Choi Heejun, Director of Samsung Changwon Hospital, Surpasses 200 Cases of Da Vinci SP Robotic Breast Cancer Surgery in About 3 Years

Preference for Single-Port Robotic Breast Cancer Surgery
with Minimal Scarring and Fast Recovery
Rises Amid Increase in Young Breast Cancer Patients

Choi Heejun, Director of the Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center at Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, has surpassed 200 cases of Da Vinci SP (Single Port) robotic breast cancer surgeries. This achievement marks the first and highest record among hospitals in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (hereafter referred to as Bu-Ul-Gyeong), and is the third such accomplishment nationwide.

Heejun Choi, Director of the Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center at Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University.

In 2022, Samsung Changwon Hospital became the first in the Bu-Ul-Gyeong region to successfully perform Da Vinci SP robotic breast cancer surgery. In just about three years, the hospital has exceeded 200 cases, earning recognition for expanding both access to and options for breast cancer surgery in the region.

Recently, due to the westernization of dietary habits and environmental changes, the incidence rate of breast cancer has been steadily increasing. In 2022, the number of female breast cancer cases reached 29,391, representing an increase of about 23% compared to 2018. Notably, with the rising proportion of younger breast cancer patients in their 20s to 40s, there is growing interest in cosmetic outcomes such as post-surgical scarring. In fact, 49% of the patients who underwent Da Vinci SP robotic breast cancer surgery by Choi Heejun at the Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center were under the age of 40.

The Da Vinci SP system is an advanced single-port approach compared to conventional robotic surgery. Since the surgery is performed through a single incision of about 3 cm, scarring can be minimized and recovery is faster. Additionally, the system allows for precise surgery using robotic arms and a camera even in narrow and deep spaces, reducing the risk of damage to major nerves or blood vessels.

Choi Heejun, Director of the Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center, stated, "With the increasing number of younger breast cancer patients, expectations regarding scarring and recovery after surgery are also rising. Da Vinci SP robotic breast cancer surgery demonstrates clear advantages in these aspects. We will continue to do our best to enhance patient satisfaction and quality of life for breast cancer patients through safe and precise treatment."