Professor Kim Hyun-goo of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Korea University Guro Hospital has developed the world’s first single-port robotic lung cancer surgery , giving new hope to cancer patients . This innovative surgical technique was recently passed on to a Harvard Medical School professor , and many patients are getting the chance to reduce their pain and increase their survival rate .
|
[Korean Today] Professor Kim Hyun-goo of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Korea University Guro Hospital performs single-port robotic thoracic surgery. Courtesy of Korea University Guro Hospital © Reporter Han Ji-min |
Professor Kim focuses on minimizing the pain patients experience after surgery and shortening the recovery period through single-port robotic surgery . He says , “ I came here because I was looking for a way to help patients ,” and he feels a great sense of accomplishment in the fact that his research and development are having a positive impact on patients .
This surgical method, unlike the conventional method of making multiple holes , minimizes the incision area by performing the surgery through only one hole , which helps to speed up recovery . Professor Kim said, “ It is rewarding to see patients without aftereffects ,” and emphasized that his mission is to relieve patients’ pain .
Professor Kim began to apply thoracoscopic surgery using an endoscope to lung cancer in 2006. Initially , he performed surgery by making 3 to 4 holes of up to 5 cm each , but gradually reduced the number of holes and succeeded in a single-incision surgery in 2012. This was the first case in Korea and the second in the world , and his research received a lot of attention .
In 2016, robotic surgery was introduced , focusing on reducing the number of surgical holes . Initially, it was standard to make three to four holes , but it took Professor Kim two years to reduce this to two , and he eventually successfully performed single-incision thoracic robotic surgery . He emphasized the advantages of robotic surgery , explaining, “ Robots can perform precise surgery by moving their arms freely . “
The combination of immunotherapy and robotic surgery is opening up new possibilities for lung cancer patients . Stage 4 cancer patients who were previously inoperable are now able to undergo surgery after reducing the size of their cancer with immunotherapy . Professor Kim is sending a positive message to patients , saying, “ We must not give up hope . ”
Professor Kim is working with Harvard University to develop a contrast agent that distinguishes between cancer and normal tissue , and is also developing technology that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) system to show the surgical site like a navigation system . He expressed his expectations for future surgical technology , predicting that “ a level 1 autonomous surgical robot system that can perform simple surgeries like a self-driving car could be out within five years . “
His research is not limited to simply technological advancements , but also focuses on improving the quality of life of patients . Professor Kim said, “ It is very rewarding to see patients who are amazed that they have no pain after surgery , ” and emphasized that the pain experienced by patients has been significantly reduced compared to open heart surgery in the past .
Professor Kim’s innovative surgical method is giving new hope to many patients , and his research is expected to continue to develop in the future . His words, “ If you are diagnosed with cancer, you must receive treatment ,” are giving courage to many patients .
These technological advancements are not just medical achievements , but are also playing an important role in changing patients’ lives . Professor Kim plans to continue to research and develop ways to help patients in the future . “ My goal is to find ways to help patients ,” he added .
Professor Kim’s research goes beyond simply advancing surgical techniques , and contributes to improving the quality of life of patients . His efforts are giving new hope to many patients , and we hope that his research will continue to develop in the future . His words, “ We must not give up hope ,” are a great source of strength to many .
© The Korean Today – All Rights Reserved