China's Top Departments: General Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
Founded in 1948 by Prof. Liang Zhao, Zhongshan Hospital's General Surgery is a National Key Discipline and National Clinical Key Specialty. With 678 beds, 40+ operating rooms, and 7 subspecialties including liver transplantation and minimally invasive surgery, it's one of China's most comprehensive surgical centers.
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Short answer:Founded in 1948 by Prof. Liang Zhao, Zhongshan Hospital's General Surgery is a National Key Discipline and National Clinical Key Specialty. With 678 beds, 40+ operating rooms, and 7 subspecialties including liver transplantation and minimally invasive surgery, it's one of China's most comprehensive surgical centers.
Key points
- Founded 1948 by Prof. Liang Zhao
- National Key Discipline & Clinical Key Specialty
- 678 Beds, 40+ Operating Rooms
- 7 Subspecialties Including Liver Transplant
China's Top Departments: General Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
If you or a loved one needs complex abdominal surgery — from liver transplantation and pancreatic resection to advanced minimally invasive procedures — the Department of General Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, is one of China's most distinguished surgical centers.
Founded in 1948 by Prof. Liang Zhao, a pioneer of modern Chinese surgery, this department has grown into a National Key Discipline and National Clinical Key Specialty. With 678 beds, 40+ operating rooms, and 7 subspecialties, it handles over 25,000 surgeries annually — making it one of the highest-volume general surgery departments in China.
The department is led by academician Prof. Ge Junbo (cardiovascular) and Prof. Fan Jia (liver cancer), ensuring world-class expertise across multiple surgical disciplines. Many core surgeons have trained at leading institutions in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
At ChinaMed Select, we've helped international patients access this exceptional department for complex hepatobiliary surgery, pancreatic cancer treatment, and minimally invasive procedures. Here's what you need to know.
Seven Subspecialties — Comprehensive Surgical Care
1. Hepatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation
This is the department's crown jewel — one of China's leading liver surgery centers:
- 3,000+ liver resections annually for hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic liver tumors
- Living donor liver transplantation with 5-year survival rates exceeding 70%
- Minimally invasive liver surgery using laparoscopic and robotic techniques
- ALPPS procedure (Associating Liver Partition and Portal vein Ligation for Staged hepatectomy) for previously unresectable tumors
- Precision liver surgery guided by 3D reconstruction and intraoperative ultrasound
2. Pancreatic Surgery
The department is a national leader in pancreatic cancer surgery:
- Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) — over 800 cases annually
- Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation
- Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (laparoscopic and robotic)
- Neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer
- 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer: 25-30% (among China's best)
3. Gastrointestinal Surgery
Comprehensive treatment for gastric and colorectal cancers:
- Gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection
- Colectomy and rectal resection with total mesorectal excision
- Minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic, robotic, endoscopic)
- Sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) for peritoneal carcinomatosis
4. Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Specialized thyroid surgery with emphasis on nerve preservation:
- Total thyroidectomy with central and lateral neck dissection
- Minimally invasive thyroid surgery (endoscopic, robotic)
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring to preserve voice function
- Parathyroid autotransplantation to prevent hypoparathyroidism
5. Hernia & Abdominal Wall Surgery
Advanced hernia repair techniques:
- Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP, TEP)
- Ventral hernia repair with mesh reinforcement
- Component separation technique for complex abdominal wall reconstruction
- Robotic-assisted hernia repair
6. Vascular Surgery
Surgical and endovascular treatment of vascular diseases:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (open and EVAR)
- Carotid endarterectomy and stenting
- Lower extremity bypass for critical limb ischemia
- Dialysis access surgery (AV fistula, graft)
7. Breast Surgery
Comprehensive breast cancer treatment:
- Breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction
- Oncoplastic surgery combining oncology and plastic surgery principles
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer
Academic Leadership
Prof. Fan Jia — Liver Cancer Pioneer
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Fan Jia is a world-renowned liver surgeon who has:
- Performed 10,000+ liver resections throughout his career
- Pioneered living donor liver transplantation in China
- Led the development of China's first clinical guidelines for liver cancer
- Published 500+ peer-reviewed papers in journals including Annals of Surgery, Hepatology, and Journal of Hepatology
- Received National Science and Technology Progress Award (multiple times)
Prof. Ge Junbo — Cardiovascular Integration
While primarily a cardiologist, Academician Ge Junbo's leadership ensures seamless integration between cardiovascular and general surgery — critical for complex cases requiring combined cardiac and abdominal procedures.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The department is equipped with the latest surgical technology:
| Technology | Application |
|---|---|
| Da Vinci Surgical System | Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery |
| 3D Laparoscopy | Enhanced visualization for complex dissections |
| Intraoperative Ultrasound | Real-time tumor localization during liver surgery |
| Fluorescence Imaging (ICG) | Tumor detection and biliary tract visualization |
| Neural Monitoring | Nerve preservation during thyroid surgery |
| Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) | Optimized perioperative care pathways |
International Patient Services
Language Support
- English-speaking coordinators in the international patient department
- Professional medical interpreters available
- Treatment plans and operative reports provided in English
- Japanese-language support available (Zhongshan has strong ties with Japanese medical institutions)
Insurance and Payment
Zhongshan Hospital accepts direct billing from major international insurers including MSH, BUPA, Allianz, Cigna, and 40+ others.
