A New Era of Robotic Surgery Begins

Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) has officially announced the integration of the hugo Robot Surgery System into its surgical arsenal, marking the first such implementation in South Korea. this move positions SNUH at the forefront of robotic surgery, research, and education on a global scale.

Enhancing Surgical Precision and Training

Already equipped with advanced systems like the Da Vinci XI and Da Vinci SP, SNUH’s adoption of the Hugo system further enhances its ability to provide tailored treatments for a wide range of conditions. A key advantage of the Hugo system lies in its open console design and modular Amcart configuration.

unlike conventional systems where surgeons are confined to a closed console, the hugo’s open console features a high-resolution 3D display, allowing for real-time collaboration and knowledge sharing with other medical professionals. This is particularly beneficial for surgical training and technique refinement.

The open console facilitates communication and allows other medical staff to observe the surgical field on a high-resolution 3D TV, making it advantageous for technique education.

Furthermore, the Hugo’s robotic arms, which can be configured with up to four separate components, offer unparalleled dexterity and access to surgical sites from multiple angles, optimizing surgical efficiency and precision. this is particularly crucial in complex procedures.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Approval

Developed by Medtronic, a leading global medical device company, the Hugo system received European CE certification in 2021 and is currently under review for FDA approval in the United States. Prior to its official launch in Korea,SNUH conducted extensive clinical trials,involving 40 patients undergoing gallbladder and prostate resections over a five-month period. The system received approval from the Korean Food and Drug Administration in June 2024.

First Procedures and Patient Outcomes

On May 8th, Dr. Chang-wook Chung from the Department of Urology and Dr. jang Jin-young, a pancreatic surgeon, successfully performed the first prostate resection and pancreatic dermal resection in Korea using the Hugo robot.Both patients are reportedly recovering well post-surgery, benefiting from the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery, which typically results in smaller incisions and reduced pain compared to traditional open surgery.

Pancreatic dermal resection requires precise temperance and anastomosis, making it one of the most challenging abdominal surgeries.

Dr. Jang Jin-young, Pancreatic Surgeon, SNUH

Looking Ahead: Expanding Clinical Applications and Research

SNUH’s Robot Surgery Center is committed to exploring the full potential of the Hugo system across various clinical applications. The hospital aims to solidify its position as a global leader in robotic surgery through ongoing research and educational initiatives.

We have prepared an optimized robot surgery habitat for various diseases by introducing the Hugo system…The seoul National University Hospital Robot Surgery Center will explore the opportunities for clinical use of Hugo, and will continue to make efforts to develop into a global level in research and education.

Dr. Chung Chang-wook, Head of the Robot Surgery Center, SNUH

The integration of the Hugo Robot Surgery System represents a important advancement in surgical technology in Korea, promising improved patient outcomes, enhanced surgical training, and continued innovation in the field of robotic surgery. This advancement underscores the importance of robotic surgery, surgical innovation, and healthcare technology in modern medicine.