Introduction
Professor Chai Yimin (柴益民) is the Chief of Microsurgery at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University — one of China's most prestigious and world-renowned centers for microsurgery, hand surgery, and limb replantation. With decades of clinical experience and a distinguished record in complex reconstructive microsurgery, Professor Chai is widely recognized as one of China's foremost experts in limb replantation, hand and upper extremity surgery, free flap reconstruction, and peripheral nerve surgery. Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital has a legendary global reputation in microsurgery dating back to the world's first successful limb replantation performed there in 1963, and Professor Chai continues this tradition of excellence. International patients seeking expert microsurgery and hand surgery in Shanghai consistently regard Professor Chai as a premier choice.
Academic Distinctions & Leadership
- Chief of Microsurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Director, Microsurgery Department, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital
- Member, Chinese Society for Microsurgery
- Member, Chinese Orthopaedic Association, Hand Surgery Branch
- Member, International Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ISRM)
- Editorial Board Member, multiple Chinese and international microsurgery journals
- Recipient, multiple national and Shanghai municipal science and technology awards
- Visiting professor at leading microsurgery centers internationally
Specializations & Expertise
Limb Replantation
- Finger replantation (single and multiple digits)
- Hand replantation
- Forearm and arm replantation
- Toe-to-finger transfer
- Thumb reconstruction
- Complex multi-digit replantation
- Pediatric limb replantation
Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery
- Tendon repair and reconstruction
- Nerve repair and grafting
- Brachial plexus injury surgery
- Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
- Dupuytren's contracture surgery
- Hand fracture and joint surgery
- Wrist ligament reconstruction
- Congenital hand anomaly correction
- Hand tumor surgery
Reconstructive Microsurgery
- Free flap reconstruction for complex wounds
- Perforator flap surgery
- Vascularized bone grafting
- Lymphedema microsurgery (lymphaticovenous anastomosis)
- Vascularized composite allotransplantation
- Soft tissue reconstruction after tumor resection
- Lower extremity reconstruction
- Head and neck reconstruction
Peripheral Nerve Surgery
- Brachial plexus injury reconstruction
- Peripheral nerve repair and grafting
- Nerve transfer surgery
- Neuroma excision and reconstruction
- Thoracic outlet syndrome surgery
Lower Extremity Surgery
- Foot and ankle reconstruction
- Diabetic foot reconstruction
- Chronic wound reconstruction
- Traumatic lower extremity reconstruction
Clinical Excellence & Innovation
Professor Chai Yimin has performed thousands of microsurgical procedures throughout his distinguished career, building on Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital's legendary global reputation as the birthplace of modern limb replantation surgery. The Microsurgery Department under his leadership continues to be one of the world's premier centers for replantation and reconstructive microsurgery.
- Replantation Excellence: Maintains Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital's world-leading tradition in limb replantation with exceptional survival rates and functional outcomes
- Brachial Plexus Innovation: Advanced nerve transfer techniques for brachial plexus injury reconstruction, achieving functional recovery in patients previously considered untreatable
- Perforator Flap Surgery: Pioneered advanced perforator flap techniques for complex wound reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity
- Lymphedema Microsurgery: Established a comprehensive lymphedema microsurgery program using lymphaticovenous anastomosis for post-cancer lymphedema treatment
- Toe-to-Finger Transfer: Extensive experience with toe-to-finger transfer for thumb and finger reconstruction, restoring hand function after traumatic amputation
Research & Academic Contributions
Professor Chai is an active researcher with numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading Chinese and international microsurgery and hand surgery journals. His research focuses on replantation outcomes, brachial plexus injury reconstruction, perforator flap surgery, and lymphedema microsurgery.
Major research contributions include:
- Long-term functional outcomes of digit and limb replantation
- Nerve transfer strategies for brachial plexus injury reconstruction
- Perforator flap design and outcomes for complex wound reconstruction
- Lymphaticovenous anastomosis for post-mastectomy lymphedema
- Toe-to-finger transfer techniques and functional outcomes
Hospital Affiliation
Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
600 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200233
Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital holds a unique place in global surgical history as the site of the world's first successful limb replantation in 1963. Today, the Microsurgery Department remains one of the world's premier centers for replantation and reconstructive microsurgery, featuring:
- World-renowned microsurgery program with over 60 years of replantation experience
- State-of-the-art microsurgery operating rooms with advanced optical and instrumentation systems
- 24-hour emergency replantation service
- Dedicated hand surgery and microsurgery ICU
- Comprehensive hand therapy and rehabilitation program
- Advanced imaging for vascular and nerve assessment
- Multidisciplinary team including hand therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and prosthetics experts
- International patient services with English-speaking coordinators
Patient Care Philosophy
- Function Restoration: Every surgical plan prioritizes restoring maximum hand and limb function
- Replantation When Feasible: Strong commitment to limb and digit replantation when technically possible and clinically appropriate
- Individualized Reconstruction: Tailored reconstructive plan based on each patient's specific defect, functional needs, and donor site availability
- Integrated Rehabilitation: Hand therapy and rehabilitation are integral components of every treatment plan from day one
- Evidence-Based Practice: All decisions guided by the latest international microsurgery and hand surgery guidelines
- Long-term Follow-up: Committed to ongoing functional assessment and rehabilitation support
Why Choose Professor Chai Yimin?