Location and Contact
- Main Campus: 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
- Tel: 021-64041990
- Appointment Hotline: 400-626-0121
- International Medical Email: [email protected]
What International Patients Should Know
When to Consider This Department
- Liver cancer requiring resection or transplantation
- Pancreatic cancer requiring Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy
- Complex abdominal surgery with vascular involvement
- Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal, gastric, or thyroid conditions
- Second opinion on surgical treatment options
The Treatment Journey
- Initial Consultation: Submit medical records, imaging (CT, MRI), and pathology for remote review
- Treatment Plan: Receive detailed surgical proposal including approach, risks, and costs
- Pre-operative Preparation: Additional imaging, cardiac evaluation, and optimization
- Surgery: Duration varies (2-12 hours depending on complexity)
- Recovery: 1-3 weeks in hospital, 1-3 months in Shanghai for follow-up
- Return Home: Remote follow-up via video consultation
Cost Estimates
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Liver resection (open) | $15,000-30,000 |
| Liver resection (minimally invasive) | $20,000-40,000 |
| Living donor liver transplant | $80,000-150,000 |
| Whipple procedure | $25,000-50,000 |
| Colectomy (open) | $10,000-20,000 |
| Colectomy (laparoscopic) | $15,000-30,000 |
| Gastrectomy | $12,000-25,000 |
| Thyroidectomy | $5,000-12,000 |
| Hernia repair (laparoscopic) | $4,000-10,000 |
| ICU stay (per day) | $500-1,500 |
Note: These are estimates for international patients. Actual costs depend on case complexity, length of stay, and any complications.
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
Complex abdominal surgery requires careful coordination. ChinaMed Select provides:
- Case Review: Submit your medical records for pre-evaluation by our surgical team
- Hospital Coordination: Direct communication with the international patient department
- Interpreter Services: Professional medical interpreters for all consultations and consent discussions
- Accommodation: Arrangement of housing near the hospital for extended stays
- Post-operative Care: Coordination of follow-up appointments and wound care
- Insurance Navigation: Assistance with direct billing claims and documentation
Contact ChinaMed Select for a free consultation about general surgery at Zhongshan Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Zhongshan Hospital's general surgery department compare to top surgical centers in the US or Europe?
A: The department's academic credentials are world-class — National Key Discipline status, academician leadership, and 25,000+ annual surgeries. The key advantages are: significantly lower costs (60-80% less than US/Europe), shorter wait times (surgery within 1-2 weeks vs. months in some Western countries), and access to high-volume surgeons who perform complex procedures daily.
Q: I have liver cancer. Can I get a living donor transplant here?
A: Yes. Zhongshan Hospital is one of China's leading liver transplant centers. Living donor transplantation is available with family members as donors. The 5-year survival rate exceeds 70%. Submit your records for evaluation.
Q: What about minimally invasive surgery? Is it available for complex cases?
A: Yes. The department performs robotic and laparoscopic surgery for liver resection, pancreatic surgery, colorectal surgery, and thyroid surgery. For selected cases, minimally invasive approaches offer faster recovery with equivalent oncologic outcomes.
Q: How long do I need to stay in Shanghai after surgery?
A: For minimally invasive procedures: 5-7 days in hospital, 2-3 weeks in Shanghai. For open major surgery (liver resection, Whipple): 10-14 days in hospital, 1-2 months in Shanghai. For liver transplant: 2-3 weeks in hospital, 2-3 months in Shanghai.
Q: What if complications occur after I return home?
A: The department provides detailed discharge summaries and operative reports in English. Remote follow-up via video consultation is available. For serious complications, emergency re-admission can be arranged.
Facing complex abdominal surgery? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free consultation. We'll review your case, connect you with Zhongshan Hospital's general surgery team, and coordinate your entire surgical journey — from medical record translation to post-operative follow-up.
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