Võ Công Minh, Head of the ENT Department at FV Hospital, speaks at the “Comprehensive Approach for Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Syndrome” CME Training Programme last week in Cần Thơ City. — VNS Photo

CẦN THƠ – FV Hospital, in collaboration with Cần Thơ ENT Hospital in Cần Thơ City and with the consultation of Thomson Medical Group (Singapore), organised the “Comprehensive Approach for Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Syndrome” CME Training Programme last week.

The training programme attracted more than 300 doctors specialising in maxillofacial surgery, ENT, general surgery, and nutrition from 25 hospitals across nine southern provinces.

The programme garnered much interest and high praise for its professionalism in organisation and the quality of the presentations from the participating doctors.

Võ Công Minh, Head of the ENT Department at FV Hospital, said a recent study shows 8.5 per cent of Việt Nam’s population suffer from sleep apnoea. This is a dangerous condition if left untreated and can lead to numerous complications such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and a tripling of mortality risk over 15 years.

He emphasised that sleep apnoea is due to various causes, including lifestyle changes, obesity, and other chronic conditions.

Nguyễn Viết Quỳnh Thư, Head of the Dietetics & Nutrition Department at FV Hospital, said that for every 10 per cent increase in body weight, the risk increases six fold. Therefore, weight loss is crucial and patients can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnoea by following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and using medication if necessary.

In cases where patients have a high Body Mass Index (BMI) (BMI > 35 or BMI > 30 with multiple comorbidities), and weight reduction through diet, exercise, and medication is not effective, surgical methods such as gastric bypass surgery may be considered.

Dr. Barrie Tan, a renowned ENT from Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore, presented “Advanced Ear Surgery and Hearing Implants – Latest Technology and Trends,” providing updates on advanced techniques in treating hearing disorders.

Dr. Tan’s participation underscores FV Hospital’s commitment to its strategy of “Bringing Singaporean Medicine to Việt Nam”. – VNS