A hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has made history by conducting China’s first-ever ultra-long-distance gallbladder removal surgery using a 5G-powered robot. The patient was located in Aral, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, some 4,650 kilometers away from the hospital. The operation was conducted on Thursday, and it was successful. This medical milestone highlights the incredible potential of technology in healthcare and telemedicine.
The robot used for the operation was a four-arm endoscopic model with both the core software and hardware developed in China. Liang Xiao, an experienced surgeon, carried out the operation using the robot’s operating platform at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with the Medical School of Zhejiang University. Liang expressed his happiness for the patient and pride in the independently researched and produced robot system. This innovative technology showcases China’s advancements in the medical industry and its ability to develop cutting-edge medical devices.
The use of 5G technology played a vital role in enabling the surgery to take place. The high-speed internet connection allowed for real-time communication between the surgeon and the robot, ensuring that the operation could be carried out smoothly and safely. With this success, the medical community in China is optimistic about the potential of 5G technology to enable more remote surgeries, especially in rural areas that lack experienced surgeons. This could have a significant impact on medical accessibility and provide quality healthcare to people in remote areas.
The medical community is excited about the possibilities of using telemedicine in the future, given its potential to revolutionize healthcare. The success of this operation demonstrates that remote surgeries using 5G-powered robots are feasible and that patients can receive the same level of care as they would in person. It also highlights the importance of continued investment in medical technology and innovation, which can play a crucial role in improving healthcare and quality of life for people worldwide.
The patient is a woman in her 30s who resides in Aral, a region where medical resources and expertise are limited. She was diagnosed with gallstones over a year ago, but she did not experience any symptoms until a week ago when she started to have pains in her upper right abdomen. Following an examination at a local hospital, it was discovered that she had developed acute inflammation of the gallbladder, which required surgery as soon as possible.
After learning about robot-assisted surgery, the patient decided to opt for it. However, in Aral, where the medical resources and expertise are lacking, specialists from Hangzhou would need to take connecting flights and travel for eight and a half hours by air, followed by another 30-minute bus ride before they can reach the local hospital for on-site surgery.
The patient’s full identity wasn’t revealed to protect her privacy, and it is equally troublesome for her to travel from Aral to Hangzhou for the operation. This journey can be especially challenging for a patient in her condition, and it can add to the risks of the surgery.
Robot-assisted surgery provides a viable option for patients who reside in regions like Aral, where medical resources are limited.
some of the benefits of robot-assisted surgery incudes
Greater precision: Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to make more precise incisions and movements than traditional surgery. The robotic arms are controlled by a surgeon, who has a better range of motion and more precise control than human hands.
Shorter hospital stays: Patients who undergo robot-assisted surgery generally have shorter hospital stays than those who undergo traditional surgery. This is because the procedure is less invasive and results in less trauma to the body.
Faster recovery: Patients who undergo robot-assisted surgery may experience a faster recovery than those who undergo traditional surgery. This is because the procedure is less invasive, and there is less damage to the surrounding tissue.
Less pain and scarring: Robot-assisted surgery involves smaller incisions, which can result in less pain and scarring than traditional surgery.
Reduced risk of complications: Robot-assisted surgery can reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery. The robotic arms provide the surgeon with a clear and magnified view of the surgical site, which allows for greater accuracy and reduces the risk of injury to surrounding tissue.
Improved outcomes: Robot-assisted surgery can lead to improved outcomes for patients, including a lower risk of infection, reduced blood loss, and a lower risk of complications.
Access to difficult-to-reach areas: Robot-assisted surgery allows surgeons to access difficult-to-reach areas of the body, which may not be possible with traditional surgery.
Overall, robot-assisted surgery is a safe and effective option for many surgical procedures, and it offers several benefits for patients and surgeons alike.
The use of robot-assisted surgery can help to bridge the gap in medical care between regions with limited resources and those with advanced medical facilities. It provides a way for patients to receive the best possible care without having to travel long distances, which can be especially challenging for those in poor health.
Liang, a surgeon, proudly declared that gallbladder removal is now a routine surgery, and the answer to serving patients’ needs without all the hassle lies in 5G-enabled robotic operation. The process can now be finished in roughly half an hour, which is considerably less time than the traditional method of surgery. The use of robotics has been gaining a lot of attention and support lately, particularly with the “robotics+” action plan unveiled by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other government departments.
One of the highlights of this action plan is the promotion of robot-assisted remote operations powered by 5G. It is among the many other application scenarios for robotic technology. The development and application of these technologies have been receiving significant attention and support in recent years, and the potential for the technology is vast.
According to Cai Xiujun, president of the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, long-distance robotic surgery can break the limitations of time and space, as well as uneven resource distribution. Cai was able to watch the entire surgery at Aral hospital and commented that the use of robotics saved time for both the doctors and the patients, reduced economic costs, and enhanced treatment efficiency.
The benefits of robotic technology in the medical field are numerous, and the potential for the technology is vast. With the use of robotics, medical professionals can provide remote care and perform surgeries on patients from a distance, which saves time and resources. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is provided, particularly in remote areas where medical resources are scarce.
As technology advances and becomes more widely available, the medical field is sure to see significant changes. The use of robotics is just one example of how technology can be used to enhance patient care and treatment efficiency. With continued support and development, the potential for this technology to improve the medical field is limitless.