Health In News SEOUL, South Korea — A revolutionary surgical technique developed by Dr. Chang Min Lee, a professor of gastrointestinal surgery at Korea University Ansan Hospital, is transforming gastric cancer treatment, offering hope to elderly patients and those facing high surgical risks. Known as Trans-Umbilical Lymphadenectomy Using an Articulating Bipolar Vessel-Sealing Device (TULAB), this procedure is earning acclaim for its precision and reduced patient burden.

Photo=Professor Chang Min Lee, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital
Photo=Professor Chang Min Lee, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital

TULAB equips robotic surgery systems with an articulating bipolar vessel-sealing device, enabling precise lymph node removal through just three small incisions—at the navel and both flanks. Unlike conventional straight instruments, which struggle to navigate the intricate abdominal cavity, TULAB’s flexible design accesses curved areas, lowering cancer recurrence rates and boosting survival outcomes. This minimally invasive approach, ideal for high-risk patients, also shortens surgeries and accelerates recovery, easing the physical and emotional toll.

The technique’s safety and efficacy were confirmed in a study published in the international journal Cancers. Patients undergoing TULAB recovered faster and experienced fewer complications than those receiving traditional laparoscopic surgery, highlighting its clinical edge.

“TULAB transcends minimal incisions by maximizing the precision and scope of lymph node removal,” Dr. Lee said. “It delivers oncological outcomes that match or surpass conventional methods, offering patients a less daunting path to recovery.”

A trailblazer in robotic gastric cancer surgery, Dr. Lee has achieved multiple world-firsts and earned several Outstanding Presentation Awards from the Surgical Robotics Society. As TULAB gains global recognition, it is poised to redefine standards for gastric cancer care, blending cutting-edge technology with patient-centered innovation.

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