Dr. Shi Guoming – Hepatobiliary Surgery & Liver Cancer at Zhongshan Hospital Shanghai | CMCS

About Dr. Shi Guoming (施国明)

Dr. Shi Guoming (施国明) is a Chief Physician and Professor in the Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University — one of China's most prestigious academic medical centers and the national leader in hepatobiliary surgery and liver cancer treatment. A senior member of one of the world's most celebrated liver surgery teams, Dr. Shi is recognized as one of China's leading hepatobiliary surgeons, with particular expertise in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection, laparoscopic and robotic liver surgery, and the multidisciplinary management of primary and metastatic liver tumors.

Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation is consistently ranked among the top hepatobiliary surgery centers in China, performing one of the highest volumes of liver resections and liver transplantations in the country. The department is led by Academician Fan Jia — one of China's most distinguished hepatobiliary surgeons — and Dr. Shi works within this world-class team, bringing exceptional surgical expertise and a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to the management of liver cancer and complex hepatobiliary conditions. For international patients, Dr. Shi offers access to China's most advanced liver surgery program, supported end-to-end by CMCS Shanghai's medical concierge services.

Academic Distinction & Leadership

• Chief Physician & Professor, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
• Member, Chinese Society of Surgery — Liver Surgery Group
• Member, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association — Liver Cancer Committee
• Member, Chinese Society of Laparoscopic Surgery — Hepatobiliary Group
• Member, Shanghai Surgical Society
• Reviewer, Chinese Journal of Surgery, Journal of Hepatology, and related publications
• Author of peer-reviewed publications in liver cancer surgery, minimally invasive hepatobiliary surgery, and HCC recurrence prevention

Specializations & Expertise

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) — Surgical Management

• HCC resection — anatomical and non-anatomical hepatectomy, major hepatectomy (hemihepatectomy, trisectionectomy), minor hepatectomy (segmentectomy, subsegmentectomy)
• Laparoscopic liver resection for HCC — including major laparoscopic hepatectomy
• Robotic-assisted liver resection for HCC
• Repeat hepatectomy for recurrent HCC after prior resection
• Conversion surgery — hepatectomy after downstaging with TACE, targeted therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib), or immunotherapy (atezolizumab + bevacizumab)
• HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) — surgical management and combined modality approaches
• HCC with bile duct tumor thrombus — surgical resection and biliary reconstruction
• Salvage hepatectomy after ablation failure or recurrence
• Multidisciplinary HCC management — MDT with interventional radiology (TACE, HAIC), radiation oncology (SBRT), and medical oncology (targeted therapy, immunotherapy)

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)

• ICC resection — major hepatectomy with bile duct reconstruction where indicated
• Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) — surgical resection and biliary reconstruction
• Distal cholangiocarcinoma — pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) in collaboration with pancreatic surgery
• Conversion surgery for initially unresectable ICC after systemic therapy (FOLFOX, gemcitabine + cisplatin, IDH1 inhibitors)
• Multidisciplinary ICC management with medical oncology and radiation oncology

Liver Metastases

• Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) — hepatectomy (synchronous and metachronous), two-stage hepatectomy, ALPPS procedure for insufficient future liver remnant
• Neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases — cytoreductive hepatectomy
• Non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine liver metastases — selected cases
• Conversion hepatectomy after chemotherapy downstaging for initially unresectable CRLM

Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery

• Laparoscopic hepatectomy — minor and major resections, including left hemihepatectomy, right hemihepatectomy, and anatomical segmentectomy
• Robotic-assisted hepatectomy — for tumors in difficult locations (segments 7, 8, 4a, caudate lobe)
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration
• Laparoscopic management of benign liver lesions — hepatic cysts, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia
• Laparoscopic splenectomy for hypersplenism in cirrhotic patients

Benign Hepatobiliary Conditions

• Hepatic hemangioma — surgical resection for symptomatic or large lesions
• Hepatic cysts — laparoscopic fenestration and resection
• Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatic adenoma — surgical management
• Biliary strictures — hepaticojejunostomy and biliary reconstruction
• Choledochal cysts — excision and biliary reconstruction
• Hepatolithiasis (intrahepatic bile duct stones) — hepatectomy and biliary drainage