- World-Class Microsurgery Center: Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital — birthplace of modern limb replantation — with over 60 years of microsurgery excellence
- Replantation Authority: One of China's foremost experts in digit and limb replantation with exceptional survival and functional outcomes
- Brachial Plexus Expert: Advanced nerve transfer techniques for complex brachial plexus injuries
- Reconstructive Microsurgery Leader: Comprehensive free flap and perforator flap reconstruction for complex wounds
- Lymphedema Specialist: Microsurgical lymphedema treatment for post-cancer patients
- 24/7 Emergency Service: Round-the-clock replantation emergency capability
- Cost-Effective Excellence: Microsurgery costs in Shanghai are typically 65-80% lower than in the US or Europe
- Proven International Track Record: Trusted by patients from around the world
Conditions Treated
Traumatic Conditions
- Digit and limb amputation (replantation candidates)
- Complex hand and upper extremity injuries
- Brachial plexus injuries (traumatic)
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Complex lower extremity trauma
- Degloving injuries
Hand & Upper Extremity Conditions
- Tendon injuries and contractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dupuytren's contracture
- Hand and wrist arthritis
- Congenital hand anomalies
- Hand tumors (benign and malignant)
- Wrist instability
Reconstructive Needs
- Complex wounds requiring free flap coverage
- Post-tumor resection reconstruction
- Chronic non-healing wounds
- Diabetic foot wounds
- Post-mastectomy lymphedema
- Post-cancer lymphedema (any site)
- Osteonecrosis requiring vascularized bone grafting
International Patient Services
China Medical Concierge - Shanghai (CMCS) provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking microsurgery and hand surgery with Professor Chai Yimin at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital.
Pre-Arrival Support
- Medical Record Review: Review of your imaging, nerve conduction studies, and medical history to assess surgical options
- Virtual Consultation: Video consultation with Professor Chai's team to discuss your condition and reconstructive options
- Treatment Planning: Personalized surgical plan including procedure type, expected functional outcomes, and recovery timeline
- Second Opinion Service: Expert second opinion on complex hand, nerve, or reconstructive conditions
- Cost Transparency: Detailed cost estimate including consultations, surgery, and hospitalization
- Visa Assistance: Medical visa guidance and invitation letters
- Travel Arrangements: Flights, airport pickup, and accommodation near the hospital
During Treatment
- Professional Medical Interpretation: Experienced microsurgery interpreters at all appointments and procedures
- Hospital Navigation Support: Registration, payment, and hospital navigation assistance
- Pre-operative Testing: Coordination of MRI, nerve conduction studies, vascular assessment, and other required tests
- Surgical Support: Accompaniment and family support on surgery day
- Hand Therapy Coordination: Arrangement of post-operative hand therapy and rehabilitation
- 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock assistance for any concerns
Post-Treatment Care
- Surgical Report Translation: Complete translation of operative reports
- Treatment Summary: Comprehensive microsurgery summary for your home hand surgeon or plastic surgeon
- Hand Therapy Guide: Detailed hand therapy and rehabilitation protocol for your home therapist
- Telemedicine Follow-up: Virtual follow-up with Professor Chai's team
- Long-term Support: Ongoing assistance after returning home
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or a loved one has a complex hand injury, brachial plexus injury, limb amputation, lymphedema, or a wound requiring reconstructive microsurgery, Professor Chai Yimin at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital offers world-class microsurgical expertise at a fraction of Western costs.
Contact China Medical Concierge - Shanghai today to request an imaging review, schedule a virtual consultation, and begin planning your journey to Shanghai for expert microsurgery.
Bridging international patients with Shanghai's finest microsurgeons — at the hospital where modern limb replantation was born.
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