Huashan Hospital Performs Uniportal Robotic Total Mastectomy with Reconstruction and Robotic Radical Thyroidectomy

Recently, the team led by Professor Zou Qiang and Professor Jin Yiting from the Department of General Surgery, Breast and Thyroid Surgery Center of Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University took the lead in using the domestic uniportal serpentine arm robotic technology to successively complete Shanghai's first uniportal robotic total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and Shanghai's first uniportal robotic radical thyroidectomy. These procedures have opened up a brand-new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid and breast diseases in China.

The Breast and Thyroid Surgery Center of Huashan Hospital has been deeply engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of breast and thyroid (parathyroid) gland diseases for nearly 40 years. The scale of its diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and breast cancer ranks among the top in Shanghai. Over the years, the team has always adhered to the spirit of innovation, actively explored cutting-edge technologies and concepts, and is committed to providing patients with more efficient, more precise and more minimally invasive new options for diagnosis and treatment.

Ms. Fang (a pseudonym), a 41-year-old patient, was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer. After learning that the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Center of Huashan Hospital is at the leading domestic level in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer as well as breast reconstruction techniques, she sought out the team led by Professor Zou Qiang and Professor Jin Yiting.

After thorough discussions and a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition, the surgical team had in-depth communication with Ms. Fang. They meticulously compared the benefits and risks of robotic surgery versus traditional surgical methods in various aspects, such as the exposure of the surgical field and the aesthetic appearance after the operation. Eventually, the team and the patient jointly formulated a surgical plan assisted by a uniportal robot. Professor Zou Qiang introduced that the uniportal robot can make up for the deficiencies of traditional endoscopic surgery, including interference between instruments, surgical precision, operational stability, and the degree of trauma.

On March 18th, the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Center of Huashan Hospital performed a uniportal robotic total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on Ms. Fang. This is the first time in Shanghai that this technology has been applied to breast cancer resection and breast reconstruction.

In order to meet the patient's expectations for the aesthetic appearance after the operation as much as possible, the surgery was carried out through a 5-cm incision in the relatively hidden inframammary fold or armpit. The resection of the mammary gland and breast reconstruction were completed, and there was no scar on the surface of the breast.

The longer operating distance poses higher requirements for clinicians. Under the high-definition 3D stereoscopic vision of a 10-times magnified camera, Professor Zou Qiang and Professor Jin Yiting manipulated the joystick, flexibly controlled the robotic arm, accurately avoided blood vessels and nerves, and simultaneously completed tissue resection, hemostasis and suture. After the operation, Ms. Fang recovered smoothly.

On March 24th, the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Center of Huashan Hospital applied this innovative technology to the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases. Through a 3-cm incision under the clavicle, it successfully completed Shanghai's first domestic uniportal robotic radical thyroidectomy.

The Breast and Thyroid Surgery specialty group of Huashan Hospital was established in 1985 and is one of the earliest sub-specialties of general surgery established in China. In July 2023, the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Center of the Department of General Surgery was established. The Breast and Thyroid Surgery Department of Huashan Hospital has accumulated rich clinical experience in the fields of breast reconstruction surgery, endoscopic breast surgery, and endoscopic thyroid surgery, and has a profound historical foundation and excellent industry reputation within the profession.

In the future, the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Department of Huashan Hospital will fully rely on the abundant resources of Fudan University and the advantageous platform of Huashan Hospital, give play to the fine tradition of multidisciplinary collaboration and joint research, so that every patient can receive comprehensive, individualized and precise diagnosis and treatment.