Dr. Luo Qizhong, Professor of Neurosurgery, Former Director of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital,

Introduction:

Facing the formidable challenges of intracranial vascular diseases, he pioneered innovative techniques with extraordinary courage and exquisite skill, bringing new hope to countless patients. His career took him across the globe—from the United States to China, from Tufts University to Harvard University—absorbing the best of international medicine. He brought advanced technologies like microsurgery back to Renji Hospital, driving the transformation and advancement of China’s neurosurgical field. He was both a champion of medical technology and a pioneer of innovation, seamlessly integrating international perspectives with local practice to help revolutionize neurosurgery. In the realm of education, he was a dedicated mentor who cultivated generations of medical talent. He nurtured the next generation of medical professionals, who would go on to become leaders in their field. His influence extended far beyond his own achievements, as his students went on to make significant contributions of their own, creating a lasting legacy in medicine.

The Path to Medicine

Shanghang County in Fujian Province lies nestled in the mountainous region of western Fujian, surrounded by verdant peaks. The county features lush mountains, terraced fields, and crystal-clear rivers. Located in the Ting River Basin, the area is known for its tranquil beauty, with morning mist often gathering over the meandering waters. As a region with significant revolutionary history in western Fujian, the area boasts profound cultural heritage. Its people maintain traditional Hakka culture, known for its simplicity and the diligence of its inhabitants. The area contains numerous sites of historical significance, such as the Gutian Congress Memorial Hall and Zhongfu Village in Changting, which commemorate important events in China’s revolutionary history.

In September 1935, Luo Qizhong was born here. At the time, few could have imagined that this young man would one day become a neurosurgeon renowned both in China and internationally.

An excellent student from childhood, Luo attended Fujian Shanghang No. 1 Middle School. Founded in 1912 and situated on the picturesque banks of the Ting River, the school was a prestigious local institution.

After graduating from high school, Luo was accepted to the newly established Shanghai Second Medical College. In 1958, he completed his undergraduate medical studies, laying a solid foundation for his future medical career. Upon graduation, he joined Renji Hospital, beginning decades of clinical practice and research in neurosurgery. It was during this period that Luo focused his research on intracranial vascular diseases and related treatment techniques.

In the early 1960s, medical technology was relatively underdeveloped, making the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial vascular diseases and highly vascular tumors extremely difficult. Methods for handling these complex cases were limited. Confronted with this situation, Luo and his colleagues pursued innovative approaches, courageously rising to the challenge and dedicating themselves to exploring solutions.

Building on cadaveric dissection training, Luo and his colleagues pioneered direct vertebral artery puncture angiography to assess the anatomical structure and blood flow patterns of the vertebral artery. He also collaborated with the Shanghai Medical Instrument Factory to successfully develop an automatic rapid film changer for cerebral angiography, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of the procedure. This innovation showcased his ingenuity in neurosurgery and earned high praise from colleagues across China, enabling more precise diagnoses for patients.

Early Triumphs and Rising Prominence

In 1969, Luo Qizhong achieved a landmark success by performing a complex resection of massive cholesteatoma and meningioma tumors spanning both cerebral hemispheres. This exceptionally intricate procedure involved removing two distinct tumor types: a cholesteatoma (composed of skin debris and typically near the ear or skull) and a meningioma (originating from the brain’s protective membranes). While meningiomas are usually benign, their location often necessitates surgical intervention to preserve neurological function.

The surgery demanded extraordinary precision, as the deep-seated tumors threatened multiple brain regions. Luo’s approach minimized damage to healthy tissue while ensuring maximal tumor removal—a feat typically reserved for elite neurosurgical teams. Postoperative intensive care and rehabilitation were critical to recovery, reflecting the procedure’s high stakes.

This breakthrough garnered international attention. Detailed coverage in China Reconstructs and People’s China magazines showcased China’s advancements in neurosurgery, elevating its global standing in the field.

In 1970, Luo pioneered another groundbreaking procedure in China: resecting pituitary adenomas and acoustic neuromas using acupuncture anesthesia. This innovative technique merged traditional Chinese medicine with modern surgery, offering advantages like reduced cost, avoidance of general anesthesia, and fewer side effects. Applying it to complex brain surgeries was an unprecedented risk. Under Luo’s leadership, the method achieved nationwide adoption, with success rates surpassing any other program in China and drawing intense global interest.

The technique’s impact extended beyond medicine. It inspired the documentary film Acupuncture Anesthesia, screened worldwide, which vividly captured Luo’s team performing precise tumor removals. The film boosted confidence in China’s medical capabilities and sparked widespread international curiosity.

Luo, however, remained focused on patient quality of life. During pituitary adenoma surgeries, he observed that many patients lost their sense of smell postoperatively—a non-life-threatening but deeply debilitating outcome. Recognizing that traditional approaches damaged the olfactory nerve, he sought a better solution.

