EXTENDING THE LIFE OF AN 88-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WITH SIGMA COLON CANCER

Malignant Tumor of the Sigmoid Colon at Nearly 90 Years Old

Recently, the General Surgery Department at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital successfully performed surgery on a case of malignant tumor of the sigmoid colon. After examination, the nearly 90-year-old patient was diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer causing complete bowel obstruction, in the context of frailty and multiple serious underlying medical conditions.

Five months ago, Ms. M. (88 years old) underwent obturator hernia surgery, but recently she began experiencing recurrent abdominal pain and bloody stools. Her condition was further complicated by frailty, poor appetite, and minimal improvement despite medication. Noticing these concerning changes, her family brought her for an endoscopic examination, where she received a preliminary diagnosis of a suspected sigmoid colon tumor.

No Time to Delay — Acting Quickly to Save the Patient

With her extremely frail condition—only 29 kg—and advanced age, timely surgical treatment was crucial. This presented a significant challenge for the medical team. In addition, the patient had undergone abdominal surgery just a few months earlier, and her multiple underlying health issues further increased surgical risks.

The General Surgery team, together with specialists, provided nutritional support to improve her preoperative condition and conducted thorough multidisciplinary consultations. They also discussed the case in detail with surgeons from Cho Ray Hospital to determine the safest and most appropriate approach. A careful plan for anesthesia, surgery, and postoperative care was established before proceeding.

Imaging studies confirmed a large sigmoid colon tumor measuring 3 × 3 cm. Without timely surgical intervention, the mass could cause life-threatening bowel obstruction. After consultation, the medical team decided to perform a sigmoid colon resection to save the patient’s life.

The surgery was carried out through close collaboration between the General Surgery team and the Anesthesiology team at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, together with surgeons from the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department at Cho Ray Hospital. As initially diagnosed, the lesion in the sigmoid colon was a malignant tumor measuring 3 × 3 cm, but it had not yet invaded surrounding organs.

After more than 60 minutes, the operation was successfully completed. The patient received enhanced nutritional support and demonstrated positive postoperative recovery.

Following surgery, Ms. M. was monitored in the ICU, where her vital signs remained stable. Her bodily functions recovered well, and she remained alert. The procedure was a success, and after further care in the General Surgery Department, she was able to walk gently on her own, move independently, and was discharged four days after surgery.

Dr. Vo Dang Son, Head of the General Surgery Department and lead surgeon, shared:
“Ms. M. had a history of multiple abdominal surgeries, placing her at very high risk for bowel adhesions. Her advanced age, frail health, and extremely low body weight made her case even more challenging. Evaluation of the tumor revealed that although it was relatively large, it had not spread to nearby structures.

We performed a sigmoid colon resection to restore digestive continuity. After surgery, her condition improved significantly. The severity of colon cancer largely depends on the stage at which it is detected—the earlier the diagnosis, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment.”

When the body shows unusual symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, or sudden weight loss, a colonoscopy is necessary for early detection and timely treatment. Everyone should undergo regular health check-ups and cancer screening—especially individuals aged 50 and above, or those with a family history of sigmoid colon cancer.

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.