The Peking University Cancer Hospital and Beijing United Family Hospital have partnered to inaugurate the Minimally Invasive Surgery Center featuring Da Vinci robotic surgeries.
In Da Vinci surgery, computerized technology allows a surgeon to manipulate laparoscopic instruments attached to robotic arms while viewing the procedure in three dimensions, just as if it were a real-life open surgery.
"It's designed to help alleviate the hand tremor of the surgeon thus could be more precise," said Zhu Gang, who heads the urology surgery department of Beijing United Family.
Currently, the surgical tool has been used in areas such as urology, cardiology, gynecology, head and neck, and pediatrics.
Senior patients and those who suffer from obesity are highly recommended with da Vinci robotic surgery, which has smaller incision and a faster recovery time.
Statistics from the producer, Intuitive Surgical, 54 Da Vinci surgical systems have been installed throughout China and 800 medics are trained to operate the system.
"Medics are usually trained as a team comprising the surgeon, anesthetist, and nurse," Zhu noted.
As a veteran surgeon who has more than 20 years' experience in open surgery and the minimally-invasive procedures, Zhu took a few a days to get used to commanding the surgical system.
He expects a wider use of the Da Vinci robotic surgery as costs continue to decrease.
In the U.S., there are more than 2,000 Da Vinci surgical systems.
