Zhengzhou, China — From April 12 to May 26, 2025, Professor Zhang Xuepei, Director of Urology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, successfully completed 50 Toumai^® robot-assisted surgeries. These included complex procedures such as radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy for renal cancer, partial nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy, radical urachal carcinoma resection, and total cystectomy.

During this period, Professor Zhang performed multiple high-intensity consecutive surgeries, totaling 14 multi-case sessions: two instances of five consecutive surgeries, two of four, eight of three, and two of two. Notably, in the series of five consecutive partial nephrectomies and radical nephrectomies combined with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus removal, the Toumai^® robot demonstrated exceptional stability, precision, and safety. This ensured efficient and smooth surgeries, establishing a clinical norm of high-intensity continuous operations. Professor Zhang highly praised the overall performance of the Toumai^® system.

Renal cancer with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus is a life-threatening, high-risk condition affecting about 5% of renal cancer patients. Without surgery, median survival is only 6.9 months. Radical nephrectomy combined with vena cava thrombectomy significantly improves prognosis, with a five-year cancer-specific survival rate of 57%-69%. This surgery is extremely challenging, requiring precise kidney removal and rapid occlusion of vena cava blood flow, tumor thrombus extraction, and vascular repair. Surgeons face risks such as vascular rupture, anatomical distortion from large tumors, and thrombus dislodgement, demanding advanced surgical skills and highly stable robotic systems.

With thorough preoperative preparation and multidisciplinary teamwork, Professor Zhang successfully completed two radical nephrectomy with vena cava thrombectomy surgeries. Utilizing the Toumai^® robot’s precise and flexible operation, the team achieved vena cava incision, complete tumor thrombus removal, and vascular reconstruction with minimal bleeding. Both surgeries were completed within two hours. Patients recovered well and were discharged smoothly.

Professor Zhang stated that the Toumai^® robot exhibited outstanding stability and safety during these intense consecutive surgeries, fully meeting the demands of complex, high-frequency clinical use. It not only provides patients with high-quality medical care but also reduces surgical costs. Looking ahead, Professor Zhang looks forward to continued collaboration with the Toumai® robot to bring health benefits to more patients.