Nguyen Duc Hung, Head of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology at Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi City in Quang Binh province, confirmed that the video capturing a man singing loudly was recorded in the hospital’s operating room. Hung performed the vascular embolization operation to treat liver cancer.

The man displayed remarkable optimism. Despite undergoing surgery, he sang songs such as "Bien, noi nho va em” (The Sea, Memories, and You). Though his breathing was weak, he resumed singing after catching his breath.

The patient featured in the widely shared video is Tran Xuan Dan (born 1955, residing in Dong Hai Ward in Dong Hoi City). The video was filmed in the operating room of Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi on February 26.

Hung said the patient was admitted to the hospital to undergo vascular embolization, a new procedure introduced by the hospital to support liver cancer treatment.

“With this technique, general anesthesia is not required. The procedure involves minimal bodily intervention, as doctors insert a microcatheter and guidewire through the patient’s wrist artery to inject tumor-destroying drugs, allowing the patient to remain fully awake and converse comfortably with doctors,” Hung explained.

When the procedure began, Dan requested permission to sing a few songs to boost his spirits and even invited the doctors to join in to lighten the atmosphere.

“It was the first time that a patient had requested to sing during surgery, which surprised the doctors. However, recognizing that the vascular embolization procedure benefits from a positive mental state, we agreed. The man sang nearly 10 songs,” Hung added.

According to Dan’s family, he has been battling liver cancer for over a year. Due to his frail health and underlying conditions, he needs monthly hospital visits for treatment.

He has a deep love of literature, poetry and music. Since falling ill, he has sung even more frequently to maintain a relaxed and optimistic mindset, often saying, “Singing drowns out the pain”.

Dan’s video, posted on social media, has attracted a great deal of attention from the online community. Many have expressed admiration and praise for his optimism, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Music in the operating room is regarded as a pain-relieving aid. For procedures not requiring anesthesia, patients may engage in conversation, listen to music, or sing, depending on their preferences.

Dr Tran Anh Duong from Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi said that patients singing during an intervention does not interfere with the doctors’ work.

Phuong Thuy