After rigorous research, Luo developed the “extended pterional approach,” a surgical pathway that preserved olfactory function. This innovation restored patients’ sense of smell and significantly enhanced their quality of life, underscoring his commitment to holistic patient care.

Bridging East and West, Absorbing the Essence

As microsurgery emerged globally, Luo recognized its potential to revolutionize neurosurgical precision and safety. Determined to master this cutting-edge field, he pursued advanced training at two world-renowned institutions: Tufts Medical Center and Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital.

At Tufts, Luo immersed himself in American medical training, spending countless hours observing surgeries, documenting techniques, and refining his skills in microsurgery. Its transformative impact on treating intracranial tumors and vascular malformations solidified his resolve to bring this technology to China. At Massachusetts General Hospital, he further honed his expertise under leading specialists, participating in complex tumor resections and aneurysm repairs.

Beyond technical skills, Luo absorbed Western medicine’s emphasis on integrating clinical practice with theory, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging innovation among trainees. This approach—prioritizing problem-solving and intellectual curiosity—profoundly influenced his vision for neurosurgical education in China.

Returning home, Luo introduced microsurgery to Renji Hospital, driving a new era of innovation. In the 1990s, he pioneered intraoperative evoked potential monitoring in China, enabling real-time neurological assessment during surgery. This breakthrough dramatically improved safety and success rates, cementing Luo’s legacy as a transformative figure in Chinese neurosurgery.

The Pioneer of Acoustic Neuroma Surgery

Among Luo Qizhong’s transformative contributions to neurosurgery, his groundbreaking work in acoustic neuroma surgery remains particularly distinguished.

Acoustic neuromas arise in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), a critical region deep within the skull base near the brainstem—a vital center for life-sustaining functions. Surgery in this area is exceptionally complex and hazardous. For decades, it was considered a “forbidden zone” in neurosurgery due to extreme risks; even minor errors could cause severe complications or death. Through relentless innovation and masterful technique, however, Luo Qizhong conquered this challenge, establishing new benchmarks in both Chinese and international neurosurgery.

Luo began pioneering acoustic neuroma procedures as early as the 1960s, when such surgeries were nascent in China, with few successes and high failure rates. Undeterred, he recognized that overcoming these technical hurdles was essential to advancing neurosurgical care. He refined surgical approaches, studied global literature, and personally conducted experimental and clinical trials. Through iterative advancements, he developed a distinctive methodology that dramatically enhanced the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Luo’s innovations drastically reduced complication risks. Traditional methods often caused significant bleeding and nerve damage due to the tumor’s proximity to the brainstem and cranial nerves, leading to postoperative deficits like facial paralysis or hearing loss. Luo’s meticulous preoperative planning and precision microsurgical techniques minimized trauma by confining dissection to a narrow field and removing tumors incrementally. These refinements yielded remarkable outcomes: since 1985, zero mortalities occurred in acoustic neuroma surgeries he personally performed. Facial nerve and hearing preservation rates also reached internationally competitive levels.

One landmark case exemplifies Luo’s technical brilliance and patient-centered ethos. An elderly Chinese-American patient in the U.S. presented with left-sided deafness, headaches, and vomiting, diagnosed with a massive 6.7cm acoustic neuroma compressing the brainstem. After top U.S. centers declined surgery due to prohibitive risks, the patient sought Luo’s care in China as a last resort.

After thorough evaluation, Luo performed a complex resection, leveraging advanced microsurgical skills to remove the tumor entirely while preserving the brainstem and critical nerves. The procedure saved the patient’s life and restored hope. Postoperative rehabilitation in the U.S. confirmed an excellent prognosis via MRI. American neurosurgeons, astonished by the outcome, expressed profound admiration upon learning the surgery was performed at Shanghai’s Renji Hospital.

This achievement garnered significant attention in China, including a published letter from the patient in Wenhui Bao: “After six months of recovery, my U.S. MRI showed exceptional results. When American doctors learned the surgery was performed at Renji Hospital, their astonishment revealed deep respect for Chinese medical expertise. I am immensely proud that Shanghai has surgeons of such caliber.” This tribute not only honored Luo but also underscored China’s rising prominence in global medicine.

Combining unwavering patient dedication with technical mastery, Luo earned the trust of patients and peers worldwide. His legacy transcends personal achievement, elevating Renji Hospital’s reputation and cementing his status as a visionary in neurosurgical innovation.

A Legacy of Mentorship: Building the Future of Neurosurgery

While celebrated globally for his surgical expertise, Luo Qizhong equally distinguished himself as an educator through selfless dedication. He believed that while treating patients was vital, nurturing the next generation of medical leaders held even greater significance. Luo understood that medicine’s advancement depended not only on current innovations but on cultivating successors. Amidst his demanding clinical practice, he devoted extraordinary energy to teaching, shaping generations of neurosurgeons and fortifying the foundation of Chinese medicine.

