China's Top Departments: Hepatobiliary Tumor & Liver Transplantation Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
The world's largest liver surgery center, led by two academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 7,200+ surgeries annually, 5-year survival rate of 68%, and 3,200+ liver transplants completed. Here's what international patients should know.
China's Top Departments: Hepatobiliary Tumor & Liver Transplantation Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
If you're facing liver cancer, need a liver transplant, or have been told your case is too complex for standard treatment, Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Hepatobiliary Tumor and Liver Transplantation Surgery is where the world's most challenging liver cases are resolved.
This is the world's largest liver surgery center, led by two academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences — an extraordinary distinction that reflects both clinical excellence and research leadership. With 7,200+ surgeries annually, 5-year survival rate of 68% after curative hepatectomy, and 3,200+ liver transplants completed, this department sets the global standard for liver disease treatment.
At ChinaMed Select, we've helped international patients access this world-class department for complex liver cancer surgery, living donor transplants, and innovative treatments unavailable elsewhere. Here's what you need to know.
A Legacy of World-First Innovations
The department's history reads like a textbook of surgical firsts:
- World's first adult-child "discarded liver" transplant — pioneering the use of marginal donor livers
- Asia's first combined heart-liver transplant — for patients with dual organ failure
- China's first classic split-liver transplant — one donor liver saving two lives
- World's first "discarded liver" transplant combined with ALPPS (2024) — for advanced colorectal cancer with liver metastases
- World's first dual-donor "living relative + discarded liver" transplant — pushing the boundaries of donor options
- Asia's first ALPPS procedure for giant liver cancer — making previously inoperable tumors resectable
These innovations aren't just historical achievements — they represent the department's ongoing commitment to solving cases that other centers consider impossible.
Meet the Academician Leaders
Fan Jia, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Elected in 2017, Academician Fan is the Honorary President of Zhongshan Hospital and Chair of the Oncology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. He's a pioneering liver tumor surgeon whose innovations have transformed the field:
- Performed the world's first adult-child "discarded liver" transplant
- Led Asia's first combined heart-liver transplant
- Pioneered China's first classic split-liver transplant
- Published landmark research in Cell, Nature, and Science
Zhou Jian, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Elected in 2025, Academician Zhou is the President of Zhongshan Hospital and a leading figure in liver cancer research:
- Over 30 years of clinical experience
- Personally performed more than 10,000 liver resections and 3,000+ liver transplants
- Developed the first miRNA diagnostic kit for early liver cancer detection (certified by China's NMPA, applied in 300,000+ patients)
- Proposed the China Liver Cancer CNLC Staging System — now the national standard
- Authored the national guideline for primary liver cancer diagnosis and treatment
Department Director: Gao Qiang, Professor
Professor Gao leads the department's daily operations, ensuring world-class care for every patient.
Unmatched Surgical Volume and Outcomes
The Numbers That Matter
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Annual surgeries | 7,200+ (including 3,000 laparoscopic/robotic) |
| 5-year survival after curative hepatectomy | 68% |
| Longest survivor post-surgery | 56 years |
| Cumulative liver transplants | 3,200+ |
| Annual liver transplants | ~150 |
| 5-year survival for transplant patients meeting Shanghai-Fudan Criteria | ~80% |
What These Numbers Mean for You
World's largest liver surgery center by case volume: This isn't just a title — it means the surgeons have seen every variation of liver disease, every anatomical challenge, and every complication. When your case is complex, experience matters.
68% 5-year survival after curative hepatectomy: This compares favorably to major centers worldwide. For context, many Western centers report 50-60% for similar procedures.
80% 5-year survival for transplant patients meeting Shanghai-Fudan Criteria: The department's refined patient selection and surgical techniques deliver outcomes that match or exceed international benchmarks.
Comprehensive Liver Transplantation Services
The department performs all types of liver transplantation:
- Whole liver transplantation from deceased donors
- Living-donor liver transplantation — family members can donate a portion of their liver
- Split-liver transplantation — one donor liver divided to save two recipients
- Combined heart-liver transplantation — for patients with dual organ failure
- Combined liver-kidney transplantation — for patients with simultaneous liver and kidney disease
The team's expertise in living-donor transplantation is particularly valuable for international patients, as it allows planned procedures without waiting for deceased donor availability.
