Abstract The development of pancreatic surgery in China has progressed remarkably over 7 decades. China initiated its pancreatic surgery journey in the 1950s, marked by the first pancreaticoduodenectomy performed by Zeng Xianjiu in 1951. Early progress was hindered by technological limitations and fragmented practices, but the establishment of academic platforms such as the National Pancreatic Disease Symposia in the 1980s catalyzed standardized research and interdisciplinary collaboration. In 2006, Zhang Shengdao spearheaded China’s first Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Acute Pancreatitis . The 21st century has seen remarkable progress in pancreatic surgery, marked by the China-specific treatment guidelines, technological breakthroughs in laparoscopic and robotic surgical systems, and the increasing centralization of pancreatic surgery in high-volume medical centers. These synergistic advancements have collectively propelled a paradigm shift in contemporary cancer care. By 2022, China Pancreas Data Center reported a postoperative mortality rate of 0.4% and 3-year survival rates of 43% for resected pancreatic cancer, rivaling global benchmarks. China has also emerged as a leader in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, with advancements in laparoscopic and robotic pancreatic surgery. Academic growth paralleled clinical progress: the Chinese Pancreatic Association, established in 2022, fosters global collaboration, evidenced by its 2024 annual conference attracting over 10,000 participants. Through technological innovation, centralized care models, and international partnerships, China continues to redefine its role in advancing pancreatic surgery.
Chen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.