Home > Specialists > Gastrointestinal Surgery > Dr. Zizhen Zhang (张子臻)
Specialty & Clinical Focus:
Dr. Zizhen Zhang is a gastrointestinal surgeon and Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Shanghai Renji Hospital, specializing in gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic surgery, and function-preserving surgery for early gastric cancer.
Professional Title & Qualifications:
Chief Physician
Doctoral Supervisor
Hospital & Department：
Shanghai Renji Hospital, Jiao Tong University – Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery
(address: No. 160 Pujian Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200127)
Dr. Zizhen Zhang (张子臻) - Gastrointestinal Surgery Specialist
Personal Biography
Dr. Zizhen Zhang is Director of the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. He is a Chief Physician, PhD in Surgery, and Doctoral Supervisor. Since beginning his medical career in 2004, he has focused on gastrointestinal tumor surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic procedures.
From May 2014 to April 2015, Dr. Zhang was a visiting scholar at Mannheim Medical College, Heidelberg University, Germany, where he trained under surgical oncologist Professor Peter Hohenberg. He has served as a Master’s Supervisor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine since 2019 and, after holding deputy and interim leadership positions, was appointed Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery in September 2024.
Why Choose Dr. Zizhen Zhang for Your Care?
Clinical Leadership and International Surgical Training
Dr. Zizhen Zhang leads the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery at Shanghai Renji Hospital and has worked in general and gastrointestinal surgery since 2004. His clinical background combines long-term practice in gastrointestinal tumor surgery with international training at Mannheim Medical College, Heidelberg University. This experience is particularly relevant for patients seeking a specialist perspective on complex gastrointestinal cancer cases before deciding on further treatment planning or travel to Shanghai.
Focused Expertise in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
Dr. Zhang’s principal clinical areas include gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). He performs laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic procedures for gastrointestinal malignancies and has experience with function-preserving surgery for early gastric cancer, including Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy. These focused areas make his review especially relevant for patients comparing surgical approaches or seeking greater clarity about a previously proposed treatment pathway.
Research-Informed Review for Complex Cases
As a Doctoral Supervisor and principal investigator of national-level research projects, Dr. Zhang remains involved in research concerning gastric cancer metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. For international patients, a structured remote specialist review of medical records, pathology reports, and imaging can help organize important questions, clarify potential surgical pathways, and support better preparation for any next-stage discussion at Renji Hospital.
Pre-Travel Case Review & Specialist Liaison
International travel for gastrointestinal cancer surgery requires clear specialist input before flights, visa documentation, and hospital arrangements are finalized. MedBridgeNZ coordinates a remote specialist-review pathway with Dr. Zizhen Zhang at Shanghai Renji Hospital, including medical-record preparation, translation coordination, client-authorized document transfer, and appointment communication.
After the required records and imaging are submitted, Dr. Zhang or the relevant Renji Hospital specialist team will review the case, provide an independent opinion and recommendations, and answer the patient’s key questions. This pre-travel review can clarify potential surgical pathways and help the patient decide whether to proceed with next-stage hospital and medical travel coordination.
Disclaimer: MedBridgeNZ is a medical concierge provider serving a global client base. We assist with logistical coordination and facilitate access to healthcare professionals. MedBridgeNZ does not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments.Any clinical feedback, treatment planning or suitability discussion remains with the relevant hospital or licensed specialist.
Secure a Remote Case Review with
Dr. Zizhen Zhang
Areas of Expertise
Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic and robotic) and comprehensive treatment for gastrointestinal tumors.
Standardized, individualized, and precision treatment for gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Da Vinci robotic surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies.
Minimally invasive surgery for common general surgery conditions such as inguinal hernia, appendicitis, cholecystitis, and thyroid tumors.
Function-preserving minimally invasive surgery for early gastric cancer, including Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy (PPG).
Verified Client Satisfaction Metrics
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0/5.0 Overall Rating
* Treatment Pathway Satisfaction:
5.0/5.0
* Communication & Professionalism:
5.0/5.0
* High demand: Chosen online for specialist liaison and case reviews by over:
4,700 clients
(Source: These third-party platform indicators are provided for general reference only. They may change over time and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of diagnosis, treatment suitability, appointment availability, or individual clinical outcome.)
Work Experience
Sept 2024 - Present: Director, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Jan 2024 - Sept 2024: Interim Director, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital
Oct 2020 - Sept 2024: Deputy Director of Administration, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital
Dec 2017 - Present: Associate Chief Physician, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital
May 2014 - May 2015: Visiting Scholar, Department of Surgical Oncology, Mannheim Medical College, Heidelberg University, Germany
Dec 2012 - Dec 2017: Attending Physician, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital
Aug 2004 - Dec 2012: Resident Physician, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital
Education & Training
PhD, Surgery: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Master's, Surgery: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Bachelor's, Clinical Medicine: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Awards & Honors
Shanghai Talent Development Fund
First and Second "Climbing Program" for Young Scholars in General Surgery, China
Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Young Physician Training Grant
"Kowloon" Medical Excellent Young Talent Award, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Academic & Professional Memberships
Committee Member, Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA), Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Professional Committee
Deputy Head, Gastrointestinal Surgery Working Group, General Surgery Branch, Shanghai Medical Doctor Association
Committee Member, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group, General Surgery Branch, Shanghai Medical Association
Adjunct Professor (CBL), China-Canada Joint Institute
Master's Supervisor (Surgery), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Group Leader, Gastrointestinal Tumor MDT Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Renji Hospital (West Campus)
Research & Publications
Principal Investigator: Leads several national-level projects, including:
National Natural Science Foundation (No. 82173215): "Mechanism exploration of tumor-associated macrophages promoting gastric cancer liver metastasis..."
