HKU Surgery

【Does Playing a Musical Instrument Help Make a Better Surgeon?】

Can years of practising the piano or violin help shape the surgeon of tomorrow? A recent study led by Professor Michael Co from the Department of Surgery, HKUMed, may have provided some intriguing answers.

The cross-sectional study, recently published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery, examined the relationship between musical instrument experience and surgical skills acquisition among final-year HKU MBBS students. A total of 203 students participated, of whom 62% had experience playing musical instruments. Following a structured two-hour basic surgical skills training session, participants underwent assessment by two blinded assessors using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS).

The findings revealed that students with a musical background completed basic surgical tasks approximately 10% faster and achieved higher technical performance scores than their peers without musical training.

Professor Co noted that surgery and music share several important attributes, including hand-eye coordination, fine motor dexterity, precision, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure. While the study suggests that musical training may offer an advantage in acquiring foundational surgical skills, it does not imply that musicians automatically become better surgeons. Rather, the findings highlight the potential transferability of skills developed through musical practice.

📖 Read the full paper:
https://hub.hku.hk/bitstream/10722/373139/1/content.pdf

📰 Media coverage:
• BBC Podcast: https://youtu.be/UWBqie9B51g?si=uizhn5MvWpbbL5nB

【The Division of Urology introduces latest-generation adjustable continence therapy for post-prostatectomy incontinence
泌尿外科引入新一代尿道壓力調節技術 改善前列腺癌術後尿失禁】

We are proud to celebrate a major milestone achieved by the Division of Urology at HKU Surgery and Queen Mary Hospital.
Since the introduction of the latest-generation Adjustable Transobturator Male System in late 2024, our team has successfully treated more than 15 patients experiencing urinary incontinence following prostate cancer surgery, making Queen Mary Hospital the first centre in Asia to adopt this advanced technique.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in Hong Kong. While radical prostatectomy offers effective treatment, post-operative urinary incontinence can significantly affect patients’ daily activities, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
This minimally invasive device provides a personalised treatment solution. Dr. Ada Ng (Division Chief of Urology, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor) explained that the system enables surgeons to fine-tune urethral pressure after surgery through a simple outpatient adjustment, eliminating the need for further surgical intervention. Dr. Thomas Wong (Resident Specialist, Honorary Clinical Tutor) added that the technology offers a safe, effective, and reliable alternative to existing surgical options, helping patients regain continence, confidence, dignity, and quality of life.
A heartfelt thank you to our multidisciplinary clinical team, surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing staff, and all colleagues who contributed to making this achievement possible. Together, we will continue advancing urological care and improving patient outcomes in Hong Kong.

港大外科暨瑪麗醫院泌尿外科團隊自2024年底引入新一代「尿道壓力調節裝置」以來，已成功為超過15名接受前列腺癌手術後出現尿失禁的患者提供治療服務，並成為亞洲首個採用此項先進技術的醫療中心。
前列腺癌是本港男性最常見的癌症之一。雖然根治性切除手術能有效治療疾病，但術後尿失禁問題往往對患者的日常生活、心理健康及生活質素造成深遠影響。
作為一項微創治療技術，此裝置能為患者提供更個人化的治療方案。泌尿外科主管兼港大外科名譽臨床副教授吳翠蓮醫生表示，醫療團隊可於門診透過簡單程序，因應患者情況調節尿道壓力，無須再次接受手術。泌尿外科專科駐院醫生兼港大外科名譽臨床導師王庭峰醫生指出，該技術為患者提供安全、有效而可靠的治療選擇，協助他們重拾控尿能力、自信、尊嚴及生活質素。
衷心感謝跨專業臨床團隊、外科團隊、麻醉科團隊及護理團隊的專業付出與協作。讓我們繼續攜手推動香港泌尿外科醫療及臨床服務發展，為病人帶來更優質的治療成果。

【亞洲首例　經電脈衝技術治療血管畸形兒科病人
First Paediatric Vascular Malformation Patient in Asia Treated with Electrosclerotherapy】

血管畸形是一種先天疾病，患者身體任何部位均有機會出現血管畸形，不但影響外觀，有機會帶來腫痛流血等問題，嚴重更會影響身體機能。

瑪麗醫院和港大外科合作成的「血管畸形綜合治療團隊」，為患者提供跨專科一站式診斷及治療服務，透過聯合會診制定個人化治療方案。

團隊引入創新的「電脈衝硬化治療（Electrosclerotherapy）」技術，並成功完成亞洲首宗將此技術應用於兒科血管畸形患者的治療個案。港大外科臨床助理教授馮智衡教授表示，該技術能有效提升硬化劑在病變組織內的滲透及治療效能。臨床數據顯示，超過九成患者病情獲得部分至顯著改善，其中約四成患者症狀更完全緩解。

團隊期望未來進一步拓展相關技術至其他腫瘤及疾病治療領域，讓更多患者受惠於創新醫療技術。

Vascular malformations are congenital conditions that can occur anywhere in the body. In addition to affecting physical appearance, they may cause swelling, pain, bleeding, and other complications. In severe cases, they can impair organ functions.

