Dr. Zhong Yunshi (钟芸诗) - Chief Physician & Professor of Digestive Endoscopy in Shanghai

About Dr. Zhong Yunshi (钟芸诗)

Dr. Zhong Yunshi is a Professor and Chief Physician in the Department of Digestive Endoscopy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University — one of China's most prestigious academic medical centers and a national leader in advanced therapeutic endoscopy. One of China's foremost endoscopists, Dr. Zhong is internationally recognized for her expertise in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and the minimally invasive endoscopic management of early gastrointestinal cancers and precancerous lesions.

Dr. Zhong leads one of China's highest-volume endoscopy units, performing thousands of advanced endoscopic procedures annually. Her work has been instrumental in establishing ESD as the standard of care for early gastric, esophageal, and colorectal neoplasia in China, and she has trained numerous endoscopists across the country in these technically demanding techniques. For international patients, Dr. Zhong offers the opportunity to have early GI cancers treated endoscopically — avoiding major surgery, preserving organ function, and enabling rapid recovery.

Core Clinical Specializations

1. Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)

Indications:

• Early gastric cancer (EGC) — mucosal and select submucosal lesions
• Early esophageal cancer and high-grade dysplasia (squamous cell and Barrett's-related adenocarcinoma)
• Early colorectal cancer and large colorectal polyps (LST — laterally spreading tumors)
• Gastric adenoma and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia
• Submucosal tumors (SMTs) amenable to endoscopic resection

Procedure Highlights:

• En bloc resection of lesions regardless of size — enabling complete histological assessment of resection margins
• Curative resection for early cancers confined to the mucosa or superficial submucosa, avoiding the need for gastrectomy, esophagectomy, or colectomy
• Intraoperative chromoendoscopy and narrow-band imaging (NBI) for precise lesion delineation
• CO₂ insufflation and water-jet assisted dissection for enhanced safety
• Same-day or next-day discharge for uncomplicated cases

Clinical Volume & Outcomes:

• One of China's highest-volume ESD operators
• En bloc resection rates and curative resection rates consistent with leading Japanese and Korean endoscopy centers
• Complication rates (perforation, bleeding) among the lowest nationally

2. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) & Advanced Polypectomy

Indications:

• Colorectal polyps (adenomas, serrated lesions) — all sizes
• Flat and depressed colorectal lesions
• Gastric polyps and early gastric neoplasia not requiring ESD
• Esophageal lesions suitable for piecemeal resection

Techniques:

• Conventional EMR and cap-assisted EMR
• Underwater EMR (UEMR) for colorectal lesions
• Cold snare polypectomy for diminutive and small polyps
• Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for select submucosal lesions

3. Submucosal Endoscopy & Third-Space Endoscopy

Procedures Performed:

• Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia and esophageal motility disorders
• Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for esophageal and gastric submucosal tumors (GISTs, leiomyomas)
• Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) for gastroparesis
• Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with or without laparoscopic assistance

4. Diagnostic & Surveillance Endoscopy

Services Provided:

• High-definition upper GI endoscopy with chromoendoscopy and NBI for early cancer detection
• Colonoscopy with advanced imaging for polyp detection and characterization
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for submucosal tumor staging and lymph node assessment
• Surveillance endoscopy protocols for Barrett's esophagus, gastric intestinal metaplasia, and post-ESD follow-up
• Capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy for small bowel evaluation

Academic Achievements & National Leadership

• Professor of Medicine, Fudan University
• Chief Physician, Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Zhongshan Hospital
• Member, Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy — ESD Working Group
• Contributor to Chinese national guidelines for ESD and early GI cancer endoscopic treatment
• Author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications in Chinese and international gastroenterology and endoscopy journals
• Invited faculty at major international endoscopy conferences (DDW, UEG Week, ENDO, JGES)
• Trainer of endoscopists from across China and internationally in ESD techniques

