Since its inception in 2021, the hospital has introduced robotic surgery for lung cancer and mediastinal tumors—procedures rarely performed in the region—while prioritizing surgical safety. In 2023, the hospital expanded its robotic surgery program to include esophageal cancer.
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery reported a marked increase in robotic procedures, growing from single-digit cases in 2022 to 12 cases in 2023, and reaching 25 cases in the first half of this year. These surgeries have achieved a 100% success rate with no perioperative mortality.
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 surgery minimizes complications, broadening treatment possibilities.”
For mediastinal tumors in challenging anatomical locations, robotic surgery’s precision enables safe tumor resection, reducing the likelihood of recurrence. In esophageal cancer cases, the hospital employs a technique that preserves the azygos vein, lowering postoperative complication risks, particularly for patients with hepatic cirrhosis.
The Robotic Surgery Center, a collaborative effort involving urology, gynecology, and cardiothoracic surgery departments, has established Uijeongbu Eulji as a hub for robotic surgery in northern Gyeonggi.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr