Mr. NVD (64), who had previously undergone a left lung lobectomy for cancer treatment, frequently traveled to Singapore for follow-up care. Recently, after discovering an abnormality in his right lung, he planned to seek treatment in Singapore. However, he was able to undergo a pulmonary lymph node dissection performed by a leading Singaporean surgeon in Vietnam at a significantly reduced cost.
Unexpectedly finding Singapore’s leading lung cancer surgeon at home
While researching renowned lung cancer surgeons in Singapore, Mr. NVD discovered Dr. Su Jang Wen, a leading regional expert in cardiac, thoracic, and lung cancer surgery. Dr. Su has performed over 7,000 surgeries, primarily using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive technique involving incisions of 1.5 to 3 cm, which ensures a high success rate.
To his surprise, Mr. D learned that Dr. Su worked at FV Hospital’s Thoracic Surgery Center under a collaboration between FV Hospital and O2 Healthcare Group (Singapore). He promptly contacted FV to seek consultation from the top Singaporean expert.
During the examination, Dr. Su discovered a tiny nodule in Mr. D.’s right lung, measuring less than 5mm. The Singaporean specialist recommended a surgical biopsy to assess the situation further.
Through a multidisciplinary consultation, Dr. Su and FV’s doctors assessed the case as high-risk due to the patient’s underlying health conditions and his previous left lung lobectomy. The procedure required complete deflation of the right lung during surgery, while the left lung was functioning at only 20% of normal capacity. Thus, the operation needed to be executed quickly and with precision.
The surgery, led by Dr. Su with support from Dr. Luong Ngoc Trung, Head of FV’s Thoracic Surgery Center, was performed swiftly and meticulously. Dr. Su successfully removed the suspicious nodule, which was confirmed malignant through immediate testing. Without delay, he proceeded with lymph node dissection to eliminate all cancerous cells during the same operation, avoiding the need for a second surgery.
Following the procedure, Mr. D recovered well and was discharged after five days. Tests revealed the cancer was at stage 1A, eliminating the need for further treatment. Mr. D’s family expressed gratitude for having access to one of Singapore’s top lung cancer specialists in Vietnam, with care equivalent to that in Singapore but at only one-third of the cost.
“Dr. Su provided clear consultations and a detailed treatment plan. After just one conversation with him, my family felt reassured and immediately decided to proceed with the surgery, even before finalizing the exact costs,” said Ms. Tr., the patient’s daughter.
According to Ms. Tr., seeking treatment in Singapore poses significant challenges for patients and their families. “In Singapore, all expenses are much higher than in Vietnam, including food, transportation, hotel accommodations, and interpreter fees. Additionally, scheduling an appointment with a doctor usually takes 1.5 to 2 months. At FV Hospital, patients can be admitted immediately or receive timely advice from Dr. Trung in emergencies, which is virtually impossible when seeking treatment in Singapore,” she explained.
FV Hospital provides treatment at just 50% of the cost charged by other international hospitals in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the hospital offers a 20% subsidy for patients without private health insurance, which Mr. D also benefited from.
For years, many Vietnamese patients have sought medical treatment in Singapore, a country renowned for its advanced healthcare system. However, this often involves significant financial burdens, including treatment costs and expenses for travel and accommodation in an expensive country. For patients dealing with chronic or life-threatening illnesses, these expenses can quickly become overwhelming. Furthermore, challenges such as language barriers, separation from loved ones, and adapting to an unfamiliar environment add to the stress.
For over 21 years, FV Hospital has bridged the gap between Vietnamese patients and world-class medical care. Through partnerships with renowned international specialists, FV offers access to cutting-edge expertise at significantly reduced costs compared to seeking treatment abroad. Its visiting experts include Professor Donald Tan, a globally recognized corneal transplant specialist from Singapore; Dr. Stephane Guero, a renowned French hand surgeon specializing in complex congenital deformities; and Professor McKay McKinnon, an American neurosurgeon known for treating rare and challenging cases, including massive tumors.
“This international collaboration provides tremendous benefits to patients. Instead of traveling to Singapore, they can now receive the same quality care from Singaporean doctors in Vietnam at a much lower cost. Staying close to home also allows patients to communicate in their native language, enjoy familiar surroundings, and have the support of their families,” said Dr. Vu Truong Son, Acting Medical Director of FV Hospital.
Dr. Jean-Marcel Guillon, CEO of FV Hospital, emphasized that FV’s prices are half those of other international hospitals in the region. This affordability is achieved through lower operational costs in Vietnam and FV’s focus on maintaining reasonable profit margins.
Starting in January 2025, FV will introduce an installment payment program for medical expenses, enabling patients to manage healthcare costs more flexibly. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden from the very beginning of treatment.
