Case of 255 lithotripsy cases despite broken machine: Patients still have stones and pain after treatment

From early morning, dozens of patients with lithotripsy showed up at the Central Highlands General Hospital (Dak Lak) for free medical examinations by invitation. Many of them had undergone lithotripsy up to 3 times but were still tormented by pain.

Clinic for 255 people with lithotripsy. Photo: HAI DUONG

On the morning of September 24, the Central Highlands General Hospital organized the first day of free medical examinations for 255 patients who were "falsely" prescribed lithotripsy. According to the schedule, this examination period took place from September 24 to October 3.

From early morning, many patients from the communes and wards of Dak Lak and Lam Dong provinces gathered in the hallway of building A for medical examination.

As soon as entering the gate, patients were guided by staff to the examination area. The examination was also done very carefully by specialized doctors for each case.

Ms. Ngo Ha Thuy Ngan, a staff member of the Nursing Department, said that as of 11:30 am on the same day, there were more than 50 patients coming for lithotripsy. The patients who arrived would have their names recorded and be guided to the examination room.

"In addition, there are some people who are not on the list of 255 patients for lithotripsy, but the hospital still gives instructions for them to come for a normal check-up," Ms. Ngan added.

A leader of the Nursing Department, Central Highlands General Hospital also said that to serve the fastest and most convenient medical examination for the people, the hospital has arranged 7 doctors from other hospitals. Of which, 3 doctors are regularly arranged in the examination area, if there are many patients, more will be added.

In addition, the hospital also arranged nearly 20 people in many departments to serve and guide patients.

Regarding patient support, a leader of the Finance and Planning Department of the Central Highlands General Hospital said that the unit will support round-trip transportation costs at market prices for all 255 patients undergoing lithotripsy.

Mr. Ho Xuan Thuong (65 years old), residing in Ea Rieng commune, Dak Lak province, said that in 2024, he had lithotripsy 3 times and cystoscopy 2 times at the Central Highlands General Hospital. However, this morning when he went for a check-up, he still discovered that he had water retention inside.

Mr. Ho Xuan Thuong (in blue shirt) has had his stones crushed three times but still cannot be cured. Photo: HAI DUONG

"I am still in a lot of pain in my lower back and I don't know if I still have stones. After hearing the news in the press, I went back to the doctor for further treatment. I and most of the patients are very upset because of this ineffective treatment method of the doctor," said Mr. Thuong.

Similarly, Mr. Len Van Nam (45 years old), residing in Ea Kly commune, Dak Lak province, also said that from April to October 2024, he had lithotripsy twice at the Central Highlands General Hospital. Both times were performed by Dr. Le Xuan Vinh. However, this lithotripsy was almost ineffective.

"After the lithotripsy, about 10 days later, I had pain again, so I went to a private clinic and was diagnosed with stones. I am currently still in a lot of pain in my lower back. I don't understand how they crushed the stones, but after a follow-up examination, the stones were still there," Mr. Nam said indignantly.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam (right) had his stones crushed twice but without success. Photo: HAI DUONG

Ms. Tran Thi Que, a retired teacher in Ea Drang commune, Dak Lak province, said that in 2024, after discovering she had kidney stones, she went to the Central Highlands General Hospital to have lithotripsy performed. After lithotripsy, when she returned home, she felt pain and bled, so Ms. Que went back to Ea H'leo Hospital for a check-up. The results showed that there were still stones, but she did not dare to have lithotripsy performed again because it was too painful. Currently, Ms. Que still has frequent pain in her lower back.

"By following the press, I found out that when I was having my stones crushed, the machine broke down. I don't know how they crushed my stones because before they crushed them, they injected medicine normally. We also don't know if the doctor crushed the stones or not. Even hundreds of patients like me, no one knows how they crushed the stones," said Ms. Que.

Ms. Tran Thi Que (left) said that after lithotripsy, the stones were still there. Photo: HAI DUONG

Previously, in July 2025, the Dak Lak Department of Health coordinated with the Central Highlands General Hospital to inspect and discover abnormalities in the Department of Nephrology and Urology. Immediately after that, the hospital established a general inspection team.

The results of the inspection showed that 255 patients were not able to receive laser lithotripsy services due to broken machines. However, doctors still declared that they had performed this service on health insurance, causing hundreds of millions of dong in damage to health insurance.

Regarding this case, Dak Lak Provincial Police have prosecuted and temporarily detained Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang (born in 1977), Head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology, and Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc (born in 1974), Head of the Department of Surgery and Anesthesia and Resuscitation.

Both Mr. Hoang and Mr. Duc were arrested to investigate the crime of "abusing position and power while performing official duties".

PV (synthesis)

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/vu-255-ca-tan-soi-du-may-hong-benh-nhan-van-con-nguyen-soi-dau-sau-dieu-tri-521666.html