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Medical Care in China

Surgery

It covers general surgery, breast, thyroid, burns and special infectious diseases, taking into account minimally invasive treatment, complex repair and functional protection.

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Multidisciplinary surgerycovers areas such as abdominal wall, breast, thyroid, and burns.

Minimally Invasive Surgery OptionsMinimally invasive surgery can be used for some diseases.

Complex Repair CapabilitiesFocus on postoperative complications, scar and tissue defect repair.

Balancing Function and AestheticsTreatment focuses on restoring organ function and appearance.

Diagnostic Range

Discover the treatment pathway that's right for you

Select a category to see information on care plans, matching hospitals, specialists, and more.

abdominal wall hernia

Disease Introduction An abdominal wall hernia is a bulge formed when abdominal organs or tissues protrude through a weak or missing section of the abdominal wall. It commonly occurs in the groin, umbilicus, and surgical incision site. In the early stages, it is often a reducible bulge, noticeable when standing or straining, and can be reduced by lying down. As the condition progresses, pain, incarceration, or even strangulation may occur, requiring emergency treatment. Adult hernias do not heal spontaneou

Breast cancer

Disease Introduction Breast cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelium of the mammary ducts or acinar tissue, and it is the most common malignant tumor among Chinese women. Early symptoms often present as a painless breast lump, sometimes accompanied by nipple discharge and skin dimpling; some cases are asymptomatic lesions discovered during physical examinations or screenings. Treatment involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, an

Lipomas

Disease Introduction Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors originating from mature adipocytes. They can be single or multiple, and are mostly located subcutaneously in the trunk and limbs. They are soft in texture, well-defined, mobile, and grow slowly, generally without any symptoms. Malignant transformation is extremely rare, but larger or deeper lipomas can compress surrounding tissues. Treatment primarily involves surgical excision, with an increasing number of minimally invasive techniques available.

Breast hyperplasia

Disease Introduction Breast hyperplasia is a proliferative change in breast tissue under the cyclical influence of estrogen and progesterone. It is the most common benign breast disease, most often seen in women aged 20-50. Symptoms include breast tenderness, nodules, or patchy thickening, with symptoms fluctuating with the menstrual cycle. The vast majority are functional disorders rather than precancerous lesions, with a low risk of malignancy. Excessive treatment is unnecessary; observation, follow-up,

Thyroiditis

Disease Introduction Thyroiditis is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland. Common types include Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune, often progressing to hypothyroidism) and subacute thyroiditis (viral infection-related, presenting with neck pain, fever, transient hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism). Early Hashimoto's patients may be asymptomatic, and some may have goiter; subacute thyroiditis typically presents with severe pain in the thyroid area radiating to beh

Thyroid adenoma

Disease Introduction Thyroid adenomas are benign tumors originating from thyroid follicular epithelium. They are mostly solitary, slow-growing, painless masses in the neck, with a few accompanied by thyroid dysfunction or compressive symptoms. The vast majority are benign, but about 5% to 10% have a risk of malignant transformation or cancer, requiring evaluation through ultrasound TI-RADS classification and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Treatment options include follow-up, ablation, or surgery, depend

goiter

Disease Introduction Goiter is a general term for diffuse or nodular enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be caused by factors such as iodine deficiency or excess, autoimmune disorders, medications, and genetics. Most cases have normal thyroid function (simple goiter), while some are accompanied by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Mild goiter is often asymptomatic, while significant enlargement can compress the trachea and esophagus, causing difficulty breathing and swallowing. Treatment depends on

Hydatid disease

Disease Introduction Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus. It is prevalent in the western pastoral areas of China, with hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE) and hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) being the most common. Early stages are often asymptomatic; as the cysts enlarge, they can cause pain in the liver area, compress the bile ducts, or rupture and spread the disease. Treatment primarily involves surgery, interventional procedures (PAIR), and albend