Liver Transplantation (Coordination)

• Pre-transplant evaluation for HCC patients within and beyond Milan criteria
• Bridging therapy coordination (TACE, ablation) for patients awaiting liver transplantation
• Downstaging therapy for HCC patients beyond Milan criteria to achieve transplant eligibility
• Post-transplant HCC surveillance and recurrence management

Clinical Excellence

• High-Volume HCC Surgery: Dr. Shi practices within Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation — one of the highest-volume liver cancer surgery centers in China and the world. The department performs thousands of liver resections annually, with outcomes data published in leading international journals that benchmark favorably against the world's best liver surgery centers. This volume translates directly into surgical expertise, particularly for complex major hepatectomies and repeat resections for recurrent HCC.
• Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery Expert: A recognized expert in laparoscopic and robotic liver resection, Dr. Shi performs minimally invasive hepatectomy for tumors in all liver segments — including technically demanding resections in segments 7, 8, and the caudate lobe that require advanced laparoscopic skills. Minimally invasive approaches offer patients equivalent oncologic outcomes with significantly reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
• Conversion Surgery Specialist: Extensive experience in conversion hepatectomy — surgical resection of initially unresectable HCC or colorectal liver metastases after successful downstaging with TACE, systemic targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. As systemic therapy for HCC has advanced dramatically with the approval of atezolizumab + bevacizumab and other regimens, conversion surgery has become an increasingly important pathway to cure for patients with initially unresectable disease.
• HCC with Vascular Invasion: Specialized expertise in the surgical management of HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) — a challenging clinical scenario that requires careful patient selection, combined modality planning, and advanced surgical technique. Zhongshan Hospital's experience in this area is among the largest in China.
• Multidisciplinary Integration: Complex liver cancer cases are managed within Zhongshan Hospital's hepatobiliary MDT, ensuring every patient receives a coordinated treatment plan integrating surgery, TACE, HAIC, SBRT, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Research & Academic Contributions

Dr. Shi Guoming is an active clinician-researcher with publications in leading Chinese and international hepatobiliary surgery and oncology journals. His research interests include:

• HCC recurrence prevention after hepatectomy — adjuvant therapy, surgical technique, and molecular predictors of recurrence
• Minimally invasive liver surgery — laparoscopic and robotic hepatectomy outcomes and technique refinement
• Conversion surgery for initially unresectable HCC — downstaging strategies and surgical outcomes
• HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus — surgical management and combined modality approaches
• Biomarkers for HCC prognosis and treatment response prediction

Hospital Affiliation

Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (复旦大学附属中山医院)
180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032

Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation is one of the world's most respected hepatobiliary surgery centers, offering:

• One of the highest volumes of liver resections and liver transplantations in China
• Dedicated HCC multidisciplinary team (MDT) — weekly tumor board with interventional radiology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and hepatology
• Advanced minimally invasive surgery suite — laparoscopic and robotic hepatectomy capability for all liver segments
• Intraoperative ultrasound and fluorescence imaging (ICG) for real-time tumor localization and margin assessment
• Liver transplantation program — living donor and deceased donor transplantation
• Interventional radiology suite for TACE, HAIC, and ablation (RFA, MWA) — integrated with surgical planning
• Advanced liver pathology and molecular diagnostics laboratory
• International patient services with English-speaking coordinators

Patient Care Philosophy

• Resection as the Gold Standard: For eligible patients with HCC or colorectal liver metastases, surgical resection remains the treatment with the highest potential for cure. Dr. Shi's approach prioritizes resection whenever oncologically and technically feasible, and pursues conversion strategies to make resection possible for patients with initially unresectable disease.
• Minimally Invasive When Possible: Where surgical goals can be achieved through laparoscopic or robotic approaches, Dr. Shi prioritizes minimally invasive techniques that reduce surgical trauma, blood loss, and recovery time — particularly important for international patients who need to minimize time away from home.
• Multidisciplinary Planning: No liver cancer patient should be managed by a surgeon alone. Dr. Shi ensures every patient is discussed at Zhongshan Hospital's hepatobiliary MDT before treatment decisions are finalized, integrating surgical, interventional, systemic, and radiation therapy perspectives.
• Transparent Communication: Honest assessment of resectability, surgical risk, and realistic outcomes — ensuring patients make fully informed decisions about their liver cancer treatment.

