Gallbladder removal
Usually done by keyhole surgery. Some hospitals use the da Vinci robot for it.
- For gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
- Your surgeon explains which method they advise
Da Vinci Robotic Surgery in China for Foreign Patients
How robot-assisted keyhole surgery works, which procedures it is used for, how joint robots differ, and what to plan for your stay and recovery.
Da Vinci in China
The system is widely installed in Chinese hospitals, according to company and press data.
3.1 million
Da Vinci procedures worldwide in 2025, according to the manufacturer
Source: Intuitive Surgical
Procedures patients ask about
Robotic and standard keyhole surgery are often both options for the same operation.
Hernia repair
Inguinal and abdominal wall hernias can be repaired by open, keyhole or robotic surgery.
- Choice depends on hernia size and type
- Mesh type and follow-up should be explained
Joint replacement
Da Vinci is a soft-tissue system and is not used for joints. Knee and hip robots are different devices.
- Ask which robot the hospital uses
- Rehabilitation continues after you leave hospital
Who may be suitable
Suitability depends on your diagnosis, past operations, weight, heart and lung health, and the surgeon's own judgement. A robot does not make an operation suitable for everyone.
- A confirmed diagnosis with recent imaging
- Fit for general anaesthesia
- Able to stay in China until the surgeon clears you to fly
Questions to ask the surgeon
- Why robotic rather than standard keyhole or open surgery?
- How often does your team perform this procedure?
- What happens if the operation must switch to open surgery?
Stay, travel and follow-up
Plan the whole trip around recovery, not only the operation day.
Pre-operative checks
Expect blood tests, an ECG and an anaesthesia review in person, even if you sent records ahead.
Surgery and hospital stay
Ask how many nights the hospital expects you to stay for your procedure.
Fitness to fly
The surgeon decides when you can fly. Ask about blood clot prevention on long flights.
Follow-up at home
Bring the operation note and discharge summary to your doctor at home for wound checks and later reviews.
Records and costs
Records to prepare
- Ultrasound, CT or MRI reports and image files
- Recent blood tests and a medicine list
- Past operations and any anaesthesia problems
Costs
Caijing reported that international departments of public hospitals charge about 8 to 10 times the standard insured price for surgery. Ask for an itemised written estimate, including robotic instrument fees.
Robotic surgery questions
Is robotic surgery approved in China?
Yes. Da Vinci systems are installed in hundreds of Chinese hospitals. Ask the hospital to confirm that your specific procedure is offered robotically.
How long should I plan to stay?
Allow for pre-operative checks, the hospital stay and recovery until you are cleared to fly. Ask the hospital for its expected timeline in writing.
Will the hospital accept my English records?
Ask the international department. Many accept English reports with original scan files; some ask for a translation.
How can I pay from abroad?
Prices are set in RMB. Ask which international cards or bank transfers are accepted and whether a deposit is needed before admission.
Will my health insurance pay?
Many plans do not cover planned surgery abroad. Ask your insurer before booking, and ask the hospital whether it can bill your insurer directly.
Do I need a visa?
It depends on your nationality and stay. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Start with a free triage consultation
Tell us about your diagnosis and goals, and a doctor will suggest realistic next steps. Your first triage consultation is free.
In an emergency, contact local emergency services. Please do not delay care at home while waiting for a reply.
Sources
- 21st Century Business Herald (sfccn.com), 1 July 2026, citing Fosun Pharma annual report data on da Vinci in China
- Intuitive Surgical, 2025 annual report letter
- Sina Finance / Caijing, Sept 2026
Prices and policies change. Figures are for general information and are not a quote or medical advice.