TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Taiwan University Hospital has performed more than 9,000 surgeries with robotic assistance, aiming to become a leading center for robotic-assisted surgery in Asia, CNA reported Monday.
The hospital introduced its first Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical system in 2011 and has continued to expand its applications. It said the cases include plastic surgery, general surgery, and cancerous tumor removal.
Earlier this month, the hospital renewed its partnership agreement with Intuitive Surgical Sarl Taiwan Branch. NTUH Director Yu Chong-jen (余忠仁) said the collaboration will help enhance clinical services, advance academic research, and expand the applications of robotic systems in medicine.
The hospital said the collaboration will include optimizing operating room workflows and resource allocation to reduce waiting times for surgeries, as well as strengthening cross-department integration through digital tools.
The two sides are also expected to cooperate on research related to robotic-assisted surgery. They will enhance surgeons’ proficiency through surgical observation and hands-on practice.
Jeff Chueh (闕士傑), a urologist at the hospital, said robotic-assisted surgery combined with 3D imaging can enhance surgical precision, minimize bleeding, and reduce postoperative complications. He added the hospital established the Center for Robot-assisted and Innovative Surgery in August to provide comprehensive training programs for surgeons.
The hospital highlighted the use of robotic systems in liver surgery. The system can access hard-to-reach areas in the abdomen with high precision, enabling surgeons to operate on challenging tumors. Surgeons control the robotic arms via a console with a 3D view that provides depth perception and magnification.
Robotic-assisted surgery can also be applied to heart procedures, including valve repair and coronary artery bypass. The robotic arms can perform delicate operations within the chest’s narrow space.
The hospital said it has begun using the Da Vinci single-port robotic system, which enables surgeons to perform operations through a single incision using robotic arms and endoscopic instruments.
