World's First! West China Second Hospital Team Performs Transumbilical Single-Port Robot-Assisted Cervical Cancer Radical Surgery Without Uterine Manipulator

Background

Cervical cancer remains one of the major gynecological malignancies affecting women worldwide. Standard treatment for early-stage disease often includes radical hysterectomy, which involves removal of the uterus, cervix, surrounding parametrial tissue, upper vagina and pelvic lymph nodes. Minimally invasive approaches using laparoscopy or robotic assistance have been developed to reduce surgical trauma compared to traditional open surgery.

What was achieved

In early 2026, a team led by Professor Zheng Ying at Sichuan University West China Second Hospital successfully completed what authority verification confirmed as the world's first transumbilical single-port robot-assisted radical surgery for cervical cancer performed without a uterine manipulator under a single-port robotic system. The procedure utilized a single-port snake-arm surgical robot.

The patient was a 36-year-old woman with a preoperative diagnosis of cervical adenocarcinoma IB1 stage (T1B1N0M0). Given her age and emphasis on quality of life and recovery, the team selected this approach after systematic evaluation. The surgery involved a single 2.5 cm incision at the umbilicus through which the robotic system with three snake-shaped arms and a 3D high-definition endoscope was deployed. One arm specifically lifted a cerclage tape to achieve active uterine suspension and exposure.

How it works

In many traditional laparoscopic or robotic radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer, a uterine manipulator device is inserted through the vagina and cervix to move the uterus for better surgical access. However, this can involve mechanical pressure on the tumor site. The novel technique avoids this entirely. Instead, surgeons access the abdominal cavity through one small incision in the navel. The single-port snake-arm robotic platform allows multiple flexible instruments and the camera to operate via this single entry point.

The snake-shaped arms provide enhanced dexterity and range of motion within the confined pelvic space. A dedicated robotic arm uses a cerclage tape placed around the uterus for suspension and optimal exposure without direct intrauterine instrumentation. A three-dimensional high-definition endoscope combined with intelligent anti-tremor functions delivers magnified, stable visualization. This setup enables precise dissection, lymph node removal and suturing while maintaining oncologic principles to minimize risk of tumor dissemination. The procedure integrates these elements for a radical hysterectomy focused on reduced incision size and controlled tissue handling.

What it means for international patients

The reported advantages of the technique include a smaller, hidden scar in the umbilicus, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and enhanced adherence to tumor-free principles by avoiding the uterine manipulator. These aspects may appeal to patients seeking advanced minimally invasive gynecologic oncology options. However, eligibility depends on individual diagnosis, cancer staging, overall health and specific clinical criteria.

West China Second University Hospital maintains an English-language website and offers VIP outpatient clinics providing high-end services such as dedicated booking, one-on-one accompaniment and specialized care for women and children. International patients considering treatment there, including potential access to specialized robotic gynecologic procedures, should contact the hospital directly to verify current availability, undergo medical evaluation and confirm suitability. Treatment decisions must be made in consultation with the clinical team.

About the hospital

West China Second University Hospital, also known as West China Women's and Children's Hospital, is located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. It is a public tertiary Grade A specialist teaching hospital affiliated with Sichuan University. Its history traces back to the Renji Women's Hospital founded in 1896. The facility operates approximately 2,100 beds across its campuses and includes 52 clinical and medical-technical departments.

It specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, neonatology, reproductive medicine and broader maternal and child health services. In 2020, it was designated by the National Health Commission as the National Children's Regional Medical Center for Southwestern China. The hospital also participates in national programs for birth defect monitoring and maternal and child health surveillance. Professor Zheng Ying serves as director of its Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and head of the Gynecologic Endoscopy Center, where the team has extensive experience in single-port laparoscopic and robotic procedures for gynecologic malignancies.