SUCCESSFUL REMOVAL OF A RARE CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA IN A MIDDLE-AGED MAN
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Author: BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA QUỐC TẾ NAM SÀI GÒN
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01/08/2023
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195
Doctors from the Neurosurgery – Spine Department at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital reported that they have successfully performed a surgery to completely remove a rare craniopharyngeal tumor in the patient.
Half a month ago, 50-year-old Mr. T.K.T visited the hospital with headaches and progressively blurred vision in both eyes over the previous three weeks. Suspecting damage to the optic nerves, doctors ordered a brain MRI and cerebral angiography. The results confirmed a craniopharyngioma compressing the optic nerves.
Dr. DO ANH VU, MMed, Specialist Level II from the Neurosurgery – Spine Department at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital explained:
“Craniopharyngioma is a relatively rare type of brain tumor, accounting for 5%–10% of brain tumors in children and 1%–4% in adults, most commonly found in individuals aged 50–70 years. Because the tumor is located near many critical brain structures, it can cause severe symptoms and long-term complications if not detected and treated in time.”
Surgery for craniopharyngioma is extremely challenging. In Vietnam, tumor removal is typically performed using the craniotomy approach at top-tier hospitals, with only a small number of other hospitals—such as Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital—capable of performing this procedure. Successful surgery requires comprehensive technical support and a team of highly experienced neurosurgeons.
Assessing the progression of Mr. T.’s condition, which carried a high risk of progressive vision loss leading to blindness, Dr. NGUYEN KIM CHUNG (PhD, Senior Specialist – Neurosurgery, Cranial & Spine) and Dr. Do Anh Vu (MMed, Specialist Level II, Neurosurgery & Spine Department) at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital decided to proceed with tumor removal surgery.
After a five-hour operation, and with the support of a surgical microscope that magnified the tumor area up to 25 times, the surgical team successfully removed the entire craniopharyngioma, including both its solid and cystic components.
Seven days after surgery, the patient was discharged in stable condition, free of headaches and with improved vision.
He returned for a follow-up visit one week later, showing complete recovery. Mr. T. shared:
“Understanding the importance of early detection and timely treatment, I have always maintained a habit of regular health check-ups. Nam Sai Gon Hospital has been the trusted healthcare provider for me and my family for the past five years. So when I began experiencing headaches and gradual vision loss, I came to the hospital right away. Thanks to the skilled doctors here, my eyesight was saved. I’m truly grateful to the medical team at Nam Sai Gon Hospital.”
Headaches, insomnia, balance disturbances, blurred vision, and drooping eyelids are warning signs of abnormalities in the neurological and cranial system. In many cases, the disease can progress rapidly and cause dangerous complications. Therefore, patients should seek medical evaluation immediately when unusual symptoms arise.
Patients can also feel more at ease about treatment costs thanks to the acceptance of health insurance and private health insurance at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital.
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
Last updated: 17:09 04/12/2025
