Hanyang University Seoul Hospital Reaches 4,000 Robotic Surgeries — Expanding to 5 Departments

Hanyang University Seoul Hospital has achieved a cumulative total of 4,000 robotic surgeries.

Since performing its first robotic procedure in 2008, the hospital has steadily expanded its equipment and now applies robotic surgery across 5 departments for a wide range of conditions, including prostate cancer, kidney cancer, uterine cancer, and colorectal cancer.

The hospital held a commemorative ceremony on the 14th to mark the milestone, held in the robotic surgery suite on the 5th floor of the main building.

■ From Launch to 4,000 Cases — A History of Steady Growth

Hanyang University Seoul Hospital's robotic surgery program began in 2008 with the opening of its Robot Surgery Center and the introduction of the da Vinci S system. The program reached 400 cumulative cases by 2012, and surpassed 1,000 cases in 2018.

The robotic surgery lineup has been progressively upgraded over the years. The da Vinci Si was introduced in 2016, followed by the 4th-generation da Vinci Xi system in 2022. In December 2024, the hospital added the da Vinci SP (Single Port) system, bringing its current fleet to two robotic platforms: the Xi and the SP.

Annual surgical volume crossed the 500-case mark for the first time in 2023, with 508 procedures performed that year. The da Vinci SP alone reached a cumulative 500 cases on August 26 of this year.

■ 5 Departments, Broad Disease Coverage

Robotic surgery is currently performed across five departments: Urology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), and Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery. The technique is applied to a range of cancers and conditions, including prostate cancer, kidney cancer, uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, and lung cancer.

Robotic surgery uses high-definition 3D imaging to magnify the surgical field, while the surgeon controls robotic arms with precision. The system enables delicate dissection and suturing, and can reduce the size of incisions depending on the condition and surgical approach.

■ Plans to Expand Through Hanyang University Cancer Hospital

Looking ahead, the hospital plans to broaden the application of robotic surgery — including for cancer procedures — in collaboration with Hanyang University Cancer Hospital, which was launched in September of this year. A Robotic Surgery Symposium is also scheduled for November 13, where the latest advances and clinical experiences will be shared.

Dr. Bae Jae-man, Director of the Robot & Endoscopic Surgery Center at Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, said: "Reaching 4,000 cases is the result of years of close collaboration among surgeons across multiple departments, our anesthesiology team, the surgical nursing team, and all related staff. Going forward, we will continue selecting the most appropriate surgical approach for each patient and working to improve both the safety and clinical scope of robotic surgery."

Hospital Director Lee Hyeong-jung added: "We have steadily built up our robotic surgery capabilities through accumulated clinical experience and strong interdepartmental collaboration. With the launch of Hanyang University Cancer Hospital as a milestone, we will expand the application of robotic surgery — including cancer operations — and work to enhance the quality of care through safe and precise robotic procedures."