worry too much and silently endured the inconvenience in her daily life. It wasn't until her breathing became short, meals became difficult to swallow, and sleep became restless due to abdominal pain that she decided to go to Vinh City General Hospital for a check-up.

Here, the first image that puzzled the doctors was her abdomen, which was swollen and rigid like that of a woman eight months pregnant. A 256-slice CT scan revealed a giant ovarian cyst occupying the entire abdominal cavity, compressing and collapsing the abdominal aorta, displacing organs, compressing the ureters causing bilateral renal pelvis dilation, and even deforming the spine.

Ms. H. said that her growing belly made it impossible for her to bend down, and even deep breathing became difficult. "I thought it was because I was getting old and didn't exercise much, so I had a lot of fat accumulating in my belly. It wasn't until I experienced pain, shortness of breath, and poor appetite that I became worried and went to see a doctor," she shared.

After medical consultation and consideration of the patient's wishes, the team decided to choose the option of open surgery to remove the tumor combined with abdominal wall reconstruction. This method was deemed more suitable than laparoscopic surgery because the abdominal wall was significantly weakened after a long period of pressure from the large tumor.

This approach allows for the complete removal of the tumor while simultaneously tightening the abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, and concealing the incision, ensuring both functional and aesthetic results. It is a difficult technique, requiring precision, finesse, and high skill from the surgical team.

The surgery was performed under strict control. The tumor, weighing over 6kg, was completely removed, freeing the organs from prolonged compression. During the surgery, the team tightened the abdominal muscles, removed excess skin, and reconstructed the abdominal wall for a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Upon waking up after the surgery, Mrs. H. clearly felt her body lighter, breathing became easier, her stomach no longer felt bloated, and her fatigue significantly decreased. "I didn't think I had such a large tumor in my abdomen. Now I feel like a relief," she said emotionally.

According to Dr. Bui Danh Anh, Head of the General Surgery Department 01 and the surgeon in charge of the operation, "This was a difficult surgery because the tumor was large, a thin cyst, and had a high risk of rupture; while the organs had been compressed for a long time, causing anatomical changes, requiring precise and meticulous manipulation. The important thing was to remove the tumor intact, minimizing the risk of organ damage and blood loss. At the same time, the abdominal wall needed to be reconstructed using the correct technique to ensure function and aesthetics after surgery."

Doctors warn that ovarian cysts are a condition that can silently develop for many years without causing noticeable pain. Many patients mistake them for weight gain, digestive disorders, or age-related body changes, leading to delayed medical examination. When the cyst becomes too large, the risk of complications increases, and surgery becomes more difficult and risky.

Ms. H.'s case serves as a reminder of the importance of regular check-ups and paying attention to any unusual changes in the body. Timely intervention not only leads to effective treatment but also protects the patient's safety.