BLOOD IN STOOL LEADS TO COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN 71-YEAR-OLD MAN

The General Surgery Department at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital recently performed a successful laparoscopic rectal resection to treat rectal cancer in a 71-year-old male patient.

Mr. D., 71 years old, from Tay Ninh Province, began experiencing difficulty passing stool, a frequent urge to defecate, and multiple bowel movements per day, occasionally with visible blood in his stool. Concerned by the persistent symptoms, his family brought him to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital for further evaluation.

A colonoscopy revealed a large circumferential rectal mass, located 10 cm from the anal verge, highly suspicious for malignancy. A biopsy was immediately performed, and the pathology confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma. Based on the diagnosis, doctors recommended laparoscopic rectal resection to remove the tumor.

In a procedure lasting more than 3 hours, Dr. Mai Van Dung, MMed, Specialist Level I, and the surgical and anesthesia team performed a laparoscopic resection of the rectosigmoid colon. Laparoscopic surgery offers multiple advantages, including smaller incisions, less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays — allowing patients to return to daily life sooner.

Following the operation, the patient’s condition improved steadily, and he was discharged just 7 days post-surgery.

“Mr. D. was fortunate to have been diagnosed at an early stage, before the tumor spread to other organs”, said Dr. Mai Van Dung, MMed, Specialist Level I.

“Not all cases are this lucky. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers, both in Vietnam and globally. Many patients show no symptoms in the early stages, which is why most cases are diagnosed late — when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favorable”.

Dr. Dung emphasized the importance of screening colonoscopy starting at age 40, especially for individuals with a family history of gastrointestinal cancers. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and long-term survival.

With a team of highly qualified, experienced doctors and modern endoscopic equipment, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital provides timely diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Dung recommends colorectal cancer screening for the following individuals:

• Those with a history of chronic gastritis or colitis
• Those with a family history of gastrointestinal cancers (esophageal, gastric, colorectal)
• Individuals with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, chronic constipation, abdominal bloating, blood in stool, or vomiting blood

Screening should begin at age 40, even in the absence of symptoms. For people with a family member diagnosed with colorectal cancer, screening should begin 10 years earlier than the age at which the family member was diagnosed.

Regular annual health check-ups are strongly recommended for everyone, regardless of current health status. Detecting diseases early — especially cancers — enables more effective treatment, reduces treatment costs, and minimizes the risk of recurrence.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.