A Milestone in Macao-Beijing Medical Collaboration | Academician-Led PUMCH Team Completes Macao's First Complex Pancreatic Surgery Using da Vinci Robotic System
CopyFrom: PUMCH UpdateTime: 2026.04.08
On April 1, 2026, Zhao Yupei, Honorary President of PUMCH and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led a surgical team to successfully perform a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy combined with cholecystectomy on a patient presenting with insulinoma and concurrent gallstones in Macao. The procedure is Macao's first surgery performed using the fourth-generation da Vinci multi-port robotic system, and represents a landmark achievement in the Macao-Beijing medical collaboration framework, making world-class surgical care accessible to patients in Macao.
▲The first fourth-generation da Vinci multi-port robotic surgery performed at the Macao Medical Center of PUMCH
The patient presented with insulinoma, a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, and an additional complication of cholecystitis. PUMCH and the Macao Medical Center of PUMCH assembled a multidisciplinary team and, through remote consultation, decided to address both conditions with one surgery. Upon arriving in Macao, Academician Zhao met with the patient and family to walk them through the surgical plan, risk management, and expected recovery, assuaging their concerns face to face.
▲Academician Zhao Yupei (middle) with the medical team during the multidisciplinary consultation
The surgery was challenging. The patient's pancreatic anatomy was unusual, with the pancreatic tail embedded within the splenic hilum and encased by a dense network of blood vessels, making spleen preservation extraordinarily difficult. Weighing the complexity of the procedure against patient safety, Academician Zhao's team opted for the spleen-preserving approach. They meticulously dissected more than 20 small branches of the splenic artery and vein within a confined anatomical space. The tumor was successfully resected with the spleen intact, and the cholecystectomy was completed simultaneously. The entire procedure lasted four hours. The patient was up and walking the following day and is recovering well.
▲Academician Zhao Yupei (first from the left) leading the multidisciplinary team on a postoperative ward visit
The surgical setup and operating room configuration were held to the same exacting standards as PUMCH. The Macao Health Bureau and Conde de São Januário General Hospital provided strong support, expediting the licensing process for the visiting team. Beyond showcasing the highest level of minimally invasive surgical expertise and rigorous perioperative management, the operation marks the formal launch of the guest expert collaboration program at the Macao Medical Center of PUMCH, which is a milestone for the development of healthcare in Macao.
Going forward, the Macao Medical Center of PUMCH will continue to deepen its partnership with PUMCH, bringing more sophisticated surgical expertise and medical innovations within reach of Macao patients and raising the standard of care available to Macao residents.
▲Academician Zhao Yupei's surgical team and the medical team of the Macao Medical Center of PUMCH
Written by Li Li, Hu Haiyang and Duan Wenli
Pictures courtesy of the Macao Medical Center of PUMCH
Edited by Gan Dingzhu and Chen Xiao
Chief editor Duan Wenli
Supervised by Wu Peixin
