Hwasun Jeonnam National University Hospital Achieves 1,400 Robotic Surgeries in Urology

Professor Dongdeuk Kwon, a urology specialist, is performing da Vinci robotic surgery. Photo by Hwasun Jeonnam National University Hospital

Hwasun Jeonnam National University Hospital announced on January 12 that its Department of Urology has achieved 1,400 cases of robotic surgery since its introduction. The hospital is actively utilizing advanced robotic systems in major urologic cancer surgeries, such as prostate cancer and kidney cancer, which require delicate surgical skills, to provide optimal treatment outcomes for patients.

Robotic surgery in the Department of Urology began in earnest with the introduction of the da Vinci Xi model in December 2019. Starting with six cases in the first year, the number grew rapidly to 268 cases in 2021 and 290 cases in 2022, showing consistent annual growth. By 2025, the cumulative total reached 1,409 cases.

The Department of Urology performs robotic surgeries across the entire spectrum of urologic diseases, including prostate cancer, kidney cancer, urothelial cancer of the renal pelvis and ureter, bladder cancer, and adrenal tumors. Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic surgery significantly reduces complications by minimizing blood loss and preserving nerves.

Hwasun Jeonnam National University Hospital has been a pioneer in the field of robotic surgery. In 2010, it became the first in the Honam region to introduce robotic surgical equipment and successfully perform prostate cancer surgery. Since then, the hospital has led the popularization of robotic surgery in the region by continuously expanding its infrastructure and improving the proficiency of its medical staff.

With the introduction of the 'da Vinci SP' in December 2023, the hospital has expanded into the field of single-port surgery, maximizing both patient recovery speed and cosmetic satisfaction. The number of SP surgeries has already surpassed 13 cases.

Hwang Uichang, Head of the Department of Urology, stated, "This achievement is the result of the dedication of all our medical staff to patient safety and complete recovery. We will continue to combine the versatility of the da Vinci Xi with the precision of the SP model to provide even more specialized and tailored surgeries for patients with complex urologic cancers."

Min Jeongjun, Director of the hospital, said, "Based on our world-class robotic surgery infrastructure, the hospital will spare no effort to ensure that local residents can receive the best medical services without having to travel to the Seoul metropolitan area."