Domestic Surgical Robot Completes First-Ever Radical Prostatectomy in China, Paving the Way for Broader Adoption

Domestic Robotic Surgical Systems Finally Take Substantial Steps Forward.

On November 1, the Toumai laparoscopic surgical robot, independently developed by MicroPort (Shanghai) Surgical Robot Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai MicroPort Medical (Group) Co., Ltd., was used to perform a robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) at Shanghai Oriental Hospital. Under the guidance of Academician Sun Yinghao from the Department of Urology at Changhai Hospital affiliated with Naval Medical University, the surgical team successfully conducted the RALRP procedure on a 65-year-old male patient.

This marks the first RALRP procedure performed by a domestically produced laparoscopic robot. The Toumai laparoscopic robot has thus become the first such system in China to complete a high-difficulty urological surgery, signifying that Chinese-made laparoscopic robots are capable of performing similarly complex and challenging procedures. This development is expected to significantly increase the adoption rate of surgical robotics within China and enhance patient accessibility to these advanced technologies.

It is reported that the patient was admitted with a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer. Following preoperative discussions by the treatment team led by Academician Sun Yinghao, it was decided to perform Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP) using the Toumai laparoscopic surgical robot. The surgery lasted approximately 1.5 hours and was completed successfully.

Radical ProstatectomyRadical prostatectomy is a curative treatment for early-stage prostate cancer. The objective of the surgery is to completely remove the cancerous prostate. During the procedure, the surgeon excises the patient’s prostate and seminal vesicles, followed by anastomosis of the bladder to the urethral stump. In certain cases, lymph nodes in the affected region are also dissected. As the prostate is located deep within the male pelvis, traditional open surgical approaches involve large incisions, significant intraoperative blood loss, substantial injury to surrounding organs, and a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Consequently, laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery has largely replaced open techniques.

Compared with open surgery, conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy reduces surgical trauma; however, it requires the surgeon to perform complex operative procedures—including extensive dissection and hemostasis, suturing and knot-tying, and functional reconstruction—within the narrow, deep pelvic cavity under a non-stereoscopic visual field. Consequently, it has long been regarded as one of the most challenging minimally invasive procedures in urologic surgery.

Compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery offers advantages such as a true three-dimensional surgical field and finely controlled wristed instruments, ensuring high-dexterity maneuvers in confined spaces. This leads to shorter operative times, reduced surgical trauma, and better protection of nerves and blood vessels. Patients achieve favorable postoperative recovery of physiological functions, including urinary continence, resulting in higher patient satisfaction.

In the United States and Europe, robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is poised to replace conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries as the standard of care for localized prostate cancer, representing one of the most emblematic procedures demonstrating the clinical value of robotic laparoscopic surgery.

Since the first robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer was performed globally in 2000, more than 85% of radical prostatectomies in the United States have been conducted with robotic assistance.

Academician Sun Yinghao stated after the surgery, “Today, we successfully completed a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer using the domestically developed robotic system independently created by MicroPort. Robot-assisted surgery has become the direction and trend of surgical development in recent years. This advanced minimally invasive technology provides better surgical solutions for the treatment of many diseases. It is particularly well-suited for procedures such as radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in urology, where the advantages and clinical value of robotic systems are most evident. However, many robot-assisted surgical systems are imported products, facing significant limitations in pricing and distribution channels, as well as considerable challenges in cost-effectiveness. The Toumai laparoscopic robotic system has demonstrated excellent performance, achieving multiple specialized surgical assistance functions. As a Chinese urologist, I am deeply pleased and proud to have performed today’s surgery using the Toumai laparoscopic robotic system.”

In terms of user experience, Academician Sun Yinghao analyzed that the Toumai robotic system shows little difference from similar foreign products and is already capable of performing complex and delicate procedures such as radical prostatectomy. Both the three-dimensional, high-definition visual presentation provided by the 3D laparoscope and the dexterity and precision of the robotic arms meet the needs of surgeons. Of course, there is still room for further enhancement and improvement to make the system even more outstanding.

Currently, only one foreign-made endoscopic surgical robot is widely used. With nearly 5,000 units installed globally, the system has been utilized in over 6 million procedures. To date, China has imported nearly 100 units, performing more than 115,000 surgeries. The eight hospitals with the highest number of procedures per single unit worldwide are all located in China, demonstrating strong clinical demand and significant application potential.

However, the procurement and maintenance costs of imported products are high. Importing one robotic system into China costs approximately RMB 25 million, with annual maintenance fees of around RMB 1.2 million. The cost of disposable instruments per procedure is about RMB 25,900, which must be borne by patients themselves. These substantial expenses have, to some extent, constrained the further expansion of clinical applications of laparoscopic robots in China.

The Toumai laparoscopic surgical robot has achieved independent innovation in core technologies, including the robotic platform, 3D electronic laparoscope system, and robotic control algorithms, thereby resolving a series of critical bottlenecks hindering industrialization. Compared with imported counterparts, the Toumai system optimizes the surgeon’s operational experience and reduces equipment maintenance and consumable costs, paving the way for a distinctively Chinese path of intelligent manufacturing in the field of surgical robotics.

It is reported that MicroPort began its strategic layout in the field of endoscopic surgical robots as early as 2014. Over the years, MicroPort Robotics has focused on the research and development and industrialization of robotic systems, gradually forming a multi-specialty integrated solution portfolio represented by endoscopic surgical robots, joint replacement robots, and 3D electronic laparoscopes. Currently, the Toumai endoscopic surgical robot is steadily advancing through clinical trials and industrialization.

On October 17, the product was officially included in the National Medical Products Administration’s “Special Review Procedure for Innovative Medical Devices.”

Dr. He Chao, General Manager of MicroPort MedBot, stated, “Laparoscopic robots represent one of the most critical R&D directions in surgical robotics and are hailed as the ‘aircraft carriers’ of the medical device industry. Currently, the domestic market remains monopolized by a single foreign product, and this sector has long been a technological stronghold pursued by medical device R&D institutions worldwide. The successful application of the Toumai robot in radical prostatectomy, a key surgical procedure, marks that Chinese-made laparoscopic robots have acquired the capability to perform complex surgeries within confined anatomical spaces. We will continue to advance product commercialization according to high standards, bringing ‘hope for life’ to more patients, in keeping with the meaning embodied in the name ‘Toumai.’”

Dr. Luo Qiyi, Chief Technology Officer of MicroPort and Chairman of MicroPort MedBot, stated, “We are confident that in the near future, with the regulatory approval and market launch of domestically produced laparoscopic robotic systems, we will not only popularize cutting-edge international clinical technologies and drive the development of China’s related industries, but also significantly reduce national healthcare expenditures and alleviate the financial burden on patients. As a leader in high-end innovative medical solutions, MicroPort will continue to expand its medical robotics business, providing integrated solutions for robot-assisted minimally invasive therapy to patients and physicians in China and around the world.”

Author: Tang Wenjia

Editor: Gu Jun

Responsible Editor: Tang Wenjia

*Exclusive article by Wen Hui. Please cite the source when reprinting.

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