About Dr. Ai Zhilong
Dr. Ai Zhilong (艾志龙) is a Chief Physician (主任医师) in the Department of General Surgery / Thyroid and Breast Surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. With focused expertise in thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease, and neck mass surgery, Dr. Ai is a specialist in one of the most anatomically complex regions of the body — where the thyroid, parathyroid glands, lymph nodes, and critical neurovascular structures converge in a confined surgical field.
Dr. Ai's subspecialty in parathyroid disease sets him apart from many thyroid surgeons. Parathyroid disorders — including primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenoma, and parathyroid carcinoma — are frequently underdiagnosed internationally and require a surgeon with specific experience in parathyroid localization and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. His combined expertise in thyroid and parathyroid surgery makes him a valuable resource for patients with complex endocrine surgical conditions involving both glands.
Clinical Expertise
- Thyroid cancer surgery — total thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy for papillary, follicular, medullary, and locally advanced thyroid carcinoma, with central and lateral neck dissection as oncologically indicated
- Parathyroid disease — surgical management of primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism; parathyroid adenoma; multigland disease; and parathyroid carcinoma
- Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy — focused, image-guided parathyroid surgery using preoperative localization (sestamibi scan, 4D-CT, ultrasound) and intraoperative PTH monitoring to confirm complete resection
- Neck mass surgery — diagnosis and surgical management of cervical lymphadenopathy, branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts, salivary gland tumors, and other neck masses
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation — intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) to protect voice function during thyroid and parathyroid surgery
- Thyroid nodule management — risk stratification, fine needle aspiration guidance, and surgical decision-making for indeterminate or suspicious thyroid nodules
- Goiter and benign thyroid disease — surgical management of multinodular goiter, substernal goiter, and Graves' disease requiring operative intervention
Why Dr. Ai Zhilong?
Parathyroid surgery is one of the most technically demanding operations in endocrine surgery. The parathyroid glands — typically four in number, each the size of a grain of rice — are embedded in or adjacent to the thyroid and must be precisely identified and either preserved (during thyroid surgery) or selectively removed (during parathyroidectomy). Surgeons who perform high volumes of both thyroid and parathyroid surgery develop a level of anatomical familiarity with this region that directly translates into lower complication rates and higher cure rates.
For international patients with primary hyperparathyroidism — a condition caused by one or more overactive parathyroid glands that leads to elevated calcium, kidney stones, bone loss, and fatigue — minimally invasive parathyroidectomy guided by preoperative imaging and intraoperative PTH monitoring offers a highly effective, low-morbidity cure. Dr. Ai's experience with this approach at Zhongshan Hospital's high-volume endocrine surgery program ensures reliable outcomes.
His expertise in neck mass surgery also provides a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic resource for patients presenting with unexplained cervical masses — a common clinical scenario that requires careful evaluation to distinguish benign from malignant etiologies and plan appropriate management.
Hospital: Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
Zhongshan Hospital is one of China's most prestigious academic medical centers, consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country. Its Department of General Surgery and Thyroid & Breast Surgery is recognized as one of Shanghai's strongest in this specialty, with a high annual surgical volume, advanced intraoperative monitoring technology, and a multidisciplinary endocrine tumor board for complex cases. The hospital's endocrinology department provides close collaboration for the medical management of thyroid and parathyroid conditions before and after surgery.
About Thyroid & Parathyroid Conditions
Thyroid and parathyroid diseases are among the most common endocrine conditions worldwide, yet they are frequently underdiagnosed or suboptimally managed. Key facts for international patients:
- Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally at approximately 3% per year; papillary thyroid carcinoma has an excellent prognosis with appropriate surgery, but outcomes depend heavily on surgical quality
- Primary hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrine disorder after diabetes and thyroid disease; caused by a single parathyroid adenoma in 85% of cases; cured by surgical removal in >95% of cases at experienced centers
- Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism: elevated blood calcium, kidney stones, osteoporosis, fatigue, depression, cognitive changes, and abdominal pain — often attributed to other causes for years before diagnosis
- Intraoperative PTH monitoring: a blood test performed during parathyroid surgery that confirms complete removal of the overactive gland(s) before the patient leaves the operating room, reducing the need for reoperation
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism: occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to calcium-phosphate imbalance; medical management is first-line, but surgery (subtotal or total parathyroidectomy) is indicated for refractory cases
- Neck masses: the differential diagnosis includes reactive lymph nodes, lymphoma, thyroid nodules, salivary gland tumors, congenital cysts, and metastatic cancer; ultrasound-guided FNA and CT imaging are the primary diagnostic tools
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
To enable Dr. Ai's team to conduct a thorough remote case review, international patients should prepare:
- Neck ultrasound report with measurements and characteristics of thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, and any parathyroid lesions
- Sestamibi (MIBI) scan or 4D-CT report for parathyroid localization (if hyperparathyroidism is suspected)
- Blood tests: calcium, PTH (parathyroid hormone), phosphate, vitamin D, creatinine, and thyroid function (TSH, free T4)
- 24-hour urine calcium if kidney stones or hypercalciuria is suspected
- FNA cytology report if biopsy has been performed
- CT scan of the neck and chest with contrast for locally advanced thyroid cancer or substernal goiter
- Prior treatment records if previously operated or treated
How CMCS Can Help
China Medical Concierge Shanghai (CMCS) coordinates access to Dr. Ai Zhilong and the Zhongshan Hospital thyroid and parathyroid surgery team for international patients. Our services include:
- Remote case review and pre-consultation assessment before you travel
- Priority appointment scheduling with Dr. Ai's team
- Full translation of ultrasound reports, lab results, and treatment plans
- In-hospital accompaniment by a dedicated English-speaking case manager
- Accommodation, airport transfer, and logistics coordination in Shanghai
- Post-discharge follow-up and remote consultation support after returning home
Contact us to begin your case review:
📧 contract@medicalsh.com
💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/3AM6KAGCW2BAD1
🌐 www.medicalsh.com
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