Brucellosis

Disease Introduction Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella bacteria. It is a Class B notifiable infectious disease in my country, primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Typical symptoms include undulating fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, and joint and muscle pain; it can also affect the spine, testes, and nervous system. Treatment emphasizes early, combined, adequate dosage, and a full course of antibiotics;

burn

Disease Introduction Burns are injuries to the skin and deep tissues caused by heat, electric current, chemicals, or radiation. They are classified into first- to third-degree burns based on depth, with severity depending on the area, depth, and location of the burn. Severe burns can lead to shock, infection, and multiple organ dysfunction. Treatment encompasses fluid resuscitation, wound management, anti-infection therapy, nutritional support, and scar rehabilitation. Comprehensive care at specialized bu

scar

Disease Introduction Scars are fibrotic products resulting from the repair of damaged skin tissue. They include hypertrophic scars, keloids, and atrophic scars, and are often accompanied by itching, pain, and cosmetic impact. In joint areas, they can lead to contractures and deformities. Treatment requires seizing the "golden period" of 6 months to 1 year after wound healing for remodeling, and employing a comprehensive approach including silicone, pressure therapy, drug injections, phototherapy, and surg

Network of partner hospitals

Recommended Hospitals

Selected leading medical centers with strong specialties and international patient services.

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

RehabilitationOrgan TransplantRare & Complex DiseasesOncologyGastroenterologyNeurologyUrologyInternal MedicineSurgeryHepatobiliaryOrthopedicsObstetrics & GynecologyENTCosmetic Surgery

In the ranking of Chinese hospitals released by the Fudan University Hospital Management Institute, Peking Union Medical College Hospital has topped the comprehensive ranking for more than ten consecutive years, and has twice ranked first in the national performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals. Among the 42 specialties covered in the comprehensive specialty ranking, 28 of Peking Union Medical College Hospital's specialties are ranked in the top 10. Nine specialties, including pathology, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, neurology, nuclear medicine, emergency medicine, critical care medicine, and allergy, rank first in the country; several specialties, including radiology, anesthesiology, endocrinology, laboratory medicine, ultrasound medicine, and gastroenterology, rank second in the country. The hospital is a national center for the diagnosis and treatment of complex, critical, and rare diseases designated by the National Health Commission, a national demonstration base for higher medical education and standardized residency training, and a national core base for clinical medical research and technological innovation.

Year Founded: 1921
Beds: 3000

Beijing Friendship Hospital (Second Clinical Medical College), Capital Medical University

Beijing · Partner Hospital

Beijing Friendship Hospital (Second Clinical Medical College), Capital Medical University

RehabilitationOrgan TransplantGastroenterologyInternal MedicineSurgery

The hospital is the supporting unit of the National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and the National Key Laboratory of Digestive Health, and a pilot unit of the National Flagship Hospital for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. It has 12 national key clinical specialties, 27 doctoral programs, and 33 master's programs. It is ranked A+ in the national performance evaluation of tertiary public hospitals and is one of the earliest hospitals in the country to undertake the tasks of healthcare for cadres and medical treatment for foreign guests. In 2018, it became one of the first batch of pilot units in the country to establish a modern hospital management system.

Year Founded: 1952
Beds: 3306

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital

Tianjin · Partner Hospital

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital

OncologySurgery

The hospital is among the first batch of national clinical research centers for malignant tumors and a national regional medical center export hospital. Its oncology department is a national key discipline and a national "Double First-Class" discipline, boasting seven national key clinical specialties. In the Fudan University's comprehensive ranking of Chinese hospitals by specialty, its oncology department ranks 5th nationwide, placing the hospital among the top tier of oncology hospitals in China in terms of overall strength.

Year Founded: 1861
Beds: 2445

Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Shanghai · Partner Hospital

Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

OncologyHematologyGastroenterologyUrologyInternal MedicineSurgeryOrthopedics

Ruijin Hospital consistently ranks among the top four hospitals in China according to the comprehensive hospital rankings released by the Fudan University Hospital Management Institute. It is a national medical center construction unit and possesses national-level platforms such as the National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases and the National Clinical Research Center for Hematological Diseases. The hospital currently has four key disciplines designated by the Ministry of Education (Hematology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Cardiology, and Neurology), 22 national key clinical specialties, and one national key laboratory for medical genomics. The hospital has been awarded the title of National Civilized Unit four times consecutively and has received honors such as the National May 1st Labor Medal and the National Advanced Collective of the Health System. It is also a national demonstration unit for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Year Founded: 1907
Beds: 5100

West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Chengdu · Partner Hospital