Why International Patients Choose Dr. Zhong Yunshi

• Avoid major surgery: For eligible early GI cancers, ESD under Dr. Zhong's care offers curative resection without gastrectomy, esophagectomy, or colectomy — preserving organ function and enabling rapid return to normal life.
• World-class ESD volume and outcomes: ESD outcomes are highly operator-dependent. Dr. Zhong's case volume and technical expertise place her among China's elite endoscopists, with outcomes comparable to leading centers in Japan and Korea.
• One-stop diagnosis and treatment: In many cases, diagnostic endoscopy and therapeutic ESD can be performed in the same admission, minimizing the number of hospital visits for international patients.
• Rapid recovery: Most ESD procedures require only 2–3 days of hospitalization, making this an attractive option for international patients who need to minimize time away from home.
• Cost-effectiveness: World-class advanced endoscopy at a fraction of the cost compared to equivalent centers in Japan, the US, or Europe.

Treatment Protocols & Patient Journey

Step 1: Pre-Consultation Review

CMCS Shanghai coordinates a review of all available records — including prior endoscopy reports, biopsy pathology, imaging (CT, PET-CT), and tumor markers — before your first appointment with Dr. Zhong. This allows her team to assess endoscopic resectability in advance.

Step 2: In-Person Consultation & Staging Endoscopy

Your consultation includes a detailed clinical assessment and, where indicated, a staging endoscopy with high-definition imaging and EUS to confirm lesion characteristics, depth of invasion, and suitability for endoscopic resection. CMCS provides full medical interpretation throughout.

Step 3: Multidisciplinary Review (Where Indicated)

Lesions at the boundary of endoscopic resectability are reviewed at Zhongshan Hospital's GI tumor board, attended by endoscopists, GI surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists, to determine the optimal treatment approach.

Step 4: ESD / Endoscopic Procedure

ESD is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Most procedures take 1–3 hours depending on lesion size and location. CMCS provides on-site support on the day of the procedure and during the post-procedure inpatient stay (typically 2–3 days).

Step 5: Pathology Review & Curative Assessment

Resected specimens are assessed by Zhongshan Hospital's GI pathology team for depth of invasion, resection margins, lymphovascular invasion, and other curative criteria. Results are typically available within 5–7 business days. CMCS coordinates communication of results to the patient and their home country physicians.

Step 6: Surveillance & Follow-Up

Post-ESD surveillance endoscopy is scheduled at 3, 12, and 36 months. CMCS coordinates remote follow-up consultations and can arrange surveillance endoscopy at Zhongshan Hospital for patients returning to Shanghai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for ESD instead of surgery?

ESD is appropriate for early GI cancers (mucosal or superficial submucosal invasion) without lymph node metastasis. Eligibility depends on lesion size, location, depth of invasion (assessed by EUS and endoscopic appearance), and histological type. Dr. Zhong's team can assess candidacy based on your endoscopy reports and imaging prior to your visit.

How long does ESD take and what is the recovery time?

ESD typically takes 1–3 hours depending on lesion size and complexity. Hospital stay is usually 2–3 days. Most patients can resume normal activities within 1–2 weeks and return to a normal diet within 1–2 weeks post-procedure.

What are the risks of ESD?

The main risks of ESD are bleeding (1–5%) and perforation (1–3%), both of which can usually be managed endoscopically without the need for surgery. Dr. Zhong's complication rates are among the lowest nationally due to her high case volume and technical expertise.

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

Dr. Zhong's clinical team communicates primarily in Mandarin Chinese. CMCS Shanghai provides full English medical interpretation for all consultations, procedures, and discharge discussions.

How do I send my endoscopy reports and pathology for pre-consultation review?

Contact CMCS Shanghai via email at contract@medicalsh.com or WeChat (gezhanglao). We will provide secure upload instructions and coordinate the review with Dr. Zhong's team within 3–5 business days.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with early gastric cancer, esophageal dysplasia, colorectal polyps, or another GI lesion and are seeking minimally invasive endoscopic treatment in Shanghai, CMCS Shanghai can arrange a consultation with Dr. Zhong Yunshi at Zhongshan Hospital.

• 📧 Email: contract@medicalsh.com
• 💬 WeChat: gezhanglao
• 🌐 Website: medicalsh.com

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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.