Technological Iteration, Intelligent Minimally Invasive Surgery

Technological Iteration, Intelligent Minimally Invasive Surgery: Hospital Successfully Performs 5G Remote Robotic Radical Gastrectomy

In 2022, the laparoscopic surgical robot system was introduced at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital, marking a new era of intelligent minimally invasive surgery for our general surgery department. Keeping pace with industry trends, the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department has progressively advanced its techniques, forging a distinctive path in minimally invasive development through three stable phases of breakthrough.

Phase 01: From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice

Leveraging the robotic platform, the thoracic and abdominal surgery divisions took the lead by conducting over 80 clinical trials for benign and malignant diseases using robotic-assisted minimally invasive techniques, demonstrating excellent safety and efficacy. Based on these results, the technology matured for application in the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of surgical oncology. Seizing this opportunity, the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department utilized the advantages of the robotic assistance system to embark on the clinical practice of robotic radical gastrectomy.

Phase 02: From Robotic-Assisted to Fully Robotic Procedures

In the initial stages, the department performed robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, where digestive tract reconstruction still required traditional laparoscopy. Through persistent refinement, review, and continuous improvement, the team broke through technical barriers and adopted the "3+1" model for complete robotic radical gastrectomy. This achieved the leap from assisted procedures to fully robotic operations. The optimized workflow significantly reduced operation time without requiring additional assistants or increasing the cost of robotic consumables. To date, the department has completed nearly 80 robotic gastric surgeries, with 40 performed smoothly just this year, indicating that the technology is now routine and standardized.

Phase 03: From Local to 5G Remote Surgery

Following the maturation of fully robotic procedures, the department transcended geographical limitations. As planned, they successfully carried out 10 cases of 5G remote robotic radical gastrectomy. Relying on high-speed 5G networks, the system enables real-time transmission of 3D high-definition surgical fields and low-latency operation, breaking spatial barriers. This allows patients in Wuwei and surrounding areas to receive precise surgical treatment from renowned experts located thousands of miles away, reducing the burden of seeking medical care across regions and promoting the decentralization of high-quality medical resources and advanced surgical techniques.

While refining technology, the department is also committed to benefiting patients. We have synchronized optimizations in perioperative management, implemented Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, and strictly controlled consumable costs to make high-end technology accessible to the public. In the future, the department will continue to delve into the field of intelligent minimally invasive surgery, safeguarding the health of regional patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Gansu Wuwei is one of the regions with the highest incidence of gastric cancer globally. The Gastrointestinal Surgery Department at Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital is a highly specialized unit focused on the diagnosis and treatment of gastric tumors. It is also one of the earliest clinical departments in the province and country dedicated to the systematic study of malignant gastric tumors. We routinely perform standardized laparoscopic and robotic minimally invasive radical gastrectomies, extended radical surgeries, and perioperative conversion therapies. Always patient-centered, we actively participate in numerous domestic and international clinical studies on gastric cancer. By keeping abreast of academic frontiers, updating concepts, and utilizing multidisciplinary collaboration within the hospital, we formulate optimal diagnosis and treatment plans to continuously improve patient survival rates.

Leading Cancer Care with Precision &  Compassion

Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital（Wuwei Academy of Medical and Science）

（甘）医广【2025】第11-14-387号