In a pioneering medical achievement, a Chinese doctor Dr Luo Qingquan from Shanghai Chest Hospital successfully performed a remote robotic surgery to remove a Lung Tumor from over 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometres) away. Utilizing advanced robotic technology and a 5G network, this operation marks a significant milestone in telemedicine and the future of healthcare.
The Procedure
On July 13, 2024, Dr. Luo Qingquan from Shanghai Chest Hospital conducted a remote surgery to remove a Lung Tumor from a patient in Kashgar, Xinjiang. The surgery was performed at the Second People’s Hospital of Kashi with local support from Dr. Chen Tianxiang. This groundbreaking procedure was made possible through the use of a 5G surgical robot, which Dr. Luo controlled from Shanghai.
Advanced Technology in Action
The high-speed, low-latency capabilities of the 5G network were crucial for the success of this operation. Dr Luo operated the surgical robot using a 3D display and master controller, allowing him to see real-time images of the patient’s chest cavity and perform precise surgical manoeuvres. The surgery lasted an hour and successfully removed the lung tumor, demonstrating the potential for advanced medical procedures even in geographically distant locations.
Implications for Healthcare
This successful remote surgery highlights the potential of telemedicine and robotic surgery to revolutionize healthcare delivery. By bridging the gap between urban medical centres and remote regions, this innovation ensures that patients in underserved areas can access top-tier medical care without the need to travel long distances. This operation marks a new era in medical productivity and underscores China’s advancements in “smart” medical solutions.
A surgeon in China successfully removed a lung tumor from a patient while being 5000 km away. The doctor operated the machine remotely from his office in Shanghai, while the patient was in Kashgar, located on the opposite side of the country. The entire operation was completed in… pic.twitter.com/8VQrpnvtS0
— Naresh Nambisan | നരേഷ് (@nareshbahrain) August 2, 2024
Future Prospects
The success of this surgery sets a precedent for future medical collaborations and technological innovations aimed at improving healthcare accessibility worldwide. It also showcases the growing importance of telemedicine and robotic surgery in modern healthcare, potentially transforming how medical services are delivered across the globe.
