Since introducing the first Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System of Taiwan’s medical centers in February 2025, China Medical University Hospital  has completed a total of 313 robotic-assisted surgical procedures till April 2026.

These include 264 bariatric and metabolic surgeries, 22 urologic surgeries, 21 colorectal surgeries, 5 gynecologic surgeries, and 1 general surgery case, demonstrating the system’s expanding multidisciplinary clinical applications. Notably, the department of metabolic & bariatric surgery achieved a remarkable global milestone and world record of “100 robotic bariatric surgeries within 100 days,” highlighting the institution’s expertise and leadership in robotic surgery.

The Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery System integrates high-definition three-dimensional visualization, precision robotic arm control, and a modular platform design, enabling surgeons to perform delicate maneuvers within anatomically complex and confined operative fields. Furthermore, our institution pioneered a novel “remote” surgical approach, in which surgeons successfully performed advanced bariatric procedures by operating the Hugo™ system from a console located approximately 20 meters away via wired fiber-optic connectivity. The open-console architecture also facilitates real-time communication between the primary surgeon and the operative team, thereby enhancing intraoperative collaboration and surgical safety.

The platform is equipped with four independent robotic arms that can be flexibly configured according to specific surgical procedures and anatomical requirements, improving operative adaptability and efficiency. Compared with conventional open surgery, robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery offers several clinical advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, decreased postoperative pain, and faster recovery, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and surgical outcomes.

Beyond technological advancement, robotic-assisted surgery also supports the standardization of surgical procedures, strengthens clinical education and training, and promotes interdisciplinary teamwork. Moving forward, our institution will continue integrating digital healthcare technologies, surgical data analytics, and AI-assisted applications to further advance precision, personalization, and intelligent innovation in surgical care.

Publication:

Huang CK, Afridi IA, Hsin MC, Chang PC, Chou DY, Chang TW. Across Walls: First Intra-hospital Remote Hugo Robotic Assisted Bariatric Surgery. Obes Surg. 2026 Feb;36(2):369-372.