West China Hospital of Sichuan University

RehabilitationOrgan TransplantRare & Complex DiseasesOncologyGastroenterologyCardio-CerebrovascularNeurologyUrologyInternal MedicineSurgeryThoracicHepatobiliaryOrthopedics

The hospital is among the first batch of national medical center construction units and a pilot hospital for high-quality development jointly built by the national and provincial governments. It has established a national medical center for mental illness and two national regional medical centers. The hospital has 43 national key clinical specialties, ranking first among hospitals in China; its clinical medicine ESI ranking is in the top 0.252‰ globally. In the Fudan University version of the China Hospital Ranking, the hospital's comprehensive strength has ranked among the top three in China for many consecutive years (ranking second in the country for 11 consecutive years). Its anesthesiology department ranks first in the country, and many other specialties such as radiology, pathology, urology, ultrasound medicine, and geriatrics are among the top in the country. More than 10 specialties in the hospital are ranked among the top three in the country, and nearly 30 specialties are ranked among the top ten in the country.

Year Founded: 1982
Beds: 4900

Leading Specialists

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

Wu Hong

Vice Dean, Professor of Liver Transplant Center

Surgery

Research areas: Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and liver transplantation. Cutting-edge technology: In 2026, we will lead the completion of a 2,100-kilometer remote robotic surgery for hydatid disease in the liver.

Affiliated Hospital West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Lin Yan

The Direction of Breast Aesthetic Surgery for Elderly Patients with Breast Cancer

Surgery

Research areas: Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases, and research related to early diagnosis and screening of breast cancer. Cutting-edge technology: Specializes in aesthetically pleasing surgery for benign breast diseases, breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer, modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, and comprehensive treatment. Led the development of the "Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer in the Elderly (2023 Edition)". In 2

Affiliated Hospital Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Liu Yanbin

Chief Physician , Doctoral Supervisor

Surgery

-Research areas : Brucellosis, parasitic infections (echinococcosis, trematodes), fever of unknown origin (FUO) - Cutting-edge technologies: mNGS metagenomic pathogen detection, Brucella serology and typing, and combined anti-infection regimens for chronic Brucella. - Areas of expertise: Acute/chronic brucellosis, spinal brucellosis, neurobrucellosis; medical medication management for hepatic/pulmonary echinococcosis, and multiple parasitic infections. - Academic Highlights: Domestic expert in zoonotic di

Affiliated Hospital West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Zhou Yidong

Breast-conserving and immediate reconstruction approaches for breast cancer

Surgery

Research areas: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast cancer, and comprehensive postoperative treatment of breast cancer. Cutting-edge technology: Proficient in various breast cancer surgeries, especially breast-conserving surgery for young patients and immediate reconstruction surgery after breast cancer surgery in collaboration with plastic surgeons. Annual outpatient visits exceed 000, and surgeries exceed 00, with a cumulative total of over 4000 breast cancer surgeries performed. Deeply inv

Affiliated Hospital Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Huan Jingning

Chief Physician , a leading expert in the field of critical burn infection and organ failure in China

Surgery

-Research areas : Early treatment of massive burns, burn sepsis, prevention and treatment of MODS after burns, and functional reconstruction of scar tissue. - Cutting-edge technologies: staged escharotomy, mixed skin grafting, and precise prevention and control of burn infections. - Areas of expertise: severe burns, electrical burns, thermal compression injuries, and severe scar contracture deformities after burns. - Academic Highlights: Vice Chairman of the Burn Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Asso

Affiliated Hospital Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Qiao Liang

Chief Physician

Surgery

-Research areas : critical burn care, acute burn wound repair, drug-related severe epidermal necrosis wounds. - Cutting-edge technologies: autologous epidermal cell suspension transplantation, inflammation control in severe burns, and treatment of immune-mediated skin abrasion wounds such as TEN. - Areas of expertise: Severe burns, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute complex skin defects. - Academic Highlights: Key member of the department's critical care wound care team; one of the earliest in China to

Affiliated Hospital Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Service Process

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

01
Pre-Visit Services
Contact us for help organising and translating medical records, planning consultations, and finding suitable hospitals and specialists.
02
Remote Consultations
A remote consultation helps establish an initial approach to diagnosis and treatment, with a cost estimate available within 48 hours.
03
Travel Arrangements
We assist with visa applications, book flights and hotel or apartment accommodation, and arrange airport pick-up, private transport and check-in.
04
Comprehensive Support in China
We accompany you to medical appointments and provide interpreting services, help arrange specialist consultations or surgery, assist with hospital admission and discharge, and help settle medical bills.
05
Post-Visit Services
We assist with notarisation of medical expense documents, airport drop-off, organisation and translation of medical records, remote rehabilitation guidance, and coordination of international referrals.