Queen Mary Hospital and the Department of Surgery, HKUMed have jointly established the Multidisciplinary Vascular Anomalies Management Team, providing patients with multidisciplinary, one-stop diagnostic and treatment services through coordinated specialist consultations and personalized care plans.

The team has introduced the innovative Electrosclerotherapy technique and successfully completed the first paediatric vascular malformation case in Asia treated using this technology. According to Professor Adrian Fung, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, HKUMed, the treatment significantly enhances the pe*******on and effectiveness of sclerosants within affected tissues. Clinical outcomes show that more than 90% of patients experienced partial to significant improvement, while approximately 40% achieved complete symptom resolution.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand the application of this technology to other tumor and disease treatment areas, enabling more patients to benefit from innovative medical advances.

【🎉 Inaugural HKU Urology Congress: Focal Therapy and Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer】

The Division of Urology successfully hosted the Inaugural HKU Urology Congress on 1 August 2026. Our theme for this first ever congregation was Focal Therapy and Fusion Biopsy for Prostate Cancer. We were thrilled to welcome leading international and local experts to share the latest advancements in this field. Over 250 delegates participated in this momentous event.

Special thanks to our guest of honour, Professor Che-Hung Leong (GBM, GBS, OBE, JP), who delivered an inspiring opening address that set a fantastic tone for the event. Thank you to all our speakers, organisers, participants, and sponsors who made this milestone congress a resounding success! We hope to host many more meaningful urology events in the future. Stay tuned!

【重症解密】

TVB製作的全新醫學節目《重症解密》，節目組邀請多位港大醫學院教授探討和拆解不同病症的治療方案和嶄新研究進展。其中港大外科臨床教授陳智仁教授、臨床腫瘤學系蔣子樑醫生介紹肝癌治療新技術，包括了先縮後除LRT-IO療法。以及港大外科講座教授萬鈞教授介紹「肝立方」如何為肝癌病人提供最佳治療方案。

節目重溫：https://www.mytvsuper.com/tc/programme/severecasedecoded_146823/%E9%87%8D%E7%97%87%E8%A7%A3%E5%AF%86/e/800997/?utm_source=tvbcompp&utm_medium=mytvsuper_vod&utm_campaign=vod_image

#港大醫學院 #重症解密 #肝癌 #先縮後除 #肝立方

【重症解密】港大醫學院教授現身說法 介紹重症診治過程及治療方法

TVB製作的全新醫學節目《重症解密》，節目組邀請了多位港大醫學院教授來探討肝癌、原發性免疫缺乏症、心臟病、青光眼、脊髓型頸椎病變、阿茲海默症、乳癌等重症病因、症狀及治療方法。節目將於星期一至五，晚上9時30分播放。

7月28日 - 肝癌

外科學系臨床教授陳智仁教授、臨床腫瘤學系蔣子樑醫生將介紹肝癌治療新技術，包括了先縮後除LRT-IO療法。外科學系講座教授萬鈞教授亦會介紹「肝立方」如何為肝癌病人提供最佳治療方案。

節目連結：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn8O-pEacU0

7月30日- 原發性免疫缺乏症

港大醫學院院長劉澤星教授及內科學系臨床副教授李曦醫生將會介紹個人化幹細胞治療如何幫助原發性免疫缺乏症患者。這是港大醫學院、InnoHK幹細胞轉化研究中心和劍橋大學共同開創一個新型幹細胞平台，應用於個人化治療罕見免疫缺陷病，為患者提供新的治療選擇。

節目連結：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy2jjK-axEs

8月3日 - 心臟病

內科學系臨床教授姚啟恒教授將解釋解構急性心肌梗塞的迷思，以及介紹嶄新影像技術caFFR 系統如何讓醫生更精準判斷血管阻塞情況及真正導致缺血的原因。

節目連結：https://youtu.be/yWC1ZCHc66g?si=V0jjvUn8D8aGnVhF

8月5日 - 青光眼

眼科學系系主任及臨床教授梁啟信教授將會解構青光眼成因及治療方式，及介紹新技術視網膜神經纖維層光學紋理分析 （ROTA）如何將透過人工智能來協助醫生診斷及有系统地為青光眼患者進行疾病管理。