Why Choose Dr. Shi Guoming?

• World-Class Liver Surgery Center: Zhongshan Hospital's Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation is one of the highest-volume and most respected hepatobiliary surgery centers in the world — with outcomes data that benchmark favorably against leading centers in Japan, Europe, and the United States.
• Minimally Invasive Expertise: Access to advanced laparoscopic and robotic liver resection — including major hepatectomy and resections in technically demanding locations — that may not be available at the patient's home institution.
• Conversion Surgery Pathway: Expert evaluation of initially unresectable HCC and colorectal liver metastases for conversion surgery potential — offering a pathway to cure for patients who have been told surgery is not possible.
• Comprehensive Liver Cancer Program: Full spectrum of liver cancer management within a single institution — from diagnosis and staging to surgery, ablation, TACE, HAIC, SBRT, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
• International Patient Friendly: Experienced with international patients and supported by CMCS's end-to-end concierge services.
• Cost-Effective Excellence: World-class liver cancer surgery in Shanghai at a fraction of the cost of equivalent centers in the US, UK, or Japan.

International Patient Services

China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking hepatobiliary surgery consultation with Dr. Shi Guoming at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University.

Pre-Consultation Support

• Medical Record Review: Review of all available imaging (CT of chest/abdomen/pelvis, MRI of liver, PET-CT), pathology and biopsy reports, tumor markers (AFP, AFP-L3, DCP/PIVKA-II, CEA, CA19-9), liver function tests, viral hepatitis serology, and prior treatment records before your appointment
• Virtual Pre-Consultation: Video consultation to discuss your liver condition and determine resectability and the most appropriate treatment pathway
• Appointment Coordination: Direct booking with Dr. Shi Guoming's clinic at Zhongshan Hospital
• Visa Assistance: Medical visa invitation letters and guidance
• Accommodation: Hotel recommendations near Zhongshan Hospital in Xuhui District, Shanghai

During Your Visit

• Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced English-Chinese medical interpreters for all consultations and investigations
• Hospital Navigation: Assistance with registration, surgical scheduling, admission, and payment
• 24/7 Emergency Support: Round-the-clock assistance throughout your stay in Shanghai

Post-Consultation Care

• Medical Report Translation: Complete translation of consultation notes, imaging reports, pathology results, and operative reports
• Follow-Up Coordination: Coordination of post-operative clinic visits, adjuvant therapy referrals, and surveillance imaging
• Telemedicine Follow-Up: Virtual consultations for ongoing monitoring after returning home
• Home Physician Liaison: Communication of surgical findings and treatment plan to your home country hepatobiliary surgeon or oncologist

Treatment Protocols & Patient Journey

Step 1: Pre-Consultation Review

CMCS Shanghai coordinates a review of all available imaging (CT chest/abdomen/pelvis with contrast, MRI liver with hepatobiliary contrast agent, PET-CT where available), tumor markers (AFP, AFP-L3, PIVKA-II for HCC; CEA, CA19-9 for colorectal metastases), liver function tests (Child-Pugh score, MELD score), viral hepatitis serology (HBsAg, HCV antibody), and prior treatment records before your first appointment with Dr. Shi.

Step 2: In-Person Consultation & Resectability Assessment

Your consultation begins with a thorough clinical history and abdominal examination. Dr. Shi will review all available imaging in detail to assess tumor characteristics, vascular involvement, future liver remnant volume, and overall resectability. CMCS provides full medical interpretation throughout. Additional imaging — such as liver volumetry CT or MRI with hepatobiliary contrast — may be recommended if not recently performed.

Step 3: Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Review

Your case is presented at Zhongshan Hospital's hepatobiliary MDT meeting, attended by liver surgeons, interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, hepatologists, and pathologists. This ensures a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment recommendation — including whether upfront surgery, conversion therapy followed by surgery, or non-surgical treatment is most appropriate.

