In the first quarter of 2025, the number of installed Da Vinci surgical robots in mainland China exceeded 380 units, with cumulative surgeries surpassing 400,000 cases, maintaining an annual growth rate of over 30%. Among these, urological radical prostatectomy accounts for the highest proportion at 35%, followed by colorectal surgery in gastrointestinal surgery (25%) and gynecological surgery (20%). These figures come from the latest industry report released by the Robotic Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, indicating that Da Vinci robotic surgery has rapidly penetrated from top-tier hospitals in first-tier cities to leading hospitals in second- and third-tier cities.
Currently, top hospitals in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, such as Shanghai Partner Hospitals, have widely adopted robotic surgery, with some hospitals performing over 1,000 robotic surgeries per system annually. For example, Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University has completed over 5,000 urological robotic surgeries, with postoperative complication rates approximately 40% lower than traditional laparoscopy.
Background and Significance
Since receiving FDA approval in 2000, the Da Vinci robotic surgical system has been used in over 10 million procedures globally. Since China introduced its first system in 2006, it has undergone a process from technology import to local innovation. The rise of domestic surgical robots, such as Kangduo and MicroHand, has also driven down overall prices and increased adoption rates. In 2024, the National Health Commission included robotic surgery in pilot medical insurance programs in some provinces and cities, further accelerating accessibility.
The core value of robotic surgery lies in its three-dimensional high-definition vision and mechanical arms capable of 540-degree rotation, which filter natural hand tremors and enable sub-millimeter precision. This advantage is particularly prominent for complex surgeries in confined spaces such as the pelvis and thoracic cavity, directly improving patient outcomes.
Significance for International Patients
For international patients, especially those from regions with limited medical resources, Da Vinci robotic surgery in China offers a cost-effective option. Taking radical prostatectomy as an example, the cost in Chinese public hospitals is about one-fifth to one-third of that in the United States, with short waiting times, typically no more than two weeks. Additionally, Chinese surgeons have accumulated extensive experience in robotic surgery, with some experts performing over 200 cases annually, placing them at an internationally leading level.
More importantly, robotic surgery can reduce blood loss, shorten hospital stays (averaging 3-5 days), and lower the risk of postoperative pain and infection. For international patients requiring complex surgeries, this means faster recovery and lower overall medical costs.
How MediCare Plus Helps
MediCare Plus, as a cross-border medical service platform, provides comprehensive support for international patients undergoing Da Vinci robotic surgery. We have established green channels with partner hospitals such as Shanghai Ruijin Hospital and Renji Hospital, as listed on our partner hospitals page, assisting patients with preoperative remote consultations, rapid surgery scheduling, medical record translation, and offering cost estimation services to help patients understand total expenses in advance. Additionally, we can arrange postoperative rehabilitation guidance and follow-up to ensure continuous support after patients return to their home countries.
Related reading: Overview of Shanghai Partner Hospitals