Remote Surgery via 5G: China Sets a Groundbreaking Example in Medical Science

China has once again turned the impossible into possible—this time by merging advanced technology with modern medicine. A fully automated surgery was successfully performed on a patient located nearly 4,000 kilometers away, without any direct physical contact or the use of conventional surgical instruments.

Using robotic technology powered by a high-speed 5G network, two medical teams from different parts of the country collaborated to complete the procedure, setting a new benchmark in telemedicine.

The patient was admitted to Nagqu People’s Hospital in the remote Nagqu region of Tibet’s Xizang Province, while the operation was conducted from Dalian Medical University in Liaoning Province, over 4,000 kilometers away.

The surgery, which involved a urological (urinary system) procedure, was performed entirely through robotic assistance, with real-time data transmission made possible via ultra-fast 5G connectivity. Remarkably, no surgical instruments were physically inserted into the patient’s body—highlighting a true leap forward in non-invasive and remote-controlled surgery.

What made this feat even more extraordinary were the environmental challenges. Nagqu is located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters above sea level, where oxygen levels are low, and atmospheric pressure is significantly reduced. Combined with the patient’s critical condition, the procedure posed serious risks—yet it was executed flawlessly.

Medical experts have hailed this as a major advancement in modern healthcare. Despite severe geographical and environmental constraints, the success of such remote robotic surgery proves that quality healthcare can now be delivered to even the most inaccessible locations.

China’s medical teams have previously conducted successful 5G-enabled robotic surgeries, including procedures for lung cancer and orthopedic operations. However, this latest endeavor takes remote treatment a step further eliminating the need to transport critical patients to urban hospitals.

According to specialists, this type of technology-driven surgery is poised to revolutionize the future of global healthcare. Remote and underserved communities could soon receive world-class treatment without having to travel—ushering in a new era of accessibility and innovation.