Medical Treatments in China
World-class healthcare at a fraction of Western prices. Browse 509 treatments and compare costs for international patients.
27 treatments in Digestive & Metabolic
Colorectal Polyp Removal
结直肠息肉切除
Endoscopic removal of colorectal polyps using advanced techniques including EMR (endoscopic mucosal resection) and ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection) for large or complex lesions. Chinese endoscopy centers have developed world-class expertise in ESD, a technique originating in Asia that allows en-bloc removal of large flat lesions without surgery. These procedures prevent colorectal cancer progression while preserving the colon.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
胃旁路手术
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), the gold standard bariatric procedure combining restriction and malabsorption for sustained weight loss and metabolic improvement. Chinese bariatric centers perform this procedure with experienced surgical teams, achieving 60-80% excess weight loss and high rates of type 2 diabetes remission. The procedure creates a small gastric pouch connected directly to the mid-jejunum, bypassing most of the stomach and duodenum.
Duodenal Switch
十二指肠转位术
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS), the most effective bariatric procedure for super-obese patients (BMI >50), combining a sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass. Chinese bariatric centers offer this complex procedure with experienced surgeons for patients requiring maximum weight loss. The single-anastomosis variant (SADI-S) is also available as a simplified alternative with comparable outcomes.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
减重手术翻修
Secondary bariatric procedures for patients with inadequate weight loss or weight regain after primary bariatric surgery, including band-to-bypass conversion, sleeve-to-bypass revision, pouch revision, and distalization procedures. Chinese bariatric surgeons offer revisional expertise at experienced centers, addressing dilated pouches, gastro-gastric fistulas, and inadequate restriction or malabsorption from prior operations.
Diabetes Metabolic Surgery
糖尿病代谢手术
Metabolic surgery specifically indicated for type 2 diabetes management in patients with BMI 27.5-35 (Asian criteria), offering potential diabetes remission through gut hormone modification and improved insulin sensitivity. Chinese metabolic surgery centers follow IDF and ASMBS guidelines recommending surgery for poorly controlled T2DM, with procedures including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy tailored to metabolic outcomes rather than weight loss alone.
Mini Gastric Bypass
迷你胃旁路手术
One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB), a simplified bypass procedure with a single gastrojejunal anastomosis offering comparable weight loss to Roux-en-Y with reduced operative complexity. Widely performed in Chinese bariatric centers, this procedure creates a long narrow gastric pouch with a loop gastrojejunostomy, combining restriction with controlled malabsorption. Its technical simplicity results in shorter operative times and potentially fewer complications.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
内镜袖状胃成形
Non-surgical endoscopic weight loss procedure using a suturing device (OverStitch) to reduce stomach volume by 70% through internal plication, mimicking a surgical sleeve gastrectomy without incisions. Chinese bariatric endoscopy centers offer this innovative procedure for patients seeking significant weight loss without surgery. The procedure is reversible, repeatable, and has a safety profile superior to surgical bariatric procedures.
Thyroid Disorder Treatment
甲状腺疾病治疗
Comprehensive medical and interventional management of thyroid disorders including Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, toxic nodular goiter, and thyroid storm. Chinese endocrinology centers offer radioactive iodine therapy (I-131), antithyroid medications, and thyroid ablation at substantially reduced costs. Integrated management combines Western endocrinology with traditional Chinese medicine for symptom support and holistic patient care.
Adrenal Disorder Management
肾上腺疾病管理
Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of adrenal disorders including Cushing's syndrome, primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), adrenal insufficiency, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Chinese endocrinology centers offer advanced hormonal testing, adrenal venous sampling, and coordinated surgical referral for operable conditions. Treatment protocols follow international guidelines with access to all necessary medications and interventional procedures.
Fatty Liver Disease Treatment
脂肪肝治疗
China's hepatology centers excel in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD), offering integrated programs that combine advanced diagnostics (FibroScan, MRI-PDFF), metabolic optimization, and TCM liver-protective therapies. With fatty liver affecting over 25% of China's population, Chinese hepatologists have extensive clinical experience and access to both Western medications and traditional herbal hepatoprotective formulas backed by clinical research.
Metabolic Syndrome Treatment
代谢综合征治疗
China's metabolic medicine centers provide intensive treatment programs for metabolic syndrome — the cluster of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal lipids that dramatically increases cardiovascular risk. Programs integrate endocrinology, cardiology, nutrition science, and TCM metabolic therapies. Access to newer medications (GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors) at lower cost, combined with TCM approaches to insulin resistance, offers a unique treatment paradigm.
Lap-Band Surgery
腹腔镜胃束带术
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure that places a silicone band around the upper stomach to create a small pouch, restricting food intake. While less commonly performed today in favor of sleeve gastrectomy, Chinese bariatric centers still offer this reversible, adjustable option for patients preferring a less invasive approach. The band can be adjusted via a subcutaneous port to optimize weight loss.
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