Special surgery saves fetus and mother with cancer

The 34-year-old woman suddenly received the news that she had cancer when she was 26-27 weeks pregnant. In the event of complications, both her life and the fetus's life would be in danger.

On August 22, Gia Dinh People's Hospital (HCMC) announced a special surgery for a pregnant woman with cancer.

The patient is Ms. VHM (34 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) who was diagnosed with colon cancer while she was 26-27 weeks pregnant.

Immediately, doctors from the Department of Gastroenterology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Department of Neonatal Pathology held a consultation to find the optimal treatment plan. The goal must be to ensure the safety of the mother and create a chance for the fetus to survive.

Experts agree that the pregnancy will be maintained until 32-34 weeks if the mother has no signs of intestinal obstruction. In case of complications, emergency surgery must be performed to save the mother.

VHM patient after stressful surgery

During the monitoring process, the doctor pays special attention to the risk of intestinal obstruction, bleeding, exhaustion and metastasis in the mother. At the same time, the health of the fetus is closely monitored. The doctor also plans to use corticosteroids to help the fetus mature its lungs and magnesium sulfate to protect the brain before the cesarean section.

At the 32nd week of pregnancy, as planned, the surgical team performed surgery. After 2 tense hours, the surgical team removed a 10cm section of the colon containing the tumor, and the baby boy weighing 1.7kg was born safely.

A week later, the mother recovered well and was discharged from the hospital, continuing to follow the cancer treatment regimen. The premature baby boy has been receiving special care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit since birth. To date, the baby no longer needs respiratory support, has started breastfeeding, and is preparing to be discharged to his mother.

1.7kg baby boy is about to be discharged from hospital to return to his mother

According to Dr. Hua Thi Chi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gia Dinh People's Hospital, colon cancer in pregnant women is quite rare, with a rate of about 1/13,000 - 1/50,000 pregnancies. Symptoms are easily confused with physiological changes during pregnancy, leading to late diagnosis.

The case of pregnant woman VHM is a huge challenge because she must ensure the safety of the mother and give the fetus a chance to live.

The success of the surgery was not only due to the close and harmonious coordination between the specialties but also due to the determination of the mother and the consensus and support of the family.

Dr. Hua Thi Chi recommends that pregnant women with abnormal digestive symptoms such as bloody mucus in stool, diarrhea, prolonged constipation, dull abdominal pain, anemia, weight loss, etc. should go to the hospital for early examination. Timely diagnosis and treatment not only saves the mother but also gives the fetus a chance to live.

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Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ca-phau-thuat-dac-biet-cuu-thai-nhi-va-nguoi-me-bi-ung-thu-post809550.html