Vietnamese hospital pioneers advanced treatments for gallstones and cancer

Buôn Ma Thuột University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Đắk Lắk Province has introduced advanced medical techniques to improve local healthcare. The hospital now offers treatments for gallstone disease, which affects 2 to 6 per cent of Vietnam’s population. Many of these cases involve stones in the liver, a condition known for its high recurrence rate and treatment challenges. Since October 2023, the hospital has used laser transhepatic tunnel lithotripsy to treat bile duct stones. This method is rarely successful in other Vietnamese medical facilities. The hospital has completed around 100 procedures, achieving a stone removal rate of over 95 per cent. The innovation earned first prize in the provincial Contest of Technical Innovation for 2024-2025.

The hospital has also advanced its gastrointestinal cancer treatment. Since 2023, it has performed submucosal dissection (ESD) for early-stage cases. To support training, a gastric endoscopy simulation model was developed. This model won third prize in the same provincial contest. The hospital’s new techniques aim to provide modern medical care locally. Patients now have better access to effective treatments for gallstone disease and early gastrointestinal cancer. The awards recognise the hospital’s efforts to improve healthcare through innovation.