A recent demonstration by a Chinese robotic-surgery manufacturer (Edge Medical) in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Health has once again put remote telesurgery in the spotlight. Remote telesurgery is certainly impressive. But as a demonstration of what is technically possible, we already know it can be done (since year 2001…).
In every place where there is a surgical robot, there is a surgeon capable of using it. In fact, the usual sequence is still surgeon first, robot later, although an increasing number of surgeons are now being identified by their profile as “robotic surgeons.” Also, you need another surgeon in-site, capable of solving problems.
So the question is not can we operate remotely? It is: what is the clinical benefit of telesurgery?
In the present scenario (with the future difficult to predict in such an unstable world), it may simply be easier (and safer) for the patient to travel to the surgeon.
J Granell. Aug 31, 2026