Patient Stories

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Crohn's Disease-Related Bowel Obstruction : How a British Patient Finds a

CASE 01

PATIENT JOURNEY

Crohn's Disease-Related Bowel Obstruction : How a British Patient Finds a "Balance on a Knife's Edge" in China When "Green Cancer" Repeatedly Causes Obstruction

GastroenterologySurgery

Patient records Name: David Age: 35 Nationality: British Diagnosis: Crohn's disease (ileocolic type, stricture type), recurrent small bowel obstruction Treatment Hospital: Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Crohn's disease, known as the "green cancer," is incurable and recurrent, leading to serious complications such as intestinal stenosis, perforation, and fistulas. David's story tells how he found a precise balance between "over-operation" and "recurrent obstr

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Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia and Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstruction - An Abdomen Repeatedly

CASE 02

PATIENT JOURNEY

Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia and Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstruction - An Abdomen Repeatedly "Repaired": How a Kazakhstani Patient Found a "Reconstruction" Rather Than "Repair" Solution in China

Surgery

Patient records Name: Viktor Age: 55 Nationality: Kazakhstan Diagnosis: Giant recurrent incisional hernia (hernial ring defect diameter 18cm), abdominal wall insufficiency, and failure of multiple mesh repair surgeries. Treatment Hospital: Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine For patients with complex abdominal wall hernias, the deepest despair is not the huge bulge in their abdomen, but the fact that after repeated surgical repairs, the hernia re

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Frequently Asked Questions

Surgery FAQs

Learn about clinical review, record preparation and arrangements for care in China.

Talk to Our Care Team →

Is surgery always necessary for an inguinal hernia?

Adults with symptoms or associated risks usually need to be evaluated for surgery based on their situation.

Does a thyroid nodule require surgery?

The answer depends on a combination of ultrasound, biopsy, and other relevant examinations.

Is a breast lump always cancerous?

Not necessarily; it needs to be determined through imaging and necessary pathological examinations.

Can breast cancer patients undergo breast-conserving surgery?

Some patients who meet the criteria can be evaluated for breast-conserving treatment.

Can severe burn scars be repaired?

Repair plans can be developed based on the severity of the scar and its functional impact.

Can joint contractures after burns be treated?

Treatment options include rehabilitation, release, and reconstruction, depending on the severity of the contracture.

Can complicated soft tissue infections be treated?

Treatment can include debridement, anti-infection measures, and comprehensive therapy, depending on the extent of the infection.

Can echinococcosis be treated surgically?

Some patients require surgery combined with medication, depending on the location and type of the lesion.

Can I view medical records remotely in advance?

Yes.

Can I continue remote follow-up after surgery?

Follow-up can be arranged according to the recovery progress.

Surgery

Discover the treatment pathway that's right for you

abdominal wall hernia

Breast cancer

Lipomas

Breast hyperplasia

Thyroiditis

Thyroid adenoma

goiter

Hydatid disease

Brucellosis

burn

scar

Recommended Hospitals

Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Beijing Friendship Hospital (Second Clinical Medical College), Capital Medical University

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital

Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Trusted Expertise Across Leading Specialties

A clear, coordinated process for efficient cross-border care

Pre-Visit Services

Remote Consultations

Travel Arrangements

Comprehensive Support in China

Post-Visit Services

See the Next Step Through Patient Journeys

Crohn's Disease-Related Bowel Obstruction : How a British Patient Finds a "Balance on a Knife's Edge" in China When "Green Cancer" Repeatedly Causes Obstruction

Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia and Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstruction - An Abdomen Repeatedly "Repaired": How a Kazakhstani Patient Found a "Reconstruction" Rather Than "Repair" Solution in China

Surgery FAQs