Spine Surgery Team Invited to Deliver Keynote Presentations and Live Surgery at the Inaugural ISUBE-SSEA Congress
In late August, the spine surgery team from ZJU4H— led by Dr. Hu Qingfeng, Chief of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, and Dr. Qiu Xiaowen — was invited to Kathmandu, Nepal, for the inaugural ISUBE-SSEA Congress of the International UBE Association – South and Southeast Asia Chapter.
Live Surgery Demonstration
The team performed a live surgery broadcast for an international audience of over 30 surgeons from Pakistan, India, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The procedure featured Dr. Hu's signature ligamentum-flavum-preserving lumbar UBE technique — an innovative approach that preserves the natural barrier of the spinal canal, reducing nerve exposure, minimizing bleeding, and lowering the difficulty of any future revision surgeries.
Hands-on Training
The team also conducted cadaveric training on cervical and thoracic BESS/UBE procedures — the first such training session in South and Southeast Asia. The session drew significant interest from local surgeons eager to master the techniques.
Keynote Presentations
At the main academic session, Dr. Hu delivered a keynote on ligamentum-flavum-preserving UBE techniques based on over 5,000 cases, while Dr. Qiu presented the world's first reported case of posterior cervical BESS/UBE surgery. Both presentations received strong engagement from the audience.
Impact and Recognition
Local surgeons who had previously trained at ZJU4H reported that they have since successfully performed cervical and lumbar UBE surgeries independently in Nepal — demonstrating that the technology is taking root locally.
Congress Executive Chair Dr. Nikunja Yogi remarked: "Dr. Hu is an outstanding mentor. Their team's presence is advancing spine surgery across the entire South Asian region."
The journey reflects the hospital's commitment to sharing Chinese medical expertise with the world and contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative's vision of a "Health Community."