The case of falsely reporting the number of lithotripsy cases: The patient was upset because after 8 hospitalizations, he was still not cured.

After a technical problem during the kidney stone lithotripsy treatment at the Central Highlands General Hospital, a series of patients had to return for treatment due to complications. Many reported that their health had declined, their illness had not improved, and they had to be hospitalized multiple times.

The patient had his blood pressure measured, blood and urine taken for testing and ultrasound examination after the lithotripsy incident broke out - Photo: TRUNG TAN

On September 24, Mr. Nguyen Huu Vu Quang - Deputy Director of Dak Lak Department of Health - said that the Central Highlands General Hospital coordinated with two other hospitals to organize general examinations for 255 patients after the incident of overstating the number of lithotripsy cases.

Patients after lithotripsy please go to higher level

This morning, hundreds of patients showed up early for their health check-ups. They had their blood pressure measured, were examined, and had abdominal ultrasounds done to get further instructions.

After the initial examination, many patients were still worried. According to them, they had previously undergone surgery at the hospital, had their stones crushed, and were declared cured, but when they returned home, they still had a dull ache. After the false accusation, many people became even more worried and upset.

Among them, Mr. Hoang Van T. (50 years old, residing in Buon Triet village, Dur KMăl commune, Krong Ana district, Dak Lak ) said that in early June 2025, he was hospitalized to have his kidney stones crushed. After the surgery, his health not only did not recover but also became increasingly tired, with severe abdominal pain and persistent high fever. His family had to take turns taking care of him because he could not walk and had a poor appetite.

Doctors examine and advise patients after lithotripsy - Photo: TRUNG TAN

"The doctor told me to wait for further observation, but I'm clearly getting weaker. I just hope the hospital can find a solution soon. If they can't cure me here, they should send me to a higher level facility. It's not good to drag it out like this," Mr. T. shared.

Mr. Le Van N. (47 years old, residing in Kly commune, Dak Lak) said that in April 2024, he was prescribed kidney stone lithotripsy. 45 days after being discharged from the hospital, he had severe abdominal pain again, had to return to the hospital and continue lithotripsy, but so far his condition has not improved.

"I request that the hospital focus on screening and treating patients thoroughly. Unscrupulous doctors who disregard patients' health need to be severely punished," Mr. N. said indignantly.

Doctor checks kidney X-ray of a patient - Photo: TRUNG TAN

Mr. Ho Xuan Th. (56 years old, village 11, Ea Rieng commune, M'Drak district) said that in the past 2 years alone, he had been hospitalized 8 times for kidney stones. Despite having his stones crushed many times, his condition was still not cured.

"Last April, I continued with endoscopic lithotripsy, but after surgery, I still had pain. The disease kept recurring, and I was in and out of the hospital repeatedly without a cure," said Mr. Th.

Mr. Th. said that the hospital recently invited him to work, and he also provided dozens of documents to the investigation agency. "The biggest wish is that the hospital has a permanent solution, because I still have a dull pain on my right side, it's very miserable," he shared.

Will conduct general examination and prescribe treatment for 255 patients

In response to patients' complaints, Dr. Le Ka Thuy - Deputy Director of the Central Highlands General Hospital - said that the hospital has planned to re-examine all 255 patients who were prescribed lithotripsy.

"From September 24 to October 3, the hospital will invite patients back for ultrasound, blood and urine tests, and X-rays. Those with abnormal signs will be advised to be hospitalized for immediate treatment; patients needing surgery will be given specific explanations; and stable cases will continue to be monitored periodically," Ms. Thuy informed.

The hospital also commits to supporting travel expenses for patients living far away, and co-paying health insurance costs to reduce the burden. For cases beyond the professional capacity, the unit will contact a higher-level hospital to coordinate treatment, ensuring the rights and safety of the patient.

The patient was re-examined and had an ultrasound after the lithotripsy incident - Photo: TRUNG TAN

Speaking more about this, Deputy Director of Dak Lak Province Department of Health Nguyen Huu Vu Quang affirmed that the current view of the industry is that the patient's health must be put first. After the incident, the department requested the hospital to report and establish a professional council for a comprehensive assessment. At the same time, it directed a review of the process, tightened management of equipment, technical records and required periodic reporting on medical incidents.

According to Mr. Quang, in the recent incident there was an element of personal error, but systemic responsibility is also not small.

"The health sector will make comprehensive adjustments, from expertise, procedures to equipment management. Medical examination and treatment activities must still be maintained because the demand for stone crushing from patients is very high. We have considered the option of increasing doctors, coordinating between hospitals in the province and coordinating with higher levels to both make adjustments and not interrupt treatment," said Mr. Quang.

Patients wait their turn to be examined, the hospital confirmed that it will waive hospital fees and support travel expenses for people living far away - Photo: TRUNG TAN

Developments in the case of falsely declaring 255 cases of lithotripsy

As reported, from March 28 to May 15 and from May 28 to December 31, 2024, the laser lithotripsy machine of the Central Highlands General Hospital was broken and could not be used. However, many medical records still recorded that the procedure had been performed using the laser machine.

In August 2025, many patients after lithotripsy reported complications such as abdominal pain, infection, remaining stones, etc. Dak Lak Department of Health inspected, then the provincial police initiated the case.

On September 22, the Dak Lak Provincial Police Investigation Agency prosecuted and temporarily detained Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoang - Head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology and Mr. Bui Ngoc Duc - Head of the Department of Surgery and Anesthesia and Resuscitation - both for the crime of "abusing position and power while performing official duties".

The investigation agency determined that there were 255 related medical records, of which 235 health insurance records had been paid more than VND 273.9 million, causing losses to the insurance fund and patients of more than VND 333 million.

CENTER

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vu-an-ke-khong-so-ca-tan-soi-benh-nhan-buc-xuc-vi-8-lan-nhap-vien-dieu-tri-van-khong-khoi-20250924101025705.htm