At the 15th Renji Urology Forum, the Urology Department of Renji Hospital proudly announced it had performed over 10,000 Da Vinci robotic surgeries. A commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the milestone.  Building on its legacy since 1844 and a decade of robotic surgical experience, the department has established the “Renji Model” — a benchmark for minimally invasive, precision-focused treatment in urology. The Da Vinci system is now routinely used in complex surgeries for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers.

Pushing the Limits of Surgical Precision

The Da Vinci robotic system, known for its precision and minimally invasive design, has revolutionized surgeries for kidney and prostate cancer by enabling more accurate tumor removal and  better preservation of organ function.

Dr. Pan Jiahua, Director of the Urology Department, stated that Renji Hospital had achieved a kidney preservation rate of over 95% in early-stage renal cancer — meeting international standards. For complex cases such as renal cancer with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, the team has achieved a zero perioperative mortality rate with robotic assistance.

In prostate cancer treatment, where urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction significantly impact quality of life, Renji applies nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in over 90% of early-stage cases. More than two-thirds of patients recover urinary control post-surgery — a result that surpasses international benchmarks.

A particularly moving moment came when Mr. Liu, a 68-year-old patient from Hong Kong, made a deep bow to Professor Xue Wei, Chief Physician of the Urology Department, to express his heartfelt thanks.

Two months earlier, Mr. Liu’s PSA levels spiked during a routine check-up, and he was diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer. The tumor’s proximity to the rectum made surgery highly risky. After consultations at several hospitals, he was warned of potential rectal damage and poor postoperative quality of life —and he almost giving up on treatment.

Learning of Renji’s expertise, he contacted the team via teleconsultation. Professor Xue’s team proposed a customized single-port Da Vinci robotic radical prostatectomy. The surgery was technically demanding due to limited operative space and the need to protect vital nerves.

Thanks to meticulous planning, the surgery lasted just 40 minutes, with only 10 mL of blood loss. Mr. Liu ate within six hours and was discharged within 36 hours — fully continent.

Advancing Global Urology: A Decade of Innovation

As Shanghai’s first Western-style hospital founded in 1844, Renji has played a key role in China’s medical modernization.

Between 2014 and 2024, the hospital had performed over 10,000 robotic procedures, reflecting both clinical excellence and international progress. The journey began with the third-generation Da Vinci system in 2014 and accelerated with the fourth-generation system launched at the West campus in 2022.

The forum featured a retrospective on a decade of robotic innovation, including the “10,000+ Da Vinci Robotic Surgeries Roadshow.” Nearly 20 surgeries were livestreamed from three operating rooms, covering surgeries for prostate, kidney, bladder, pelvic floor, and urinary reconstruction procedures — showcasing Renji’s global leadership in robotic urology and its commitment to international exchange.

The Renji Urology Forum, which was founded in 2009, has emphasized innovation and clinical advancement. This annual event was chaired by Dr. Pan Jiahua and attended by Vice Presidents Xue Wei and Wang Zheng, along with top urologists from all over the country.