The Robotic Revolution in Medicine: Remote Operations That Save Lives

In a world where technology advances by leaps and bounds, medicine is not far behind. Robotic surgery, once the subject of science fiction, is now a reality that is transforming healthcare as we know it. Robots, guided by the expert hand of surgeons, are carrying out surgical procedures with a precision and delicacy that exceeds human limits.

Robot-assisted surgery offers a number of advantages that are simply amazing. With greater precision, flexibility and control, doctors can perform complex operations through minimal incisions, resulting in a faster and less painful recovery for patients. But what happens when the surgeon cannot physically be in the operating room?

This is where 5G technology comes into play, allowing surgeons to perform operations remotely. Imagine: a doctor in New York could operate on a patient in Paris without having to take a single flight. This is not just a futuristic idea; It is already a reality. In 2020, a team of surgeons successfully performed an operation on a patient 15 km away, using robots controlled remotely via the 5G network.

The possibility of performing remote surgeries is not only exciting, but also has the potential to save lives in critical situations where every second counts. In remote areas or during natural disasters, when access to hospitals and specialists is limited, remote robotic surgery could be the difference between life and death.

There are documented cases of surgeries performed remotely using robots. For example, a team of Italian doctors successfully completed surgery on a patient 15 kilometers away, using remotely controlled robotic tools and thanks to 5G technology. Furthermore, in Mexico, the first 230 cases in robot-assisted general surgery by a single surgical group have been reported, demonstrating the viability and success of these advanced techniques in the field of medicine. These cases are examples of the potential and effectiveness of remote robotic surgery in today's medical practice.

Currently, there are several robotic systems that are used to perform surgical procedures remotely. One of the best known is the Da Vinci system, which has been widely adopted in hospitals around the world for a variety of surgeries1. This system allows surgeons to perform operations with millimeter precision, thanks to its remotely controlled robotic arms and a high-definition 3D view of the surgical field.

In addition, there are other systems in development and in use that are expanding the capabilities of remote surgery, such as the MiroSurge developed by the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), among others. These systems are designed to further improve the precision, flexibility and safety of surgical procedures, allowing doctors to perform complex surgeries from remote locations with the help of 5G technology.

These advances represent a significant change in the way surgeries can be performed, offering new possibilities for treating patients in areas that previously had limited access to specialized medical care.

Operations in outer space Challenges:

The idea of performing surgical procedures in space is fascinating and, although it has not yet been carried out, current robotic technology could make it viable in the future. Robotic systems such as the Da Vinci and HUGO TM RAS have significantly advanced minimally invasive surgery, offering three-dimensional vision and precise instrument manipulation.

However, there are unique challenges when considering surgeries in space, such as communication latency and microgravity. For example, for an average orbital distance between Earth and Mars, the communication delay would be around 6 minutes, making real-time procedures difficult. Despite these challenges, robotic surgery has the potential to be a valuable tool for extended space missions, where immediate medical attention may be necessary and the presence of a human surgeon is not possible.

However, with every great innovation comes questions and concerns. How do you ensure patient safety when the surgeon is miles away? What happens if the connection is lost in the middle of an operation? These are valid questions that experts are addressing with rigorous security protocols and support systems to ensure that remote surgery is as safe as traditional surgery.

Remote robotic surgery is not just a medical advancement; It is a beacon of hope. It represents a future where geographic barriers do not limit the quality of health care a person can receive. It is a testament to human ingenuity and a promise of a more connected and healthier world.