'Born again': American patient bets on Vietnam to end 15 years of agony after 6 failed surgeries

"It feels like being born again after years of despair and endless searching for a cure," the businessman shared on June 8. "I never imagined my successful treatment would happen right here in Vietnam."

The man's journey began after a traumatic accident 15 years ago, leaving him with urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urethra that severely disrupted his daily life. Symptoms, including difficulty urinating, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urges and recurrent infections, transformed simple tasks into prolonged ordeals. His condition worsened to the point of severely impacting his kidney and bladder function.

Despite seeking treatment at renowned medical centers across the U.S., Thailand and Singapore, the patient endured six unsuccessful surgeries, each followed by painful, repeated urethral dilations. The constant disappointments deeply affected his mental health, leaving him anxious and distressed.

In April 2025, he made the pivotal decision to trust Vietnam's healthcare system and consulted doctor Do Lenh Hung, head of Urethral Reconstruction Surgery at Binh Dan Hospital. On May 17, a meticulous two-hour procedure finally resolved his chronic condition. Remarkably, within just three weeks, he regained full urinary function.

The team managed the surgery effectively because they routinely handle even more complex cases, Hung said. Recent follow-up exams confirmed excellent outcomes, revealing a fully open urethra and robust urine flow with no complications.

Common causes of urethral strictures include traumatic injuries, surgical complications, chronic infections and congenital issues. Untreated, strictures can cause serious problems like kidney damage, urinary retention, infections and infertility, significantly affecting patients' quality of life.

Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, commended Binh Dan Hospital, emphasizing its role in helping the city become a regional medical hub. Recent assessments placed the hospital first in service quality among healthcare institutions.

Drawing comparisons from his international experiences, the American patient praised Vietnam's medical facilities as equal to global standards, with doctors who exhibit world-class skill. "The best specialists are right here," he affirmed. "The cost I paid was minimal compared to other countries, yet the results were invaluable."

"I'm over 1.9 meters tall and weigh 95 kilograms, yet everything at the hospital was perfectly suited to me. If you're under two meters, you'll be completely comfortable here," he joked.