China's Top Departments: Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University
Ranked #2 nationally and #1 in patient trust, Huashan Hospital's Neurosurgery is China's oldest neurosurgery department in the south, a National Key Discipline, and lead unit of the National Center for Neurological Disorders. Here's what international patients should know.
If you're facing a brain tumor, a complex neurological condition, or need precision neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital's Department of Neurosurgery is among the most experienced centers in the world. Founded in 1952 as the first neurosurgery department in Southern China, it has grown into a National Key Discipline, the lead unit of China's National Center for Neurological Disorders (designated 2021), and the department with the #1 patient trust ranking nationally for 5 consecutive years (CASS).
The numbers tell the story: 170 neurosurgeons, approximately 800 beds, 40 operating theaters (including 4 hybrid ORs), and 16,226 surgeries in 2023 alone — with 85.23% classified as Grade 4 (the most complex category). Annual outpatient visits exceed 150,000.
At ChinaMed Select, we've helped international patients navigate Huashan's neurosurgery department for conditions ranging from glioma to pituitary tumors to complex cerebrovascular disease. Here's what you need to know.
Signature Programs
Precision Glioma Surgery — World-Class
Huashan authored China's national glioma diagnosis and treatment guideline. If you have a glioma, this is where you'll find some of the most advanced surgical techniques available anywhere:
- 2006 — First intraoperative MRI (iMRI) navigation surgery in Asia
- 2008 — First awake craniotomy with intraoperative brain mapping in China
- 2010 — First 3T iMRI integrated digital OR in Asia
- 2023 — Breakthrough: Chinese tonal speech decoding from electrocorticography
- AI-powered neuropathology diagnostic system (2020)
What this means for you: Awake craniotomy with brain mapping means surgeons can remove tumors while you're conscious — testing speech, movement, and cognition in real time. This maximizes tumor removal while minimizing damage to critical brain areas. The iMRI technology allows surgeons to see residual tumor during the operation, reducing the need for second surgeries.
"Huashan · Golden Pituitary" — The World's Largest Pituitary Center
This is the largest multidisciplinary pituitary center in the world, established in 2018 as the first globally to have neurosurgeons and endocrinologists co-rounding in a shared ward:
- Cumulative pituitary surgeries: > 25,000 (as of 2024)
- Annual surgeries: > 2,000
- Annual outpatient visits: > 15,000
- Treatment outcomes for functional pituitary adenomas (prolactinoma, acromegaly, Cushing's disease) at internationally advanced levels
- Lead unit of Shanghai Pituitary Research Center (2013)
- Designated "National Multidisciplinary Platform for Major Diseases" by NHC
If you have a pituitary tumor, this center's volume and multidisciplinary approach are unmatched globally.
Cerebrovascular Surgery — Nationally Leading
The department offers comprehensive treatment for cerebral vascular conditions:
- Full-spectrum cerebral aneurysm treatment: clipping + bypass + intraoperative monitoring
- Complete revascularization options: CEA, CAS, EC-IC bypass, Moyamoya surgery
- "Individualized cerebrovascular reconstruction" — MOE 1st Class Award (2016)
- "Surgery reshaping cerebral hemodynamics" — National S&T Progress 2nd Award (2017)
- Publications in NEJM, JAMA, and other top journals
Skull Base Surgery — A Historical Strength
- Acoustic neuroma: 100% gross total resection for tumors >3 cm
- Facial nerve preservation (HB grade 1-2): >67%
- Endoscopic-assisted microsurgery since 2001
- National S&T Progress 3rd Award for anterior skull base approach (1995)
Functional Neurosurgery & Pediatric Neurosurgery
- DBS for Parkinson's disease, epilepsy surgery, and exploratory neuromodulation for psychiatric disorders
- Pediatric Neurosurgery: Formal subspecialty since 2005, 50+ beds, 600+ cases/year. Medulloblastoma, germ cell tumors, craniopharyngioma — outcomes among the best in China. Founded the National Pediatric Neurosurgery Alliance (2022).
Radiosurgery & Radiotherapy
- Gamma Knife Center: founded 1993; exclusive Lekseil Gamma Knife training center in mainland China
- Annual Gamma Knife treatments: 4,880 cases
- Annual CyberKnife treatments: 1,698 cases
- Radiotherapy Center: > 20,000 CNS malignancies treated
Meet the Experts
| Name | Title | What Matters for Your Care |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. ZHOU Liangfu 🏅 | Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering | Chairman & Academic Leader. Fellow of the World Academy of Neurosurgery. Chief of Neurosurgery since 1984. 4× National S&T Progress Award (2nd Class). 400+ papers. National May 1st Labor Medal recipient. If you have a complex brain tumor, this is the leader whose team you want. |
| Prof. MAO Ying | Hospital President | President of Huashan Hospital since 2020. President of Chinese Neurosurgical Society (CNS). National Distinguished Young Scientist. 2× National S&T Progress Award (2nd Class). |
Team composition: 1 CAE Academician, 1 National 973 Chief Scientist, 2 NSFC Distinguished Young Scientists, 3 Changjiang Scholars + 2 Young Changjiang Scholars, 36 Full Professors, 42 Associate Professors, 19 Doctoral Supervisors.
