Severance Hospital is part of Yonsei University in Seoul, one of South Korea’s premier academic medical centers. 세브란스병원+2Asia Economy+2
It is highly active in robotic surgery, with a dedicated Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery Center. 세브란스병원
2. Robotic Surgery Volume & Milestones
As of December 2023, Severance Hospital claims to have completed over 40,000 robotic surgeries. 세브란스병원
In 2023, it was reported to be the first single institution in the world to reach 40,000 robotic cases. Asia Economy
Previously, in 2021, they had announced 30,000 robotic surgeries, marking a major milestone. Asia Economy+1
The hospital operates 10 robotic systems (mostly da Vinci), including multiple SP (single-port) systems. Asia Economy
3. Clinical Areas & Specializations
Severance’s robotic surgery spans a wide range of specialties:
Urology: A large portion of robotic procedures comes from urology; prostate surgery is prominent. 세브란스병원+1
Surgery / General Surgery: Includes thyroid and endocrine surgery (a big share), GI (gastrointestinal) surgery, colorectal surgery, etc. Asia Economy
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer: Prof. Hyeong Woo-jin has reportedly completed 2,000+ robotic gastric cancer surgeries. 한국국제의료협회
Other Fields: ENT (ear, nose, throat), obstetrics & gynecology, hepatobiliary & pancreatic surgery, breast surgery, thoracic surgery (lung), and even transplant surgery are all using robotics at Severance. Asia Economy+2세브란스병원+2
4. Innovation & Single-Port (SP) Robotics
Severance was one of the first hospitals in Korea to adopt the da Vinci SP (single-port) robot. Asia Economy+1
They were designated by Intuitive (maker of da Vinci) as an international “SP Epicenter” / training center for single-port robotic surgery. Asia Economy
According to reports, Severance has done 5,000+ SP robotic surgeries using da Vinci SP. Asia Economy
In narrow anatomical areas like thyroid and oral cancer, SP robotics helps reduce scarring and pain. Asia Economy
5. Training, Education & Research
Severance has a robust robotic surgery education program. Their Robotic Endoscopic Surgery Center proactively trains surgeons. Asia Economy+1
Historically, they’ve offered training to 600+ doctors from around the world. 세브란스병원+1
Their research output is substantial: by the time they reached 30,000 robotic surgeries, they had published 600+ papers relating to robotic surgery. Asia Economy+1
6. Outcomes & Impact
Prostate Cancer / Urology: According to their robotic surgery site, ~96% of prostate cancer patients who’ve had robotic surgery are disease-free (or at least this is the success statistic they report). 세브란스병원
Gastric Cancer: Through Prof. Hyeong Woo-jin’s work, their robot-assisted gastrectomies have become a very mature program. 한국국제의료협회
Global Influence: Their SP Epicenter status means they’re not just doing surgeries, but shaping the future of robotic surgical techniques worldwide.
7. Strengths & Strategic Advantages
Very High Volume: 40,000+ surgeries is a huge number, indicating both experience and broad adoption.
Technological Leadership: Strong in SP robotics; early adopter; Epicenter status.
Broad Clinical Coverage: Not limited to cancer or one surgical domain — they are using robotics in many surgical fields.
Educational Reach: Active in training international surgeons, which helps spread robotic surgery techniques globally.
Research-Driven: High research output, which strengthens clinical practices and innovations.
8. Challenges / Considerations
Resource Intensity: Running many robot systems (10+) requires large investment, maintenance, and skilled staff.
Patient Selection: For some very complex surgeries or particular patient anatomies, not all will be ideal for robotic approach; careful evaluation is needed.
Scalability: Maintaining surgical volume + educational mission + innovation can strain infrastructure and demand.
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