Our Summary

This research paper discusses a medical breakthrough in the field of remote robotic surgery. Previously, the furthest distance a surgery like this could be performed was roughly 229 kilometers. However, this study shows a successful surgery was carried out over a distance of about 5,800 kilometers.

This was achieved using a 5G network and a home-built robotic system, specifically designed for this purpose. The surgery performed was a laparoscopic spermatic vein ligation, which is a procedure to treat a condition called varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum).

The surgery took place in Xinjiang Kezhou People’s Hospital, but the surgeon was located at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, roughly 5,800 kilometers away. The surgery was successful, with the patients recovering well and being discharged from the hospital within three days.

The researchers monitored the network connection throughout the procedure, and found the average delay to be 130 milliseconds, with a data loss rate of about 1.4%. Despite the large distance, there were no network interruptions or issues.

In conclusion, this study shows that, with a 5G network and a specialized robotic system, remote robotic surgery can be carried out safely and successfully over very long distances.

FAQs

  1. What type of surgery was performed remotely in this study?
  2. How did the researchers ensure that the network connection was stable throughout the surgical procedure?
  3. What kind of technology was used to perform this remote surgery over such a long distance?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about varicocele surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, wearing supportive underwear, and taking prescribed pain medication as needed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended varicocele surgery are those who experience symptoms such as testicular pain, testicular atrophy, infertility, or abnormal semen analysis results. The surgery is also recommended for patients who have a significant grade of varicocele, as well as those who have not had success with conservative treatments such as wearing supportive underwear or taking pain medication. Additionally, varicocele surgery may be recommended for patients who are experiencing discomfort or embarrassment due to the appearance of enlarged veins in the scrotum.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after varicocele surgery:

Before surgery:

  • Patient consults with a urologist and undergoes physical examination and ultrasound to diagnose varicocele.
  • Treatment options, including surgery, are discussed with the patient.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests, such as blood work and ECG.
  • Surgery date is scheduled and patient is instructed on pre-operative preparations, such as fasting.

Day of surgery:

  • Patient arrives at the hospital and is prepared for surgery, including anesthesia.
  • Surgery is performed, either through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy.
  • The surgeon ligates the affected spermatic veins to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.

After surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored for any immediate post-operative complications.
  • Pain medication is provided to manage discomfort.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within a day or two, depending on the type of surgery performed.
  • Patient is advised on post-operative care, including rest, wound care, and avoiding strenuous activities.
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

Overall, varicocele surgery aims to improve symptoms like pain and infertility caused by the condition. Most patients experience relief from symptoms and improved fertility outcomes after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about varicocele surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with varicocele surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time after varicocele surgery?
  3. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care plan?
  4. How long do the effects of varicocele surgery typically last?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for varicocele that I should consider?
  6. What is the success rate of varicocele surgery in terms of improving fertility or reducing pain?
  7. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
  8. How experienced are you in performing varicocele surgery?
  9. What is the expected outcome of varicocele surgery in my specific case?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to optimize the results?

Reference

Authors: Zhou X, Wang JY, Zhu X, Sun HJ, Aikebaer A, Tian JY, Shao YQ, Maimaitijiang D, Muhetaer W, Li J, Lü Q, Yang J, Song NH. Journal: Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2022 Aug;28(8):696-701. PMID: 37838968