Key specialists also include Prof. YAO Zhao (pituitary & hypothalamic diseases), Prof. WANG Yongfei (endoscopic pituitary surgery), Prof. ZHANG Rong (pediatric neurosurgery), and Prof. WU Jinsong (precision glioma surgery).
What International Patients Should Know
Language & Support
Huashan Hospital is one of Shanghai's premier international medical centers. English-language consultations can be arranged through the hospital's international department. For neurosurgery — where precise communication about surgical risks, expected outcomes, and post-operative care is critical — we strongly recommend working with a bilingual medical coordinator who can ensure nothing is lost in translation.
Appointment Process
- Appointments can be made via the Huashan Hospital website (www.huashan.org.cn), WeChat official account, or through a medical coordinator
- Emergency: 24/7 neurosurgery emergency green channel at both Main Campus and Hongqiao Campus
- Subspecialty Clinics: Glioma, Pituitary Disorders, Cerebrovascular, Epilepsy, DBS for Parkinson's, Pediatric Neurosurgery
- For complex neurosurgical cases, the typical timeline from initial consultation to surgery is 1–3 weeks
Cost Estimates
Neurosurgery costs vary significantly based on the complexity of the procedure and length of hospitalization. Here are general ranges:
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial neurosurgery consultation | ¥300–800 | $42–110 |
| Brain MRI (with contrast) | ¥1,500–3,000 | $210–420 |
| Craniotomy for tumor resection | ¥50,000–120,000 | $7,000–17,000 |
| Awake craniotomy with brain mapping | ¥80,000–150,000 | $11,000–21,000 |
| Endoscopic pituitary surgery | ¥40,000–80,000 | $5,500–11,000 |
| Gamma Knife radiosurgery | ¥30,000–60,000 | $4,200–8,400 |
| DBS surgery (Parkinson's) | ¥150,000–250,000 | $21,000–35,000 |
| Cerebral aneurysm clipping | ¥60,000–120,000 | $8,400–17,000 |
These are estimates. Actual costs depend on procedure complexity, implants/devices used, ICU stay, and total hospitalization length.
Getting There
- Main Campus: No.12 Wulumuqi Middle Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai (Metro lines 1, 2, 7)
- Hongqiao Campus: No.958 Jinguang Road, Huacao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai (Metro line 17)
- 24h Hotline: 95169
- Both campuses have 24/7 neurosurgery emergency services
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Neurosurgery is one of the highest-stakes medical decisions you can make. ChinaMed Select ensures you're connected with the right team and fully supported throughout:
- Expert Department Matching: We confirm that Huashan's Neurosurgery is the right fit for your specific condition — whether it's a glioma, pituitary tumor, cerebrovascular disease, or a pediatric neurological condition
- Subspecialty Alignment: The department has distinct subspecialty teams. We match you with the one that handles your exact condition — so you see the surgeon who performs your procedure most often
- Medical Record Preparation: Neurosurgical consultations require detailed imaging (MRI, CT, angiography) and neurological assessments. We help you organize and translate everything so the team can review your case efficiently before you arrive
- Appointment Coordination: We handle scheduling directly with the department, ensuring your consultation is with the appropriate subspecialty surgeon
- Certified Medical Translation: Neurosurgery discussions involve complex anatomy, surgical risk profiles, and post-operative care plans. Our medical translators ensure you understand every detail
- End-to-End Journey Support: From airport pickup in Shanghai to hotel arrangement near the hospital, interpreter presence during consultations, and post-operative follow-up coordination, we manage logistics so you can focus on recovery
Plan Your Visit
- Appointments: www.huashan.org.cn, WeChat official account, Tel: 95169 (24h)
- Emergency: 24/7 neurosurgery green channel at both campuses
- Subspecialty Clinics: Glioma, Pituitary Disorders, Cerebrovascular, Epilepsy, DBS for Parkinson's, Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Main Campus: No.12 Wulumuqi Middle Rd, Jing'an, Shanghai (Metro lines 1, 2, 7)
- Hongqiao Campus: No.958 Jinguang Rd, Huacao, Minhang, Shanghai (Metro line 17)
Ready to explore neurosurgical options at Huashan Hospital? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free, personalized consultation. We'll review your neurological condition and imaging, connect you with the right subspecialty surgeon, and coordinate your entire journey — from medical record translation to post-operative follow-up.