[Hinews] UIJEONGBU, South Korea — Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital has established itself as a regional leader in robotic surgery for complex thoracic conditions—including lung and esophageal cancer—in northeastern Gyeonggi province, South Korea.

Since launching its robotic surgery program in 2021, the hospital has introduced procedures for lung cancer and mediastinal tumors—both of which are rarely performed in the region—while maintaining a strong emphasis on surgical safety. In 2023, the hospital expanded its robotic surgery program to include esophageal cancer.

The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery has reported a significant rise in robotic procedures—from single-digit cases in 2022, to 12 in 2023, and 25 in the first half of 2005. These surgeries to date have achieved a 100% success rate, with no perioperative mortality reported.

Dr. Kyung-Sik Nam, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital, prepares to perform robotic surgery on a patient with a mediastinal tumor. (Photo courtesy of Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital)
Dr. Kyung-Sik Nam, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital, prepares to perform robotic surgery on a patient with a mediastinal tumor. (Photo courtesy of Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital)

Dr. Kyung-Sik Nam, a professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, stated, “For elderly patients or those with underlying pulmonary conditions, traditional surgery carries a significant risk of pneumonia. Robotic techniques help minimize postoperative complications, expanding options for high-risk patients.”

For mediastinal tumors located in anatomically complex areas, the precision of robotic surgery facilitates safe tumor resection and lowers the risk of recurrence. In esophageal cancer cases, the hospital uses a technique that preserves the azygos vein (i.e., a major vein in the chest that supports blood flow to the heart)— helping to reduce postoperative complication, especially in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

The Robotic Surgery Center, a collaborative effort involving urology, gynecology, and cardiothoracic surgery departments, has established Uijeongbu Eulji as a central hub for robotic surgery in northern Gyeonggi Province.

저작권자 © Hinews 무단전재 및 재배포 금지
ad