Professor Zhu Lan: Pelvic Floor and Gynecologic Surgery Specialist
Professor Zhu Lan is Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), a chief physician, professor, doctoral supervisor, and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her clinical work focuses on female pelvic floor disorders, gynecologic endoscopy, reproductive tract malformations, urinary incontinence, and cesarean scar defects.
For an overview of the hospital and preparation for treatment, see our Peking Union Medical College Hospital international patient guide. Patients researching complex gynecology and endometriosis can also read our profile of Professor Lang Jinghe.
Clinical Specialties
Professor Zhu’s principal clinical areas include:
- pelvic organ prolapse;
- urinary incontinence;
- female pelvic floor dysfunction;
- congenital reproductive tract malformations;
- gynecologic endoscopic surgery;
- cesarean scar defects;
- complex or recurrent pelvic floor problems; and
- second opinions before reconstructive gynecologic surgery.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and connective tissues supporting the bladder, uterus, vagina, or rectum weaken. Patients may notice vaginal pressure, a bulge, urinary problems, difficulty with bowel movements, discomfort during activity, or sexual symptoms.
Evaluation should identify which organs are affected, the severity of the prolapse, urinary and bowel function, previous pelvic surgery, and the patient’s treatment priorities. Not every patient needs surgery.
Management may include pelvic floor rehabilitation, a vaginal pessary, lifestyle measures, local treatment for vaginal symptoms, or reconstructive surgery. The best approach depends on symptoms, anatomy, age, sexual activity, fertility goals, general health, and personal preference.
Pessary Treatment
A pessary is a removable device placed inside the vagina to support prolapsed organs. It may be used as a long-term treatment, while a patient considers surgery, or when surgery is not preferred.
Professor Zhu has participated in randomized clinical research examining whether vaginal estrogen affects continuation of pessary use. Local estrogen is not appropriate for every patient and should be considered only after review of symptoms, medical history, and potential contraindications.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can include leakage during coughing or exercise, a sudden urgent need to urinate, mixed symptoms, difficulty emptying the bladder, or leakage associated with pelvic organ prolapse.
Assessment may involve a bladder diary, urine testing, pelvic examination, measurement of residual urine, and urodynamic testing in selected cases. Treatment can include pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining, medication, devices, injections, or surgery, depending on the type and severity.
When prolapse and incontinence occur together, treatment planning should consider how correction of one condition may affect the other.
Congenital Reproductive Tract Malformations
Congenital differences involving the uterus, cervix, vagina, or related structures can cause absent menstruation, severe cyclic pain, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, sexual difficulties, or obstructed menstrual flow.
Accurate anatomical diagnosis is essential before surgery. Evaluation may include expert ultrasound, pelvic MRI, kidney imaging, examination under specialist supervision, and review of previous procedures.
Professor Zhu’s work includes reconstructive management of reproductive tract malformations. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, protect urinary and reproductive function, and support quality of life.
Cesarean Scar Defects
A cesarean scar defect, sometimes called an isthmocele or niche, is a pouch-like defect at the site of a previous uterine incision. It may be associated with prolonged bleeding after menstruation, pelvic discomfort, infertility, or pregnancy-related concerns.
Diagnosis may involve transvaginal ultrasound, saline infusion imaging, hysteroscopy, or MRI. Treatment depends on symptoms, residual uterine muscle thickness, future pregnancy plans, and other causes of bleeding or infertility.
Possible approaches include observation, hormonal management, hysteroscopic treatment, laparoscopic or vaginal repair, or another individualized strategy. Surgery is not required for every imaging finding.
Gynecologic Endoscopy and Reconstructive Surgery
Gynecologic endoscopy includes hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. These minimally invasive techniques can be used to evaluate or treat selected uterine, pelvic, and reproductive tract conditions through small incisions or natural openings.
Whether minimally invasive surgery is appropriate depends on anatomy, previous surgery, the complexity of reconstruction, suspected malignancy, and the surgeon’s assessment. In difficult cases, open surgery may still be safer or more effective.
Research and Academic Contributions
Professor Zhu has contributed to clinical research in pelvic floor medicine, reproductive tract malformations, and gynecologic surgery. Her representative publications include randomized research on pessary treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and collaborative research on biological changes associated with adenomyosis.
She was elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2025 and has received professional recognition in China and internationally. Awards and academic titles do not determine whether a particular treatment is suitable for an individual patient.
Who May Consider a Consultation?
A consultation with Professor Zhu or the PUMCH gynecology team may be worth considering when a patient:
- has symptomatic or recurrent pelvic organ prolapse;
- has stress, urgency, or mixed urinary incontinence;
- has persistent symptoms after previous prolapse or incontinence surgery;
- has a congenital reproductive tract malformation;
- has a symptomatic cesarean scar defect;
- needs a second opinion before reconstructive pelvic surgery;
- wants to compare conservative and surgical treatment; or
- has a complex condition affecting urinary, reproductive, and pelvic floor function.
Medical Records to Prepare
International patients should prepare:
- a concise medical summary and symptom timeline;
- pregnancy, delivery, menstrual, and previous pelvic surgery history;
- gynecology, urology, and pelvic floor clinic notes;
- pelvic ultrasound and MRI images in original DICOM format;
- urodynamic, bladder-function, and residual-urine test results;
- operative notes, implant or mesh details, and discharge summaries;
- pathology reports when relevant;
- a list of current medicines and previous treatments;
- a bladder or symptom diary when available; and
- a clear statement of treatment priorities, including fertility, uterine preservation, sexual function, and preferred level of invasiveness.
Planning an International Consultation
Appointments with senior specialists may be limited. Before traveling, patients should confirm whether records can be reviewed, whether an in-person pelvic examination is required, and which tests may need to be repeated in Beijing.
Remote medical-record review is subject to the physician’s authorization. Many pelvic floor and reconstructive decisions depend on direct examination, so a final treatment plan may not be possible until the patient is assessed in person.
How CMCS Can Assist
CMCS – China Medical Concierge Shanghai is an independent medical concierge and health management company, not a hospital. We assist international patients with organizing and translating medical records, identifying an appropriate specialist, requesting appointment availability, arranging interpretation, and planning medical travel in China.
Access to Professor Zhu, remote review, surgery, or any specific treatment is subject to the doctor’s and hospital’s approval. CMCS does not guarantee appointments, treatment eligibility, or clinical outcomes.
For assistance, contact CMCS:
- Email: contract@medicalsh.com
- WhatsApp: Contact us on WhatsApp
- Website: www.medicalsh.com
Important Note
Doctor titles, clinical roles, research activities, treatment availability, and appointment arrangements may change. Patients should confirm current information before travel. This profile is based on publicly available hospital and academic sources and is provided for general information only. It is not individual medical advice and does not replace assessment by a qualified gynecologist.
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