The 2023 "Belt and Road" Xiangya Minimally Invasive Digestive Surgery International Conference was held in Changsha from October 27 to 29. Hosted by Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (CSU) and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, and organized by the General Surgery Department and the Office for International Cooperation and Exchange from Xiangya Hospital, this conference centered around the theme of “Minimally Invasive Technology”. The event covered summit forums and surgical demonstrations, with three distinct sub-venues focusing on the gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and weight loss aspects. It aimed to focus on scientific innovation and technological progress in the field of minimally invasive technology for digestive tract tumors, thus contributing to a healthy future for humanity.

Attendees included Zhou Bin, deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology of Hunan Province, Chen Lizhang, vice president of Central South University, Zhang Xin, Chair of the Board, Xiangya Hospital, Liu Jianyuan, director of International and Regional Science and Technology Cooperation Division of Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department, Wu Wei, vice president of Xiangya Hospital, CSU, Professor Cláudio Mottin, from the affiliated hospital of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, Professor Gyuseog Choi, chairman of Clinical Robotic Surgery Association from Kyungpook National University Hospital, 20 experts in the fields of gastrointestinal surgery, obesity and metabolic surgery, resident physician management, and hospital management from 9 countries including Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Vietnam, and Chile, 12 doctors participating in the inaugural international training session on minimally invasive technology titled the “the China-Brazil Joint Research Center for Technical Innovation of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgeon Training” under the S&T Partnerships Program by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, and nearly 400 experts all over the country. The meeting was presided over by Professor Liu Weidong, director of the Essential Surgery Department of Xiangya Hospital, CSU.

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Director Zhou emphasized the importance of strengthening international scientific and technological cooperation. He highlighted the need to facilitate the free flow and optimal allocation of innovative resources on a global scale. By fostering a new pattern of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, these efforts are poised to accelerate a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Ultimately, this contributes to the construction of a human community with a shared future.

Vice President Chen underscored the inclusive nature of the scientific community, characterized by openness and sharing. Engaging in exchanges and cooperation with foreign experts plays a crucial role in staying informed about the latest scientific research achievements. These interactions offer valuable references for domestic scientific research and promoting scientific innovation and development.

Chair of the Board Zhang Xin stressed that only through continuous innovation and progress can Xiangya better serve patients and make greater contributions to human health.

The conference, through keynote speeches, shared the latest applications, scientific research innovations, and future trends of minimally invasive technology in various fields. The academic exchange across multiple fields and countries provided valuable insights into medical innovation, clinical practice, and the enhancement of patient well-being. In the surgical demonstration part, Professor Gyuseog Choi from Kyungpook National University Hospital, along with Professor Wu Wei, Liu Weidong, Gong Liansheng, and Huang Gengwen from Xiangya Hospital, CSU, conducted precise surgical demonstrations, showing the standardization of modern minimally invasive technology. This conference, focusing on jointly promoting the application and innovation of minimally invasive technology and new product development related to laparoscopic surgery, as well as formulating clinical diagnosis and treatment standards, invited top experts in digestive surgery from Belt and Road countries. It aimed to deepen the exchange and cooperation between China and Belt and Road countries in the health sector, allowing Chinese technology, products, and experience to go global and contributing positively to addressing global challenges through united efforts among developing countries.

On the afternoon of the Oct 29, more than 30 faculty and students participating in the inaugural international training session on minimally invasive technology titled the “the China-Brazil Joint Research Center for Technical Innovation of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgeon Training” visited Xiangya Hospital, CSU. They were warmly received by President Lei Guanghua and Vice President Liu Longfei. The two sides engaged in a brief exchange.

President Lei briefly introduced the history, current advantages, and international exchange work of Xiangya Hospital. He mentioned that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) proposed by China. Therefore, the successful hosting of this conference was not only the promotion of Xiangya’s “international DNA”, but also a highlight of Xiangya’s response to the BRI. He expressed the hope for deeper exchanges and cooperation with Belt and Road countries to contribute toa community of common health for mankind.

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Professor Liu undertook the Project of Technical Training Workshops for Developing Countries by the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology, titled the “BRI International Training Workshop on Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery”. This marks the first international clinical new technology training program received state-level approval at Xiangya, imparting advanced training to over 60 surgeons from 19 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. This project is another important measure taken by Xiangya to innovate the mode of international exchange, and serves as a positive exploration and demonstration towards realizing ‘resource sharing, advantage complementation, balanced development and joint innovation’ between China, Xiangya Hospital and the countries along the BRI.

Professor Liu Weidong, head of the conference, specializes in laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for colorectal and anal diseases, as well as comprehensive treatment for colorectal tumors. He has successfully performed over 5000 laparoscopic colorectal surgeries. Under his leadership, the Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) of Xiangya has dedicated to MDT consultations for eight consecutive years. Comprising experts from various disciplines, the team collaborates to formulate standardized and individualized diagnostic and treatment plans, with a focus on improving the diagnosis and recovery rates of complex diseases. Their efforts have resulted in conducting over 300 MDT consultations, benefiting more than 3000 patients. Liu has also introduced innovative surgical techniques, such as the use of the rectus muscle pedicle myocutaneous flap to repair pelvic floor defects following the removal of large rectal and anal tumors. Beyond his clinical expertise, he is dedicated to training physicians in laparoscopic and endoscopic minimally invasive surgeries. He has established operating procedures and training system for colorectal laparoscopic surgery, and contributed the training of over 700 senior gastrointestinal surgeons from 30 provinces and cities in China.