Philippines completes first remote surgery with doctors in China operating robot

(ECNS) -- The Urology Center of the Philippines performed the country’s first remote surgery in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Two Philippine urologists based in Shanghai remotely controlled a surgical robot to carry out a prostate surgery on a patient in the Philippines. Using a high speed internet network in Shanghai, the doctors manipulated the robotic equipment in real time to complete the operation. A local medical team in Quezon City provided on-site support throughout the procedure.

Robotic surgery is less invasive than traditional operations. This technology allows doctors to overcome geographical barriers and perform surgeries on patients located in completely different regions.

The successful operation marks another milestone in medical cooperation between China and the Philippines. Because the Philippines is an archipelago with unevenly distributed healthcare resources, remote surgery could eventually help patients in distant areas gain access to specialized medical services.

(By Intern Lin Qiaochu, Zhang Dongfang)