節目連結：https://youtu.be/MuFaudFDvc0?si=g8SCYmbSp4K0_IGW

8月7日 - 脊髓型頸椎病變

矯形及創傷外科學系臨床副教授關日康醫生解構脊髓型頸椎病變成因及如何診斷，及介紹新式手術 - 預防性減壓手術

節目連結：https://youtu.be/fTohTce5uBE?si=C5h8zxpdZik7_f9p

8月9日 - 阿茲海默症

內科學系臨床教授陳灌豪教授、內科學系名譽臨床副教授佘日峯醫生、放射診斷學系臨床副教授麥嘉豐醫生、精神醫學系臨床助理教授鄭柏榮醫生將解構認知障礙症成因及治療方式，亦會介紹非入侵性腦電擊及類澱粉蛋白正電子掃描等技術。

節目連結：https://youtu.be/8QOUyV7hUQ8?si=fsnNgj1nt_gb1wQ1

8月10日 - 乳癌

外科學系臨床教授鄺靄慧教授拆解乳癌分類與成因及治療方式，並介紹冷凍細胞技術及自體脂肪移植技術如何幫助乳癌患者。

節目連結：https://youtu.be/6GEVtSAdizM?si=Pl05U4-P-qDhIvZo

大家密切留意！

節目網站：https://programme.tvb.com/tc/severecasedecoded_146823/%E9%87%8D%E7%97%87%E8%A7%A3%E5%AF%86

#港大醫學院

【🏆 Celebrating Success in the RGC General Research Fund (GRF) 2026/27】

The Department of Surgery, HKUMed, is proud to announce that five applications have been successfully awarded the Research Grants Council (RGC) General Research Fund (GRF) 2026/27.

This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication, innovation, and research excellence of our faculty members and research teams in advancing surgical science and improving patient care.

Congratulations to our Principal Investigators and their teams:
• Professor Tan-To Cheung: The role of CENP-A targeting in epigenetic correction and drug development in hepatocellular carcinoma – therapeutic mechanism and precision modeling
• Dr. Karrie Kiang: Mitochondria transfer from astrocytes induces epigenetic modifications and confers chemoresistance in glioblastoma
• Dr. Jiang Liu: Role of TLR4-M cell axis in mediating intestinal mucosal immunity during invasive fungal infections after living donor liver transplantation
• Professor Elly Ngan: Define signaling dynamics coordinating the enteric nervous system and gut development
• Professor Clara Tang: Genetic dysregulation of TGF-β activation via hepatic stellate cell crosstalk in bile duct development and biliary atresia pathogenesis

We extend our sincere appreciation to all team members, collaborators, and supporting staff whose hard work and commitment contributed to this achievement. We also thank every colleague who participated in this year's GRF exercise, helping to strengthen our department's vibrant research culture and commitment to innovation.

As we celebrate this achievement, we encourage colleagues to build on this momentum by pursuing innovative research and participating in future funding opportunities. Together, we will continue to advance discovery, innovation, and excellence in surgical research.

【港大醫學院與香港基因組中心突破腦癌研究 發現膠質母細胞瘤新標靶
HKUMed discovers new glioblastoma targets through landmark brain cancer research with Hong Kong Genome Institute】

港大醫學院與瑪麗醫院共同建立的協作平台—臨床神經科學聯盟—聯同香港基因組中心，在腦癌研究取得重大突破。膠質母細胞瘤是成年人最常見且惡性最高的腦癌，研究團隊利用先進的長讀單細胞長定序技術，建立了迄今最全面的膠質母細胞瘤異構體（isoform）圖譜，揭示數以千計以往傳統技術無法偵測的腫瘤特異性基因異構體。這項研究揭示了一類全新的潛在治療標靶，包括可望應用於未來個人化癌症疫苗及癌症免疫治療的候選新抗原。

臨床神經科學聯盟召集人、港大外科臨床教授兼曾永馨基金教授（臨床神經科學）梁嘉傑教授表示：「這項跨學科研究充分展現香港擁有實力，以推動具影響力的轉化基因組研究，並進一步鞏固香港在精準醫療及生物科技領域的地位。」

Researchers from the Clinical Neuroscience Consortium (CNC), a collaborative platform jointly established by the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and Queen Mary Hospital, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), have achieved a major breakthrough in brain cancer research by developing the most comprehensive map to date of isoform diversity in glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer in adults. Using advanced long-read single-cell sequencing, the team uncovered thousands of previously unknown tumour-specific genetic isoforms that had remained invisible to conventional approaches. The discovery reveals a new source of potential therapeutic targets, including candidates that could be harnessed for future personalised cancer vaccines and immunotherapies.

