CUHK unveils surgical robot to simplify tumor removal

A flexible surgical robot developed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong has successfully removed entire tumors from eight bladder cancer patients.

Unlike traditional single-arm endoscopes, this innovative robot features two mechanical arms, allowing surgeons to completely remove tumors in one piece while minimizing the risk of breaching the bladder wall, which could lead to infection. 

The urology team at CU Medicine’s surgery department performed the world’s first robotic-assisted en bloc resection, or the entire removal, of bladder tumors (ERBT) from last December to April this year.

Researchers reported that all procedures were successfully completed, and all trial patients were discharged within one to two days after surgery, with no major complications being observed within the critical 30-day recovery period for six of them.

Performing the ERBT traditionally requires extensive surgical experience, the research team noted, and that trained doctors need to complete 30 to 50 cases before they can operate independently.

With the new robotic system, surgeons with basic cystoscopy experience can typically become proficient after two to three hours of training.

“More trained doctors will be able to perform ERBT in the long run, allowing bladder cancer patients to receive treatment earlier,” said Ng Chi-fai, Tzu Leung Ho Professor of Urology at CU Medicine. 

Kwok Ka-wai, one of the developers of the surgical robotic system and Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at CUHK, stated that the robotic system is designed to be compatible with various commercial endoscope systems, making it adaptable for endoscopic procedures across multiple medical specialties. 

“We expect the system can soon adapt to treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, uterine conditions, and biliary diseases, where high precision and minimally invasive treatments are essential,” he said.

(Cheng Wong)