Surgeons Achieve Milestone with First 5G Remote Surgery at High Altitude

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors successfully performed the world’s first 5G remote robotic surgery at an altitude of 4,500 meters in Nagqu City, located in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. This innovative operation, which took place on October 15, 2023, involved a collaboration between two hospitals situated 4,000 kilometers apart, demonstrating the potential of advanced technology in overcoming geographical barriers in healthcare.

The surgical procedure was a joint effort between Professor Liu Zhiyu’s team at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University in Liaoning Province and Dr. Wang Yanlong, the director of urology at Nagqu People’s Hospital. Utilizing a robust 5G network, the teams operated in real-time, showcasing the capacity of remote surgical techniques even in challenging conditions.

High altitude presented unique challenges throughout the surgery. The stability of the robotic equipment, the clarity and speed of the 5G transmission, and the doctors’ ability to perform effectively under such harsh conditions were all crucial factors in the operation’s success. To address these issues, the two hospitals collaborated with network providers, conducting extensive tests and simulations to ensure the technology functioned flawlessly.

The medical team dedicated weeks to reviewing the patient’s case, developing a tailored surgical plan, and practicing the procedure to ensure precision. Dr. Wang highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “From a medical perspective, this represents a major breakthrough in 5G remote robotic surgery. It proves that even in extremely harsh plateau environments, advanced technology can enable the remote sharing of high-quality medical resources.”

This pioneering surgery is seen as a model for addressing healthcare disparities in remote regions around the world. The experience gained from this operation is expected to facilitate further advancements in 5G remote surgeries, potentially transforming how life-saving healthcare is delivered in some of the world’s most inaccessible areas.

The success of this procedure marks a significant step forward in the integration of technology within the medical field. As more regions adopt similar technologies, the potential to bridge gaps in healthcare access becomes increasingly viable, offering hope to patients in remote locations.