Step 4: Pre-operative Workup & Surgical Planning

For patients proceeding to surgery, pre-operative workup includes liver function assessment (ICG clearance test, liver volumetry), cardiopulmonary evaluation, and surgical planning using 3D liver reconstruction imaging. For patients with insufficient future liver remnant, portal vein embolization (PVE) or ALPPS may be recommended to induce liver hypertrophy before major hepatectomy. CMCS coordinates all pre-operative investigations and logistics.

Step 5: Surgery & Inpatient Care

Surgery is performed at Zhongshan Hospital under general anesthesia, with intraoperative ultrasound and ICG fluorescence imaging for real-time tumor localization and margin assessment. Hospital stay is typically 5–7 days for laparoscopic hepatectomy and 7–10 days for open major hepatectomy. CMCS provides on-site support throughout the admission.

Step 6: Adjuvant Therapy & Surveillance

Post-operative surveillance includes AFP/PIVKA-II tumor markers and contrast-enhanced CT or MRI at 1, 3, and 6 months, then every 6 months thereafter. For patients at high risk of recurrence, adjuvant therapy — including TACE, targeted therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib), or immunotherapy — may be recommended. CMCS coordinates remote follow-up consultations with Dr. Shi for international patients between visits to Shanghai.

Frequently Asked Questions

What liver conditions does Dr. Shi Guoming specialize in?

Dr. Shi's primary areas of expertise are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgery — including primary resection, repeat resection for recurrence, and conversion surgery after downstaging — intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal liver metastases, and minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) liver resection. He also manages benign liver conditions including hemangioma, hepatic cysts, and hepatolithiasis.

Can Dr. Shi provide a second opinion on liver cancer resectability?

Yes. Resectability assessment is one of the most common reasons international patients consult Dr. Shi, particularly for patients who have been told their HCC or liver metastases are unresectable at their home institution. Resectability criteria vary between centers, and Zhongshan Hospital's high-volume experience with complex major hepatectomy, vascular reconstruction, and conversion surgery means that some patients deemed unresectable elsewhere can be offered surgery at Zhongshan. CMCS can arrange a pre-consultation review of your imaging before your visit.

What is conversion surgery for liver cancer?

Conversion surgery refers to hepatectomy performed after initially unresectable liver cancer has been successfully downstaged by systemic or locoregional therapy. For HCC, downstaging agents include TACE, HAIC (hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with FOLFOX), targeted therapy (sorafenib, lenvatinib), and immunotherapy (atezolizumab + bevacizumab, sintilimab + bevacizumab). For colorectal liver metastases, downstaging chemotherapy (FOLFOX, FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab or cetuximab) can convert initially unresectable disease to resectable in 10–30% of patients. Dr. Shi's team has extensive experience in evaluating conversion surgery candidacy and performing hepatectomy after successful downstaging.

What is laparoscopic liver resection and what are its advantages?

Laparoscopic liver resection uses small incisions and a camera to perform hepatectomy without a large open incision. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic hepatectomy offers reduced blood loss, lower risk of post-operative complications, shorter hospital stay (typically 2–3 days less), less post-operative pain, and faster return to normal activity. Oncologic outcomes — resection margins, recurrence rates, and survival — are equivalent to open surgery in appropriately selected patients. Dr. Shi performs laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors in all liver segments, including technically demanding major resections.

What languages does Dr. Shi's team communicate in?

Dr. Shi's clinical team communicates primarily in Mandarin Chinese. CMCS Shanghai provides full English medical interpretation for all consultations, surgical discussions, and post-operative care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you or a family member is seeking expert liver cancer surgery, a second opinion on liver tumor resectability, or minimally invasive hepatobiliary surgery in Shanghai, CMCS Shanghai can arrange a consultation with Dr. Shi Guoming at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University.

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CMCS Shanghai — Connecting international patients with China's top liver surgeons, from first inquiry to full recovery.

Disclaimer: This profile is intended for educational and informational purposes only. CMCS Shanghai is a medical concierge service and does not provide direct medical care. All clinical decisions are made by licensed physicians at accredited hospitals.