Leading the Way in Oncology Care
Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, one of China’s earliest established cancer centers, has been at the forefront of oncology care. Since 2019, when it was approved to lead the construction of a “National Regional Medical Center for Cancer,” the hospital has focused on three major strengths: talent, technology, and equipment.
With state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, advanced surgical expertise, and strong academic capabilities, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital has become a national benchmark and an internationally recognized research-oriented cancer center.
A Milestone in Spinal Tumor Surgery
Recently, Director Li Tao and Deputy Director Jin Gu, together with Dr. Qian Wenkang and their multidisciplinary team, successfully performed the hospital’s first robot-assisted multi-segment vertebral fusion.
The patient, a 53-year-old woman with a critical spinal tumor, presented a highly complex condition. This procedure marks a key advancement in spinal tumor surgery, demonstrating how robotics can transform treatment for complex spinal conditions.
The Clinical Challenge: Multi-Segment Tumor with Pathological Fractures
- Extensive Tumor Invasion: The tumor had affected multiple vertebral segments from T12 to L4, causing structural compromise and pathological fractures.
- Critical Risk: Doctors described her spine as a “hollowed-out beam.” Any collapse could compress nerves, resulting in paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, or even life-threatening complications.
- Urgent Need for Surgery: Immediate intervention was required to remove the tumor, stabilize the spine, and provide hope for recovery.
The multi-segment open surgery involved several complex steps: pedicle approach positioning, pedicle screw placement, bone cement augmentation, and multi-vertebral fusion and fixation. The presence of bone metastases further increased the demand for precision, requiring near-millimeter-level accuracy from the surgeons.
Breakthrough: Robot-Assisted Solution
1. Precision and Efficiency
A 3D C-arm system rapidly scanned the affected area to create detailed 3D structures and cross-sectional images. This provided the robot with a precise navigation map.
Surgeons planned the pedicle approach at the robotic workstation and placed screws from T12 to L4 using sub-millimeter navigation technology, completing the robot-assisted multi-segment vertebral fusion seamlessly without repeated manual adjustments.
2. Simplifying Complex Procedures
The robot streamlined the multi-step, high-intensity surgical workflow. Tasks that previously required repeated manual calibration based on surgeon experience were transformed into precise, automated, navigation-assisted operations.
This approach reduced procedural steps, alleviated surgeon fatigue, and made complex operations more controllable, greatly lowering the risk of human error.
3. Enhancing Safety and Reducing Radiation
Traditional spinal surgery requires repeated intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy, exposing patients and medical staff to significant radiation.
The robotic system reduced the frequency of scans while maintaining precision. Surgical efficiency improved, and radiation exposure for both clinicians and patients decreased significantly.
Successful Outcome and Patient Benefit
The surgery achieved:
- Complete tumor removal
- Accurate pedicle screw placement
- Effective reinforcement of collapsed vertebrae
- Restoration of spinal stability
Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant relief from lumbodorsal pain, reflecting favorable early clinical outcomes in spinal tumor surgery.
Robotic Technology Serving Patients
The team emphasized that the value of robotics lies not only in technological advancement but also in translating innovation into clinically meaningful precision and patient-centered benefits.
Robotic assistance enhances surgical confidence, reduces operative trauma, and supports faster recovery with minimal patient discomfort. It represents a transformative step in managing complex spinal tumors.
Advancing the Future of Spinal Oncology
This successful robot-assisted multi-segment vertebral fusion reflects Zhejiang Cancer Hospital’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care.
By integrating advanced robotic technology into clinical practice, the hospital continues to improve surgical safety, reduce complications, and accelerate recovery, setting new standards in spinal tumor surgery.
