Neurosurgical Oncology in Vietnam

Abstract

Background: In conjunction with Vietnam's unparalleled economic growth over the past 20 years, our scope of neurosurgical interventions has considerably diversified throughout this time period.

Methods: Although still appreciably limited, healthcare resources and infrastructure have expanded and shifted the focus within neurosurgery at Ho Chi Minh City's Cho Ray Hospital from head trauma (which remains highly prevalent) to an equal proportion of elective cases for vascular lesions, tumors, and degenerative spine disease. Arguably the most significant progress throughout the new millennium has been achieved in the realm of neurosurgical oncology.

Results: About 1000 craniotomies are performed annually for brain tumors at our institution, most of which are for lower-grade lesions that result in excellent surgical outcomes. We continue to strive to improve the standard of care for patients with malignant brain tumors, as the first multidisciplinary neuro-oncology care team was founded recently in 2016.

Conclusions: This article is the first in the English neurosurgical literature to report on the current state and outcomes of neuro-oncology in Vietnam, as we highlight our experiences in caring for patients with brain tumors at Cho Ray Hospital.

Keywords: Brain tumor; Cho ray; Global neurosurgery; Meningioma; Neuro-oncology; Tumor; Vietnam.