Cutting-Edge Research Translating to Patient Care
The department's research directly benefits patients:
- March 2026: Landmark study on GOLP neoadjuvant therapy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) — the first multicenter, randomized controlled trial worldwide exploring neoadjuvant therapy for this disease
- High-impact publications in Cell, Nature, Science
- 5 National Science and Technology Progress Awards
- Multiple national key R&D projects and major science programs
This research pipeline means patients have access to treatments years before they become widely available.
International Patient Services
Zhongshan Hospital is well-equipped to serve international patients:
Language Support
- English-speaking staff in the international patient department
- French and Japanese services also available
- Professional medical interpreters for complex consultations
Insurance and Payment
The hospital accepts direct billing from major international insurers:
- MSH International
- Ping An Health
- Allianz
- BUPA
- And 40+ other international insurers
Location and Contact
- West Campus: 111 Yixueyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
- East Campus: 1609 Xietu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
- Tel: 021-64041990
- Appointment Hotline: 400-626-0121
- International Medical Email: [email protected]
What International Patients Should Know
When to Consider Zhongshan Hospital
- Complex liver cancer that other centers have deemed inoperable
- Living donor liver transplant with a family member as donor
- Combined organ transplantation (heart-liver, liver-kidney)
- Rare liver diseases requiring specialized expertise
- Second opinion on liver cancer treatment options
The Treatment Journey
- Initial Consultation: Submit medical records remotely for case review
- Treatment Plan: Receive detailed proposal including surgical approach, expected outcomes, and costs
- Pre-operative Preparation: Additional imaging, lab tests, and donor evaluation (if applicable)
- Surgery: Typically 6-12 hours for complex procedures
- Recovery: 2-4 weeks in hospital, 2-3 months in Shanghai for follow-up
- Return Home: Remote follow-up via video consultation
Cost Estimates
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Liver cancer resection | $25,000-45,000 |
| Living donor liver transplant (recipient) | $80,000-120,000 |
| Living donor liver transplant (donor) | $30,000-50,000 |
| Deceased donor liver transplant | $100,000-150,000 |
| Combined heart-liver transplant | $200,000-300,000 |
| Pre-operative evaluation | $3,000-6,000 |
| Post-operative care (per month) | $2,000-4,000 |
Note: These are estimates for international patients. Actual costs depend on case complexity, length of stay, and any complications.
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Navigating treatment at Zhongshan Hospital requires careful coordination. ChinaMed Select provides:
- Case Review: Submit your medical records for pre-evaluation by our medical team
- Hospital Coordination: Direct communication with the international patient department
- Interpreter Services: Professional medical interpreters for all consultations
- Accommodation: Arrangement of long-term housing near the hospital
- Post-operative Care: Coordination of follow-up care and medication management
- Insurance Navigation: Assistance with direct billing claims and documentation
Contact ChinaMed Select for a free consultation about liver cancer treatment or liver transplantation at Zhongshan Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Zhongshan Hospital compare to transplant centers in the US or Europe?
A: The department's 5-year survival rates (68% for resection, 80% for transplant) match or exceed major Western centers. The key advantages are: significantly lower costs (60-80% less than US), shorter wait times (especially for living donor transplants), and access to innovative techniques developed here.
Q: Can I use a living donor who is not a blood relative?
A: China has strict regulations on living donor transplantation. Donors must be blood relatives or spouses. The department can evaluate your specific situation during consultation.
Q: How long do I need to stay in Shanghai after surgery?
A: For liver resection: 2-3 weeks in hospital, 4-6 weeks in Shanghai for follow-up. For liver transplant: 3-4 weeks in hospital, 2-3 months in Shanghai for intensive follow-up and medication adjustment.
Q: Is the department experienced with international patients?
A: Yes. The international patient department serves patients from over 40 countries. Staff speak English, French, and Japanese. The hospital accepts direct billing from major international insurers.
Q: What if my case has been deemed inoperable elsewhere?
A: Zhongshan Hospital specializes in complex cases. The department's academician leaders have pioneered techniques for tumors previously considered unresectable. Submit your records for a second opinion — many patients are surprised to learn surgery is possible.
Facing liver cancer or need a liver transplant? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free consultation. We'll review your case, connect you with Zhongshan Hospital's hepatobiliary team, and coordinate your entire treatment journey — from medical record translation to post-operative follow-up.
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