Samsung Changwon Hospital Stomach Cancer Center Achieves 1,000 Cases of Gastric Tumor Surgery

Qualitative Growth in Minimally Invasive Surgery Reducing Patient Burden, Including Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery

The Stomach Cancer Center at Sungkyunkwan University Samsung Changwon Hospital has surpassed a cumulative total of 1,000 stomach tumor surgeries. Among these 1,000 stomach tumor surgeries, stomach cancer surgeries accounted for 85%, while other surgeries such as stomach adenoma and benign tumors made up 15%.

Professor Kim Seong, Department of Surgery, Samsung Changwon Hospital, performing stomach cancer surgery.

The Samsung Changwon Hospital Stomach Cancer Center began with 30 stomach tumor surgeries in 2016, and the number of surgeries has been steadily increasing. In particular, after recruiting Kim Seong, former head of the Stomach Cancer Center at Samsung Seoul Hospital, who is widely recognized as a leading expert in stomach cancer surgery in Korea, the center recorded 185 surgeries in 2021, showing a steep growth trend.

The Samsung Changwon Hospital Stomach Cancer Center demonstrates high-quality performance not only in the number of surgeries performed but also in qualitative aspects. Unlike open surgery, which involves a large abdominal incision, laparoscopic surgery?performed through about 1 to 4 small incisions?accounts for 40% of all patients, reducing the psychological burden on patients. Additionally, robotic surgery, which enables precise operations deep inside the body based on delicate joint movements, is also performed, leading to high patient satisfaction.

Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are minimally invasive procedures that minimize skin incisions and preserve the function of intra-abdominal organs as much as possible. They offer less pain, faster recovery, and improve patients’ confidence and quality of life, and are actively utilized in various surgeries recently.

In June, Samsung Changwon Hospital established a new Cancer Center that performs patient-centered integrated cancer treatment functions. Within the Cancer Center, the Stomach Cancer Center, Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center, and Gastroenterology Center are integrated. By consolidating major cancer-related departments and establishing a collaborative care system, the hospital aims to accelerate growth by providing total care services that go beyond diagnosis and treatment to include lifestyle management and prevention.

Professor Kim Yong-seok, head of the Stomach Cancer Center and a surgeon, said, “Surpassing 1,000 stomach tumor surgeries marks a milestone to solidify our status as a leading tertiary hospital in Changwon Special City. We will continue to strive and research tirelessly so that critically ill patients in the region can lead healthy lives.”