A 50-year-old woman underwent a hysterectomy with the surgeon more than 2,000 kilometres away, thanks to the cutting-edge robotic technology and 5G connectivity.
The operation took place at the People’s Hospital of Ningxia in Northwest China whilst the . operating surgeon, Doctor Hua Keqin from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital of Fudan University, was located in Shanghai.
The procedure utilised a domestically produced surgical robot equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and connected via a 5G network.
Dr Hua manipulated the robotic arms in Shanghai, with the movement replicated in the operating room by the robot.
The patient who required a hysterectomy was expected to travel to Shanghai for treatment, but the 2,000-kilometre distance proved too challenging. Integrating surgical robots, 5G technology, and AI spared the patient the inconvenience and hardship of long-distance travel.
The remote two-hour procedure showcases the efficiency and effectiveness of this cutting-edge surgical technique, marking a significant milestone.
Jiang Hua, president of the Shanghai Hospital, expressed his excitement about the breakthrough. ‘If patients travelled from Yinchuan to our hospital, it could take them many hours to arrive. But now, with information technology and intelligent healthcare innovation, we have successfully achieved breakthroughs in conducting complex gynaecological surgery across great distances.
‘It has helped promote the expansion of high-quality medical resources and allowed patients in remote areas to access an equal standard of medical service in their hometowns.’
The surgeon utilised the multi-award-winning Toumai Laparoscopic Surgical Robot. The device developed by Shanghai MicroPort MedBot allows surgeons to operate outside the aseptic surgery area.
Having received approval in China last year, it has already completed nearly 800 procedures in 40 hospitals, often undertaking complex procedures within the chest, abdomen, and pelvic cavities.
Surgeons have found the robots magnify the field of vision 10 to 15 times, providing a better understanding of the surgical site with three-dimensional, high-definition images.
The robotic arms can filter out human hand tremors, ensuring unparalleled precision.
The robot dimensions can be adjusted to suit the surgeon’s body size, surgical habitus and working position.
The robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery system consists of a control console, a four-armed robot unit and a video system trolley. In 2022, it won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.
The judges at the time explained the award: ‘The Toumai Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery System combines the qualities of good design with innovative technology to operate precisely and safely in all situations.’
Photo credit: MicroPort MedBot
