Who Is Dr. Zhou Pinghong?
Dr. Zhou Pinghong (周平红) is one of the world's foremost experts in therapeutic endoscopy and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), based at Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to ESD technique, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia, and submucosal endoscopy, Dr. Zhou has performed thousands of complex endoscopic procedures and has trained endoscopists from across Asia and beyond. His department at Ruijin Hospital is a global reference center for therapeutic endoscopy, and his work complements the colorectal endoscopy expertise of Dr. Zhong Yunshi at Zhongshan Hospital, giving CMCS patients access to elite therapeutic endoscopists across Shanghai's top institutions.
What Procedures Does He Specialize In?
Dr. Zhou Pinghong specializes in the full spectrum of advanced therapeutic endoscopy, including:
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer
- Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia and esophageal motility disorders
- Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early gastrointestinal neoplasms
- Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for submucosal tumors
- Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for difficult lesions
- Endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas
- ERCP for biliary and pancreatic duct interventions
- Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Endoscopic stenting for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal obstruction
- Second opinions on whether early GI cancers can be treated endoscopically rather than surgically
Who Should Consider Seeing Dr. Zhou?
Dr. Zhou Pinghong is the ideal specialist for patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with early-stage gastric, esophageal, or colorectal cancer and want minimally invasive endoscopic treatment instead of surgery
- Have large or complex gastrointestinal lesions that require expert ESD
- Have achalasia or esophageal motility disorders and want POEM as an alternative to surgical myotomy
- Have submucosal tumors (GISTs, leiomyomas) that may be removable endoscopically
- Are seeking a second opinion on whether their GI lesion can be treated endoscopically rather than surgically
- Have had prior incomplete endoscopic resection and need expert re-evaluation
- Need complex ERCP for biliary or pancreatic conditions
How CMCS Arranges Your Appointment
CMCS handles every aspect of your medical visit so your time in Shanghai is seamless and productive. Here's how we help:
- Initial Consultation: Contact CMCS and share your prior endoscopy reports, pathology results, and clinical history.
- Case Review: Our team reviews your case and confirms whether Dr. Zhou Pinghong or a senior member of his team is the best fit for your procedure.
- Appointment & Procedure Booking: We coordinate directly with Ruijin Hospital to schedule your consultation and endoscopic procedure.
- Pre-Procedure Preparation: We provide detailed instructions on fasting, bowel preparation (for colorectal procedures), and medication adjustments before the procedure.
- On-the-Day Support: A CMCS coordinator accompanies you through registration and assists with communication throughout the procedure and recovery.
- Results & Follow-Up: We help you understand your pathology results and coordinate any follow-up treatment, surgical referrals, or surveillance scheduling needed.
What to Prepare Before Your Visit
To ensure the most effective consultation and procedure planning with Dr. Zhou Pinghong, please prepare:
- Previous endoscopy reports with photos (gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy, including description of any lesions found)
- Pathology reports from any prior biopsies or endoscopic resections
- CT scan or MRI of the abdomen (if available)
- Tumor markers: CEA, CA19-9 (if GI cancer is suspected)
- A full list of current medications — especially blood thinners and anticoagulants, which must be paused before procedures
- Your passport and travel/health insurance documents
What to Expect on the Day
Ruijin Hospital's Therapeutic Endoscopy Center is equipped with state-of-the-art high-definition endoscopy systems, NBI and chromoendoscopy technology, and advanced ESD and POEM equipment. Most procedures are performed under sedation and take 30 minutes to several hours depending on complexity. Dr. Zhou's team will discuss findings with you after the procedure, and CMCS will ensure you fully understand the results and next steps. If surgical management is needed following endoscopic assessment, we can coordinate referrals to Gastric Surgery or other specialist teams within Ruijin Hospital seamlessly.
Contact CMCS to Get Started
Ready to book your therapeutic endoscopy procedure with Dr. Zhou Pinghong at Ruijin Hospital? Contact our team today:
CMCS is your trusted medical concierge partner in Shanghai — making world-class Chinese healthcare accessible to international patients.
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