On April 1st, 26 hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons from 13 countries from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) gathered at West China Hospital (WCH), Sichuan University, for a specialized training program in minimally invasive liver surgery. The program is organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology's International Cooperation Department, co-hosted by WCH and the West China Medical Technology Transfer Center.

 

Over the next three weeks, the surgeons will engage in learning and exchanging the latest trends in liver surgery techniques to foster technological exchange and cooperation.

 

A warm welcome ceremony was held for the international doctors on April 1st. President Luo Fengming of WCH, emphasized the hospital's commitment to medical innovation and international cooperation. In recent years, the hospital has established close ties with medical institutions from the BRI countries and has achieved significant results in various medical, research, and educational collaborations. He expressed his hope that the visiting scholars would gain valuable knowledge and contribute to the advancement of medical research and practice, as well as to the enhancement of healthcare standards and the construction of a global community for health.

 

The training program kicked off with an inauguration ceremony on March 31, where Vice President Wu Hong outlined the program's objectives. This year's training has been enhanced with new teaching methods, including laparoscopic and robotic animal surgeries, and a surgical video competition, aiming to improve practical effectiveness. The 26 international doctors, all leaders in their respective fields, will also participate in the launch of an international multicenter clinical study involving hospitals across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 

During the training, in addition to the hospital's senior experts, distinguished scholars such as Academician Dong Jiahong of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Academician Fan Jia of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with renowned liver specialists from Singapore, Italy, and Japan, will provide theoretical lectures and surgical demonstrations. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the hospital's history museum and the Sanxingdui Museum to explore the hospital's century-old legacy and the rich culture of Sichuan.

 

Dr. Paolo Ossola from Italy and Dr. Ahemd Elgendi from Egypt, representing the trainees, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity. Dr. Ossola highlighted the importance of minimally invasive techniques in reducing hospital stays and patient pain, aiming to learn the latest advancements to benefit more patients. Dr. Elgendi, a returning participant, praised the hospital's cutting-edge educational and medical facilities and looked forward to a closer and more enduring partnership with WCH.

 

Liver cancer is prevalent in BRI countries, and the development of minimally invasive liver surgery offers new hope to patients. China's liver surgery technology is at the forefront globally, with WCH leading in laparoscopic liver resection. The BRI Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery Training Program has been held at the hospital for two consecutive years, receiving enthusiastic responses and active participation. It has not only deepened cooperation in medical innovation between Sichuan Province and "Belt and Road" countries but also helped international peers better understand "West China Technology" and "West China Solutions", laying a solid foundation for further collaboration among friendly nations.