Korea University (KU) is equipped with high technologies, such as the 3D printing machine in the laboratory of Science Department, which is the most recognizable. However, when we talk about the new state-of-the-art technology of KU, there is one place that should not be forgotten. The Korea University Medical Center (KUMC) proudly presents the Robotic Surgery Center, which is the core development of the facilities. Having its first operation in 2007, the Robotic Surgery Center has developed itself further by introducing the new-model Davinci-Si and is spreading the KU name value globally.

When it comes to the success of an operation, the most important factors are preventing the recurrence of an illness and guaranteeing no complication. Some may think the KUMC to be small in size compared to other top hospitals in Korea. Regardless, the Robotic Surgery Center of the KU hospital is recognized for successful operations during its seven years. With top professors in each field using the robotic system, the KU hospital has proven to be the number one hospital in Asia using robotic operation.

The history of the Robotic Surgery Center began on July 7, 2007. In July of 2014, it adopted the new version of the robotic system called Davinci-Si, produced by Intuitive Corporation. With the best medical team and the latest equipment, the hospital has taken a step closer to the goal of Korea’s Mayo Clinic, known as the best surgical hospital. There are six top medical doctors that represent the robot system operation: Professor Chun Jun, in cancer operation; Professor Kim Seon Hahn, in colorectal cancer surgery; Professor Jung Kwang Yoon, in thyroid cancer operation; Professor Kang Seok Ho, in bladder cancer operation; and Professor Yoon Eul Sik, in breast reconstructive surgery for patients undergoing Poland syndrome.

Professor Chun Jun (College of Medicine), director of the Robotic Surgery Center, said proudly, “I have great confidence with the Robotic Surgery Center. During the seven years of robotic operations, there were no complications. All my operations are proceeded bloodlessly and with no transfusions. Even with the small size of our hospital, I can say that the quality of our robotic surgeries cannot be overtaken in Asia.”

The developed version of Davinci-Si Robotic has mainly four distinguishing features compared to the previous version. With the new technology, doctors are able to conduct the operation with fewer scars and more precision. The older version of Davinci had to make four to six holes on the body to put in the surgical instruments. However, since these instruments became smaller, as small as half of a finger nail, now they can start the operation by only giving one hole. The rest of the instruments fit into this hole and the scar is minimized.

Moreover, the Davinci-Si robotic system adopted the new technology of handling blood vessels. Instead of cutting and tying, the implemented system developed a way of using the electromagnetic waves and controls not to burn the blood vessel. Also, an ultrasound machine about five millimeters in size goes around inside the body and testifies the precise location of cancer. This process is shown on the screen that is attached to the machine where the doctor controls the robotics system. Thus, compared to the past where whole organ had to be taken out for preventing the recurrence, now it can precisely eliminate the parts where it is infected. So the organs are now preserved.

Professor Chun explained the advantage of this new robotic system, recalling his successful operations. “Before entering the operation, I used to design the whole process of how it is going to be done; and the operation was based on my memory. However, now with the advanced robotic system, we are able to see both the operation proceeding and to look back at the X-ray photos.” With these developments of the machine and the outstanding performances of the operators, the robotic operations done at the KUMC are becoming the norm of robotic operations globally.

The Robotic Surgery Center at the KU hospital is known as the last hope for some patients. With failures from other hospitals, the doctors from KUMC have great pressure with their reputation as well. The reason it is possible for them to take over very difficult surgeries is because of the harmony and the team work among the doctors. Professor Chun said, “Usually in a hospital there are some conflicts in priority and power because of the different realm and limited usage of the robotic operation facility. However, in our hospital, there is the harmonious atmosphere which I am most satisfied with. Also, because the professors that are doing the operation are all top operators, we are able to conduct a cooperative operation which sometimes would be the first operation done in the world.”

Most of all, there are always follow-up doctors that reach the level of professors, the representatives of Robotic Surgery Center, and they are able to take over the role when the professor is absent. Furthermore, there is the Asian robotic simulation training center located in the College of Medicine, which is for practical exercise for the students and doctors. The programs are saved in the system and the trainees practice by conducting virtual operations. With the new complex establishing from winter and well-trained future doctors waiting to fill the KUMC, it sure has a bright future. 

▲ Professor Chun Jun, confidently explaining about the positive future of the Robotic Surgery. Photographed by Park Jiwon.