Remote Robot-Assisted Lung Cancer Surgery in Xinjiang, China

Remote Robot-Assisted Lung Cancer Surgery in Xinjiang by Chinese doctors marks a groundbreaking moment in health by inculcating unprecedented technological advancement overcoming geographical limitations.
China’s medical experts have conducted the inaugural remote lung cancer surgery using a domestically-manufactured 5G surgical robot.
On Saturday, doctors from Shanghai Chest Hospital operated the system from Shanghai, while the robotic system in Kashgar, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, performed the surgery on a patient located 5,000 kilometers away.
Dr. Luo Qingquan, from Shanghai Chest Hospital and the lead surgeon, highlighted that the successful procedure demonstrates the advancement of domestic surgical robot technology, enabling patients to receive sophisticated medical care in their local communities rather than traveling to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Shanghai Chest Hospital is the first in the country to specialize in chest robot-assisted surgeries and leads in the quantity of such procedures nationwide.
In addition to performing robotic surgeries, the hospital actively engages in the research and development of robotic technology. The remote surgery was based on extensive clinical research and the advancements of domestically-produced surgical robots.
As part of the preparation, Dr. Luo’s team conducted the country’s first intra-city remote robotic surgery on an animal in March to ensure safety and feasibility.
Following a year of preparation, the surgery was successfully executed. Dr. Luo Qingquan remotely operated the system from Shanghai, assisted by doctors in Xinjiang, achieving seamless coordination akin to being in the same operating room. The entire operation was completed within one hour.
“This successful surgery marks a significant milestone in showcasing the clinical capabilities of domestically-produced surgical robots, offering enhanced benefits to patients, particularly those in remote and rural areas,” remarked Dr. Luo.