The Healers of Creation’s Flaws

It took 15 years for the number of kidney transplant units in Vietnam to grow from 1 to 8, with a total of 170 cases performed to date. In less than a year, two liver transplants—the most complex type of organ transplant—have been successfully conducted.

Prof. Dr. Le The Trung, former Chairman of the Advisory Council on Organ Transplantation, one of the authors of the “Organ Transplant Project.”

Scientists are preparing to experiment with heart transplants and move towards multi-organ transplants.

The Kidney Transplant Coordination Committee, which combines military and civilian healthcare, was established on February 2, 1991, marking the beginning of Vietnam’s commitment to advancing organ transplantation. A year later, the kidney transplant specialist council was formed (February 24, 1992). Major hospitals in Vietnam, such as Bach Mai, Viet Duc, and Cho Ray, joined the initiative.

However, the first kidney transplants in Vietnam were performed by an international surgeon, Mr. Chu Shu Lee, Chairman of the Asian Organ Transplant Council. Eight kidney transplants were conducted at that time, while 12 Vietnamese doctors were sent to Cuba for training in organ transplantation.

The ninth kidney transplant was officially performed by a team of entirely Vietnamese doctors and was successful. Patient Le Thanh Nghiem, 32 years old, was saved. July 20, 1993, became a significant milestone for the organ transplant field in Vietnam.

Those Who Give Life

“A mother whose daughter died in an accident agreed to donate her child’s heart to a child suffering from a congenital heart defect. After the surgery, she visited the child and said, ‘I came to see my daughter.'”

This story from a distant country left an indelible mark on Prof. Le The Trung, the first Chairman of the Kidney Transplant Council. He was present at both of the most critical moments in Vietnam’s organ transplant history: the first kidney transplant in 1992 and the first liver transplant in 2004.

Out of 170 kidney transplants nationwide, he personally participated in 65. He stated that the work of him and his colleagues was akin to stitching lives back together. Each transplant is a chance to preserve a life in the world.

During the first kidney transplant for patient Le Thanh Nghiem, he was away from home for exactly three months, 90 days spent beside the patient. “It’s not just about performing the surgery and leaving. Our job involves lifelong care for the patient.”

Every surgery costs him sleep. The most memorable surgery for him was the first liver transplant in Vietnam for little Nguyen Thi Diep. He stayed by her side for exactly one month and ten days.

Little Diep is now healthy and excelling in school, visiting him monthly for check-ups. He has gained another grandchild. His eldest son, Associate Professor – Doctor Colonel Le Trung Hai, is also an organ transplant expert at Military Medical Institute 108.

“It’s not that we lack the techniques or expertise. We simply do not have enough organs for transplantation. More than 300 patients have had to go abroad for organ transplants,” he said. Each time he hears the numbers from abroad and compares them to Vietnam, he feels a pang of sadness. In South Korea, there are about 1,000 kidney transplants, 50 liver transplants, and 20-30 heart transplants annually. In the United States, over 10,000 kidney transplants, 3,000 liver transplants, and 2,000 heart transplants are performed each year.

The dedication of a physician drives him and his colleagues to remain proactive. He, along with his peers, played a crucial role in developing a scientific document that serves as a legal foundation for organ donation from cadavers. A transplant conducted in Vietnam costs only one-tenth of the price of the surgery abroad.

He recently collaborated with colleagues to experiment with heart transplants on September 22. In the future, they plan to conduct pancreas, intestine, and multi-organ transplants. Many doctors, including Prof. Dr. Pham Gia Khanh and Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Liem, joined him in this endeavor. Some joined later, while others are no longer with them. “Organ transplantation is a collective effort. Each step is vital,” he reflects on his work and that of his team.

To date, Vietnam has completed 170 kidney transplants and 2 liver transplants. Modest and straightforward, these achievements represent 15 years of effort. The nine members of the Kidney Transplant Council from years ago, along with many healthcare professionals, have created an “Organ Transplant Project” that is not only technically significant but also rich in humanitarian value.

This seemingly simple project was awarded the prestigious Ho Chi Minh Prize because it has been carrying out what may seem simple but is the most beautiful: the transplantation of life. Life, even after surgery, is still incredibly beautiful and joyful.

In 2000, the “Kidney Transplant Procedure” manual by doctors was published, marking the maturity of kidney transplantation in Vietnam. There have been discouraging moments, as failure, even a slight one, can be catastrophic when human lives are at stake.

Currently, the number of patients needing organ transplants is substantial. Just within major hospitals in Hanoi, there are over 1,000 requests for organ transplants (32% of cases). At the National Children’s Hospital, this figure is nearly 50%.

Deputy Minister of Health Le Ngoc Trong stated at the Conference for Feedback on the 9th Draft of the Ordinance on Organ Donation and Transplantation on August 2: “If we do not swiftly establish a legal framework for organ transplantation in Vietnam, we will face the risk of falling further behind in organ transplant techniques compared to other countries in the region and globally.”

Phuong Mai