Professor XIE Liping of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU), was awarded the Félix Guyon Medal at the 45th Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie (SIU) on October 29, 2025, in Edinburgh. As the highest honor conferred by the SIU, the Félix Guyon Medal recognizes individuals whose long-term, transformative contributions have shaped the global field of prostate health. Professor XIE has become the first recipient from China and the broader Chinese community since the award’s establishment in 2004, which marks a historic milestone for Chinese urology and a significant achievement for FAHZU’s growing international influence.

With a medical career spanning more than four decades, Professor XIE has devoted himself to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urological tumors. As a leading innovator in minimally invasive urological surgery, he pioneered a series of advanced transurethral enucleation techniques—including TVERP, TVEP, and the ultrasound-guided US-TVERP/TVEP procedures—that have collectively transformed global standards of care. These “button surgeries,” named for their distinctive button-shaped plasma electrode, achieve virtually bloodless operations, reduce operative time by more than half, minimize bleeding and tissue trauma, and shorten postoperative hospitalization from nearly a week to approximately three days. His surgical demonstrations have been described by international peers as elegant and precise, capturing the essence of his technical skill and clinical vision.

In addition to procedural innovation, Professor XIE has developed multiple original surgical instruments, such as the multifunctional enucleator——Dayu Scalpel and the Blue Whale intelligent pressure-controlled morcellation system. These devices, which are fully patented in China, feature optimized anatomical design, improved operability, effective hemostasis, and greater cost efficiency compared with several Western counterparts, highlighting the rising impact of China-developed medical technologies on the global stage.

Professor XIE’s influence extends well beyond operating rooms. He has played a pivotal role in international academic leadership, notably serving as the first Chinese President of the SIU from 2022 to 2023. He is the Co-President of the International Alliance of Prostate Health and Chairman of the Chinese Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Consortium. His influence extends globally through live surgical demonstrations in Europe and the training of countless urologists worldwide. He has also led multicenter international collaborations and contributed extensively to global academic development. His scholarly output includes nearly 200 SCI-indexed publications, including participation in The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer, along with 20 book chapters and 15 patents. He is a multiple-time Elsevier Highly Cited Chinese Researcher, and in 2024 he received the SIU Excellence in Surgical Innovation Award.

In its award notification, the SIU commended Professor XIE for his visionary leadership and tireless efforts to strengthen cooperation between the SIU and the Chinese urological community, noting that his work has produced a profound and lasting impact on the advancement of global urology. Reflecting on the honor, Professor XIE emphasized that the recognition belongs to all Chinese urologists, representing decades of perseverance and collective achievement, and acknowledging China’s growing role as a stabilizing and innovative force in global healthcare.

Professor XIE’s recognition underscores FAHZU’s commitment as a National Medical Center to clinical excellence, technological innovation, and international collaboration. His achievement not only honors his personal dedication but also highlights the accelerating global influence of China’s medical science and FAHZU’s role in driving world-class innovation that benefits patients worldwide.

Source: the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (FAHZU)
Editor: GAO Wanlu