Description: Telerobotic surgery refers to surgical procedures performed by robots controlled remotely. This technology combines robotics with telemedicine, allowing surgeons to operate from a distance using advanced robotic systems. Telerobotic robots are equipped with mechanical arms that mimic the surgeon’s hand movements, offering exceptional precision and control. Additionally, these systems often include high-definition cameras that provide a three-dimensional view of the surgical area, enhancing visualization and the ability to perform complex interventions. Telerobotic surgery not only improves precision and reduces the risk of complications but also allows surgeons to perform procedures on patients located in distant geographical areas, which is especially valuable in emergency situations or in areas with limited access to specialized medical care. This technology represents a significant advancement in the field of medicine, merging technological innovation with patient care, and opens new possibilities for the future of surgery.
History: Telerobotic surgery began to develop in the 1990s, with the first surgical robotic system, the ‘da Vinci Surgical System’, approved by the FDA in 2000. This system allowed surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with greater precision. Since then, the technology has evolved, incorporating improvements in connectivity and telemedicine, enabling remote surgeries. In 2017, the first telerobotic surgery on a patient was performed in Europe, marking a milestone in the history of remote surgery.
Uses: Telerobotic surgery is primarily used in surgical procedures such as prostatectomy, hysterectomy, and cardiac surgery. Its use is also being explored in neurosurgery and orthopedic interventions. This technology allows for complex operations to be performed with greater precision and less invasiveness, resulting in shorter recovery times for patients.
Examples: A notable example of telerobotic surgery is robotic prostatectomy, where surgeons use the da Vinci system to remove the prostate with high precision. Another case is remote heart surgery, where a surgeon in one country can operate on a patient in another country using advanced robotic systems. In 2020, a telerobotic surgery was performed on a patient in China, where the surgeon was thousands of kilometers away.
