In March 2026, orthopedic surgeons from the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU) were invited to conduct two separate overseas surgical missions, performing complex procedures in Kazakhstan and Malaysia.

In Kazakhstan

From March 11 to 15, Dr. YAN Xiaobo, a spine and bone tumor specialist of SAHZU Orthopedics, delivered a keynote lecture on the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of spinal metastases at the 10th Annual Congress of Oncology and Radiology, at the invitation of Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology. 

During a subsequent hospital visit, Dr. YAN evaluated a patient with a spinal tumor and identified rapidly progressing neurological deficits. He recommended immediate decompression surgery to prevent permanent paralysis and proceeded to perform the procedure alongside local surgeons. Post-operatively, the patient showed significant improvement in neurological function and pain relief.

In Malaysia

Later in the month, Prof. YE Zhaoming, Chair of SAHZU Orthopedics, was inivited to Malaysia to perform a bone tumor resection surgery on a patient diagnosed with a large tumor in the proximal humerus.

The surgery involved complete tumor removal, cavity treatment, bone grafting, and internal fixation to prevent pathological fracture. The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient recovered without complications.

Both missions were conducted in collaboration with local medical teams. The surgeries and accompanying academic exchanges represent ongoing efforts to foster international medical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

About the SAHZU Bone Tumor Team

The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Center at SAHZU, is one of the earliest and largest specialized centers of its kind in China. The center currently manages 84 inpatient beds and treats more than 4,000 cases of bone and soft tissue tumors annually, including over 100 cases of osteosarcoma and approximately 600 spinal tumor surgeries per year. The center is known for its multidisciplinary approach and expertise in complex reconstructive procedures.