National Natural Science Foundation (No. 81972206): "Research on the mechanism of LOX-TGF-β1 axis-mediated co-evolution of tumors and cancer-associated fibroblasts..."
National Natural Science Foundation, Youth Project (No. 81302094): "Long-chain non-coding RNA-LINC00628..."
Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications
Xia X, Zhang Z, et al. Neutrophil extracellular traps promote metastasis in gastric cancer patients with postoperative abdominal infectious complications. Nature Communications. 2022;13(1):1017. PMID: 35197446
Zhang Z, Wang C, et al. CircDUSP16 promotes the tumorigenesis and invasion of gastric cancer by sponging miR-145-5p. Gastric Cancer. 2020;23(3):437–448. PMID: 31776711
Zhang Y, Lao LST, et al. Perioperative outcomes of a novel laparoscopic-like “3-arm + 2-port” model in robot-assisted distal gastrectomy in patients with resectable, non-metastatic gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Robotic Surgery. 2026;20(1):741. PMID: 42484711
*The doctor’s information is sourced from the hospital’s official website or provided directly by the doctor. Due to update cycles, there may be occasional delays in reflecting the most recent changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dr. Zizhen Zhang the appropriate specialist for gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, or GIST?
Dr. Zhang’s stated clinical focus includes gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery. MedBridgeNZ can coordinate the preparation and client-authorized submission of medical records, pathology reports, and imaging to Shanghai Renji Hospital. Dr. Zhang or the relevant hospital specialist team will review the submitted materials, provide an independent opinion and recommendations, and answer the patient’s key questions. This review helps clarify whether Dr. Zhang’s specialist focus is relevant to the issues the patient wants addressed before considering travel to Shanghai.
How does remote specialist-review coordination work before medical travel to China?
MedBridgeNZ coordinates the administrative steps required for a remote specialist review with Dr. Zhang, including record organization, medical-document translation coordination, client-authorized document transfer, and appointment communication with the relevant hospital office. Once the required materials have been prepared and submitted, Dr. Zhang or the hospital specialist team will review the case and provide feedback on the patient’s questions and potential surgical pathway. The resulting specialist opinion can then help the patient make a better-informed decision about further hospital appointments and travel planning.
Which surgical techniques does Dr. Zhang use for gastrointestinal tumors?
Dr. Zhang’s clinical practice includes laparoscopic and Da Vinci robotic surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies. He also has experience with function-preserving procedures for early gastric cancer, including Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy. Minimally invasive approaches generally use smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, but the appropriate surgical method depends on the patient’s diagnosis, anatomy, disease characteristics, and overall clinical circumstances. Through a coordinated specialist review, patients can submit their records and ask Dr. Zhang whether any of these approaches should be discussed further for their individual case.
What hospital and language support is available for international patients in Shanghai?
MedBridgeNZ can assist with appointment request coordination at Shanghai Renji Hospital, medical invitation or visa-document support, accommodation and travel planning, clinic transfers, and non-clinical bilingual administrative support. When separately arranged, bilingual support can accompany the patient during appointments, examinations, and hospital briefings to help facilitate communication with Dr. Zhang’s clinical team. Clinical explanations, recommendations, and treatment decisions are provided by the relevant hospital professionals, while MedBridgeNZ manages the administrative, translation, and travel coordination surrounding the patient’s hospital pathway.
Flexible Ways to Connect with the Specialist
We understand that every client’s situation is unique. Beyond the Remote Written Review, we offer a range of flexible ways to access specialist insights:
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Remote Video Liaison: For a more personal interaction, we can arrange a live video session, allowing you to discuss your case directly with the specialist with the help of our professional medical translators.
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On-Site Proxy Liaison: If you cannot travel, our dedicated bilingual team can visit the hospital in person on your behalf. We will present your translated medical records to the specialist, facilitate your inquiries, and provide you with a comprehensive translated report of the doctor’s findings.
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In-Person Appointment Booking: If you are planning to travel to China for treatment, we manage the complex hospital registration and appointment process, ensuring you have confirmed access to your chosen specialist upon arrival.
How MedBridgeNZ Helps You:
MedBridgeNZ is a medical concierge and logistics coordination provider for international patients considering specialist-care pathways in China. We coordinate remote specialist-review requests, medical-record preparation, translation, client-authorized document transfer, appointment communication, medical invitation or visa-document support, travel planning, and non-clinical bilingual administrative support. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; all clinical opinions and recommendations come from independent licensed specialists or hospitals. Third-party medical and travel costs remain separate unless expressly stated in writing.