Bloodless colon resection for cancer patients

Hanoi The patient had the colon section containing the malignant tumor removed by doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital without blood transfusion, even though many hospitals had previously refused.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Thai (Hanoi) shared that 5 months ago, he lost 20 kg. About a month ago, he went to the doctor and discovered a colon tumor and was scheduled for surgery. He did not want to have another person's blood transfused into his body during the surgery, so the hospitals refused to treat him. He could not eat normally, had difficulty swallowing and had pain, so he had to be fed intravenously at home.

At the end of May, he went to Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi for examination and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer (tumor size 3x3 cm), intestinal obstruction and prolonged malnutrition due to fasting. Sympathizing and respecting the patient's decision, Prof. Dr. Hoang Anh Dung (Department of General Surgery) agreed to the patient's request for surgery without blood transfusion. Mr. Thai was advised about the risk factors and risks that may be encountered during surgery.

Dr. Vu Thi Thanh (Head of Nutrition Department) shared that the patient had been eating little for too long, losing more than 25% of her weight, and was diagnosed with refeeding syndrome (water and electrolyte disorder). If surgery were performed immediately, the patient would face many risks. Therefore, the doctor developed a specialized nutritional regimen to ensure that the heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure... were stable and the patient was eligible for surgery. The surgery took place 3 days later.

Nutritionist examines and develops treatment plan for patient after surgery. Photo: Tam Anh Hospital — Nutritionist examines and develops treatment plan for patient after surgery. Photo: *Tam Anh Hospital*

Dr. Dung added that surgery for intestinal obstruction due to colorectal tumors is an emergency surgery with many complications and risks. In Mr. Thai's case, surgery without blood transfusion is a challenge because the patient's intestinal loops are dilated. The risk of bleeding and spleen damage is very high.

During surgery, the doctor must carefully calculate to minimize the risk of blood loss, without affecting neighboring organs. Thanks to that, the patient does not need to stay in the postoperative recovery room. After a week, the patient eats well, walks normally and is discharged from the hospital. The doctor continues to monitor nutrition and create a home menu for the patient to regain weight.

Dr. Thanh advises that cancer patients should not eat less or fast because the body needs nutrients to maintain vital activities. Patients before and after surgery need to develop an appropriate nutritional regimen to respond to the treatment process, prevent post-surgical complications (infection, bleeding), help the surgical wound heal quickly, shorten the hospital stay and reduce costs. Adhering to the nutritional treatment regimen not only helps patients recover quickly but also increases resistance to protect the body.

Linh Dang

* Patient's name has been changed.

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