Thoracic Surgery Department

1. History

• The Department of Thoracic Surgery at Bach Mai Hospital was established on October 10, 2018, evolving from the Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit under the Department of General Surgery. The department's establishment aimed to specialize in the treatment of thoracic and vascular pathologies. Equipped with modern facilities and a team of doctors trained both domestically and internationally, the department has implemented numerous advanced techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and lung resection using staplers, ensuring high therapeutic efficacy. In addition to medical examination and treatment, the department also takes on roles in training, research, and international cooperation with major medical centers. Currently, it is one of the leading units in the country in the field of thoracic surgery.

3. Functions and Missions
Functions:

• The Department of Thoracic Surgery is responsible for organizing examinations, emergency care, and treatment of pathologies in the specialties of thoracic, vascular, thyroid, and mammary gland surgery. Simultaneously, it participates in scientific research, training, and healthcare line management as required by the hospital.

Missions:

• Perform examinations, emergency care, and treatment for thoracic surgery-related conditions within and outside the department.
• Participate in consultations and treatment advice for patients with relevant pathologies.
• Manage, preserve, and effectively utilize medical supplies and equipment for treatment.
• Implement scientific research projects in the field of thoracic surgery.
• Conduct training and re-training for medical staff as assigned.
• Propose and implement professional cooperation with domestic and international organizations.
• Advise the Board of Directors and functional departments on professional activities, ensuring quality and patient safety.
• Manage personnel, security, and occupational safety according to regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Bach Mai Hospital and according to the law.

Basic Surgical Procedures:

• Kidney transplantation.
• Surgery for pulmonary and mediastinal pathologies.
• Surgery for carotid artery diseases.
• Surgery for varicose veins of the lower extremities.
• Surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Surgery for acute limb ischemia.
• Surgery for breast pathologies.
• Surgery for thyroid pathologies.
• Surgery for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the hands).
• Surgery for chest wall deformities.
• Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation for dialysis.

4. Achievements and Results

• After 7 years of development, the Department of Thoracic Surgery has achieved significant accomplishments in medical treatment, research, training, and organizational development. Each year, the department examines and treats approximately 2,500 – 3,000 patients and performs over 2,000 surgeries across various fields: kidney transplant, thoracic, vascular, thyroid, and breast surgery. The bed occupancy rate reaches 133.2%.
• The department has implemented many advanced techniques such as thoracoscopic lobectomy and mediastinal tumor resection via a single incision. It effectively treats severe cases like ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms and massive hemothorax. The department was also the first unit at Bach Mai to routinely implement surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, helping to reduce treatment costs and antibiotic resistance.
• Patient care is prioritized with the motto "patient-centered care," creating a friendly and clean environment. The department has received much positive feedback and letters of commendation from patients and their families. Regarding scientific research, in 2023, the department had 2 grassroots-level projects approved. In training and healthcare line management, the team coordinates the teaching of postgraduate students and medical students, as well as provides training for grassroots health workers and satellite hospitals.

Notable Awards:

• Excellent Labor Collective: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023.
• Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Health: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024.