Professor Gilberto Leung Ka-kit, Convenor of the CNC, Tsang Wing-Hing Professor in Clinical Neuroscience and Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, remarked, ‘Conducted through this interdisciplinary partnership, the project demonstrates Hong Kong’s capability to generate impactful, translational genomics research, contributing to the region's growing role in precision medicine and biotechnology.’

🔗 研究成果已於《自然通訊》發表，按此瀏覽期刊文章 The findings were published in Nature Communications. Read the publication:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-72258-2

【最新消息】港大醫學院與香港基因組中心突破腦癌研究 發現膠質母細胞瘤新標靶

港大醫學院與瑪麗醫院共同建立的協作平台—臨床神經科學聯盟—聯同香港基因組中心，在腦癌研究取得重大突破。膠質母細胞瘤是成年人最常見且惡性最高的腦癌，研究團隊利用先進的長讀單細胞長定序技術，建立了迄今最全面的膠質母細胞瘤異構體（isoform）圖譜，揭示數以千計以往傳統技術無法偵測的腫瘤特異性基因異構體。這項研究揭示了一類全新的潛在治療標靶，包括可望應用於未來個人化癌症疫苗及癌症免疫治療的候選新抗原。

揭開膠質母細胞瘤生物學的全新層面

膠質母細胞瘤之所以極難治療，原因在於即使是同一名患者，其腫瘤內的癌細胞在生物學特性、生長模式及對治療的反應上均可截然不同，因此深入了解細胞間的異質性，是開發更有效治療方法的關鍵。

人體內的每一個基因均可產生略有不同版本的遺傳指令，稱為「異構體」。這些異構體可能影響細胞的功能，而在癌症中，更可能決定腫瘤細胞會否被免疫系統辨識，或逃避免疫偵測。以往用於分析單一癌細胞的技術只能讀取基因序列的短片段，這大大限制了研究人員完整了解單個細胞的全長異構體。

港大醫學院臨床醫學學院癌症醫學中⼼臨床腫瘤學系臨床助理教授、臨床神經科學聯盟腦腫瘤協作小組負責人Aya El Helali醫生表示：「研究團隊利用長讀長定序技術，分析來自27名膠質母細胞瘤患者、超過21萬個單細胞的數據，建立了迄今最全面的膠質母細胞瘤異構體多樣性圖譜，涵蓋腫瘤細胞，以及組成腫瘤微環境的免疫細胞和基質細胞。研究共鑑定出數千個過去未曾註解的異構體，其中包括大量僅存在於腫瘤細胞、而在健康組織中不存在的新型異構體。」

值得注意的是，研究預測其中部分僅存在於腫瘤的異構體所產生的多肽，可與第一類主要組織相容性複合體分子（MHC Class I）產生高親和力結合。MHC Class I分子負責將細胞內產生的異常蛋白片段呈遞予免疫系統，讓免疫系統更容易發現並攻擊癌細胞，因此這些新發現的異構體有望成為新抗原，用於未來癌症免疫治療。

此外，研究團隊利用臨床長讀單細胞長定序數據，建立並驗證了一套分析框架以識別新型異構體，為全球癌症研究人員提供重要基礎。

為個人化癌症疫苗開啟新方向

膠質母細胞瘤因具有高度細胞異質性，一直是神經腫瘤學領域最具挑戰性的癌症之一。雖然這項研究成果目前並未能即時改變膠質母細胞瘤的治療方案，但對未來精準腫瘤醫學及個人化癌症免疫治療的發展具有重要意義。

目前，腫瘤學領域其中一個最具發展潛力的方向，是研發個人化癌症疫苗，透過訓練患者自身免疫系統辨識並清除癌細胞，以提升治療效果。這類疫苗能否成功，關鍵在於能否找出患者腫瘤所獨有且具高度免疫原性的治療標靶。

香港基因組中心行政總裁（暫任）、港大醫學院臨床醫學學院兒童及青少年科學系臨床副教授鍾侃言醫生表示：「我們發現的腫瘤特異性異構體，揭示了一類全新的潛在抗原，亦顯示許多具治療潛力的標靶可能一直未能在現有的研究方法中被發現。透過擴大個人化癌症疫苗及癌症免疫治療的候選新抗原庫，這項研究成果為發展新一代腦癌免疫治療邁出重要一步，亦為膠質母細胞瘤患者開拓更精準、更個人化的治療策略帶來契機。」

