Korea University Guro Hospital surpasses 6,000 robotic surgeries and 3,000 single-port procedures

Korea University Guro Hospital has recorded more than 6,000 robotic surgeries and 3,000 single-port (SP) robotic procedures, marking a major milestone in the continued growth of its robotic surgery program. In 2025 alone, the total number of robotic surgeries increased by 32.5% compared to the previous year. Notably, the hospital reached 5,000 cumulative cases in May 2025 and surpassed 6,000 within just eight months, demonstrating a steep upward trajectory.

In particular, the hospital has established itself as a global leader in advanced single-port robotic surgery, pioneering complex procedures and expanding the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery. In November 2025, Professor Hyun Koo Kim of Cardiothoracic Surgery achieved the world’s first milestone of 500 single-port robotic thoracic surgeries. The hospital currently holds the highest global volume in both single-port thoracic robotic surgery and single-port robotic sacrocolpopexy.

In addition, Korea University Guro Hospital successfully performed the world’s first single-port robotic esophagectomy, as well as Korea’s first single-port robotic extended cholecystectomy, further highlighting its technical excellence and extensive clinical experience in high-complexity procedures.

In recognition of its leadership in robotic surgery, the hospital was designated in March and June 2023 as the world’s first Single-Port Thoracic Robotic Surgery Training Center and Single-Port Robotic Surgery Training Center for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, respectively. The hospital now provides advanced surgical training to physicians from around the world, including the United States, France, and Japan.

President Byung Wook Min of Korea University Guro Hospital stated, “Reaching 6,000 robotic surgeries represents more than a numerical milestone—it reflects our unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. Building on our global leadership in single-port robotic surgery, we will continue to strengthen our role as an international hub for robotic surgery, where surgeons from around the world come to learn, collaborate, and advance surgical techniques.”

Professor Jong Wook Kim, Director of the Robotic Surgery Center and Professor of Urology, added, “We will continue to expand the application of robotic surgery to further improve both surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Through a patient-tailored precision care system that spans the entire treatment journey—from preoperative consultation to post-discharge management—we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care to every patient who visits our hospital.”