Gangnam CHA Hospital, a part of CHA University of Medicine and Science, announced on Thursday that its obstetrics and gynecology department has reached a groundbreaking milestone of 10,000 robotic surgeries since launching its Robotic Surgery Center in June 2015.
This achievement is unprecedented for a single medical institution in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, representing approximately 7% of all robotic surgeries performed in this specialty across South Korea.
Of the 10,000 procedures, uterine fibroid surgeries accounted for the majority at 71.2%, followed by ovarian tumor removals at 20.8%, and gynecological cancer treatments at 8%.
The age distribution of patients showed that women in their 30s made up the largest group at 41.9%, closely followed by those in their 40s at 41.2%, with women in their 20s accounting for 9.3%.
Dr. Seong Seok-joo, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Gangnam CHA Hospital, noted that with the trend of later marriages, it’s seeing a clear preference for robotic surgery among women in their 30s and 40s who wish to preserve their fertility.
Traditionally, uterine fibroid cases often resulted in hysterectomies depending on the size and location of the growths. However, robotic surgery now allows for precise excision and suturing, enabling doctors to remove only the affected tissue while preserving the uterus.
This advancement is crucial for women of childbearing age who want to maintain their ability to conceive. It also benefits women not planning pregnancies by preserving organ function, reducing surgical burden, and improving overall quality of life.
Dr. Seong emphasized the hospital’s commitment to expanding robotic surgery capabilities for complex conditions such as gynecological cancers, aiming to enhance patient outcomes through precise and safe treatments.
Dr. Noh Dong-young, Director of Gangnam CHA Hospital, stated that as a specialized obstetrics and gynecology center dedicated to women’s health throughout their lives, it will continue to build on the clinical expertise to deliver patient-centered care.
The hospital currently operates three robotic surgery systems, including the state-of-the-art da Vinci SP system.
In the past year alone, the facility performed over 2,000 robotic surgeries, marking a 1.5-fold increase compared to 2022. Looking ahead, the hospital plans to extend robotic surgical techniques to various medical specialties, further advancing its capabilities in minimally invasive procedures.
CHA Hospital has been at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery since 1988 when it introduced laparoscopic procedures to South Korea. Building on its wealth of experience and systematic approach to gynecological tumor surgeries, the hospital has established itself as a leader in robotic gynecological procedures.
Gangnam CHA Hospital offers comprehensive women’s health services, providing seamless care from fertility treatments and gynecological tumor surgeries to high-risk pregnancy management and menopausal care.