香港基因組中心合作優勢　推動未來科研突破

這項研究充分展現香港生物醫學研究生態系統的優勢，並突顯臨床醫生、神經外科醫生、腫瘤科醫生及基因組科學家緊密協作的重要性。

臨床神經科學聯盟召集人、港大醫學院臨床醫學學院外科學系臨床教授兼曾永馨基金教授（臨床神經科學）梁嘉傑教授表示：「這項跨學科研究充分展現香港擁有實力，以推動具影響力的轉化基因組研究，並進一步鞏固香港在精準醫療及生物科技領域的地位。」

研究成果已於《自然通訊》發表：https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-72258-2

(English) HKUMed discovers new glioblastoma targets through landmark brain cancer research with Hong Kong Genome Institute: https://www.med.hku.hk/en/news/press/20260722-hkumed-discovers-new-glioblastoma-targets-through--landmark-brain-cancer-research

#港大醫學院

【🏥✨港大醫學院於香港率先引進機械人輔助顯微外科手術
HKUMed pioneers robot-assisted microsurgery in Hong Kong】

港大外科臨床團隊，於香港率先引進機械人輔助顯微外科手術。團隊至今已成功完成48宗手術，當中包括全球首例在肝臟移植手術中採用機械人微血管吻合術，以及經髮際線機械人輔助微血管吻合術。該技術的其他應用包括腫瘤切除後的重建手術、淋巴手術和創傷手術等。臨床數據顯示，所有患者進行機械人顯微手術後均無出現併發症，且吻合口均保持通暢。
港大外科臨床副教授兼瑪麗醫院頭頸及整形修復外科主管周令宇教授表示，機械人系統能提供更高的穩定性、精準度與控制力，即使在極嚴苛的條件下，外科醫生仍能有效進行操作。同時，系統令學習過程更為直觀且具可重複性，有助更短時間內培訓出高水平的外科醫生。
港大外科臨床教授、李樹芬醫學基金會教授席（外科）兼瑪麗醫院肝臟移植中心總監陳智仁教授指出，我們在全球率先將機械人輔助顯微外科技術應用於肝臟移植，為該領域樹立新標竿。
這項突破性進展不僅彰顯港大醫學院與瑪麗醫院在推動精準外科手術方面的領導地位，更為全球複雜外科手術護理設定全新標準，港大外科期望更多患者能從這項頂尖的手術中受惠。

A research team from the Department of Surgery, HKUMed has introduced robot-assisted microsurgery in Hong Kong for the first time. The team successfully completed 48 procedures, including the world's first robot-assisted liver transplant surgery and trans-hairline robotic microvascular surgery. Other applications of this technique include reconstructive procedures after tumour extirpation, lymphatic surgery and trauma surgery. Clinical data indicate no complications related to the use of the robotic micro-surgical platform. All anastomoses were patent with no long-term complications.
Professor Velda Chow, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, HKUMed; and Division Chief, Divisions of Head and Neck Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at QMH, said that by delivering greater stability, precision and control, the robotic platform enables surgeons to operate effectively even under highly demanding conditions, while also making the learning experience more intuitive and reproducible. This allows us to elevate more surgeons to a high level of competency in a shorter timeframe.
Professor Albert Chan, Clinical Professor, Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation Professor in Surgery, Department of Surgery, HKUMed; and Director of the Liver Transplant Centre at QMH, remarked that our world-first application of robotic microsurgery in liver transplantation has set a new benchmark in the field.
This breakthrough highlights the leadership of HKUMed and Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) in advancing precision surgery and setting new global benchmarks in complex surgical care. The Department of Surgery hopes more patients can benefit from this cutting-edge surgical procedure.

了解更多 Learn more 🔗
https://www.med.hku.hk/en/news/press/20260624-hkumed-pioneers-robot-assisted-microsurgery-in-hong-kong

【Testosterone & Prostate Cancer Management】

Exploring men’s health on RTHK 📻.

Dr. Thomas Wong of the Department of Surgery, HKUMed, recently joined RTHK’s 精靈一點 to discuss the role of testosterone in men’s health, along with current approaches to prostate cancer management and treatment.

🎥 Watch the episode: https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/healthpedia_tv/episode/1103059

Source: RTHK31

#精靈一點