From 1987 onward, Luo mentored 12 master’s students, 27 doctoral candidates, and 3 postdoctoral fellows. Under his rigorous guidance, protégés excelled in academic research or evolved into leading clinicians capable of managing complex cases. As a discipline leader, he leveraged his international and domestic influence to create opportunities for young physicians. Embodying the principle of “lifting others to new heights,” he maintained that true progress in medicine required empowering emerging talent.

Luo led by example, personally overseeing every facet of his students’ development. From research design and funding applications to clinical training, he provided tailored mentorship. Recognizing that excellence demanded both theoretical mastery and hands-on skill, he crafted individualized growth plans and established specialized mentorship teams bridging research and practice.

His exacting standards drove protégés to exceptional achievements, earning peer acclaim. Late nights were often spent meticulously refining young doctors’ manuscripts—a duty he embraced without complaint. “Advancing our field means ensuring their success,” he often remarked.

In collaborative research, Luo frequently deferred authorship credit, prioritizing opportunities for junior colleagues. “Recognition should fuel those who represent medicine’s future,” he insisted. This humility inspired profound respect across the academic community.

When young surgeons faced technical challenges, Luo offered immediate support—day or night. During high-risk operations, he routinely set aside personal priorities to guide junior colleagues. His unwavering backup fostered a culture of trust within his department.

This commitment extended beyond training. When a postoperative patient’s family confronted a young surgeon, Luo rushed from home to resolve the crisis. Collaborating on a treatment plan and communicating with compassion, he de-escalated the conflict—demonstrating both clinical wisdom and mentorship responsibility.

Today, Luo’s protégés lead neurosurgery departments nationwide, advancing patient care and innovation. Their success stands as his greatest legacy.

In 2004, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission honored Luo with the Excellence in Medical Education Award—a testament to his transformative impact as an educator and decades of selfless investment in medicine’s future.

“Patients Are Family: The Heart of Dr. Luo Qizhong’s Practice”

As the proverb goes, “A scholar becomes a teacher; a person of integrity becomes a role model.” Dr. Luo Qizhong embodied both ideals—demonstrating exceptional surgical expertise while exemplifying profound medical compassion. Throughout his distinguished career spanning research, education, and clinical practice, he lived by the principle: “True fulfillment lies not in wealth or fame, but in treating patients as family.” This philosophy inspired generations of colleagues and students, touching countless lives.

Neurosurgery demands extraordinary technical precision and emotional resilience. In this high-stakes field, Dr. Luo worked tirelessly and selflessly, dedicating his life to his calling. He performed countless complex, high-risk procedures yet sought neither recognition nor reward. For him, a patient’s recovery was the ultimate reward. As a senior professor, his unwavering responsibility set the standard for young physicians. By 7 a.m. daily, he was on the wards, personally monitoring patients’ conditions. Even those not under his direct care received his attention—he checked on them regularly, ensuring every individual received optimal treatment.

While pursuing surgical excellence, Dr. Luo treated each patient with exceptional warmth. He viewed them as family, offering boundless compassion. During rounds, he once noticed an elderly patient struggling to put on her shoes. Without hesitation, he knelt, picked up her footwear, and gently helped her. This spontaneous act moved the medical team profoundly. A colleague later observed, “Dr. Luo’s gesture wasn’t clinical duty—it was the instinctive care of family.” This moment captured his essence: he healed not just diseases, but whole persons.

Dr. Luo maintained an unshakable routine of twice-daily ward rounds for decades. If surgeries or meetings delayed him, he would visit patients late at night, unable to rest while they battled illness. To his patients, he was more than a doctor—he was their anchor and confidant within the hospital walls.

He remained indifferent to material gain, preserving his core values despite numerous accolades. Neither his professorship nor honors changed his mission: helping patients overcome disease. His selflessness mentored young doctors, teaching them to balance technical mastery with human empathy.

Dr. Luo’s patients spanned all backgrounds—urban professionals, rural farmers, domestic citizens, and international visitors. He treated each with equal dignity, striving to provide the most advanced care and deepest compassion.

“A doctor’s duty extends beyond treating illness,” Dr. Luo often said. “It requires treating every patient with benevolence.” He lived this truth until his final days, becoming a beacon in medicine. His legacy endures, inspiring future generations to bring hope and healing to those in need.

Editor: Chen Qing @ ShanghaiDoctor.cn, If you'd like to contact to Dr. Chen, please be free to contact the email of Chenqing@ShanghaiDoctor.cn.

Note: Chinese Sources from “The Path of Benevolent Medicine” which was published in 2024. It records 90 important medical figures in the history of Renji Hospital. Yewen Renyi (ShanghaiDoctor.cn) team was one of the major writers of the book and is authorized by Renji hospital to create English version on the website of ShanghaiDoctor.cn