5G-remote radical prostatectomy under novel robotic systems: a prospective comparative cohort study with local surgeries | Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases

Revolutionary Breakthrough: Remote Robotic Surgery Brings World-Class Prostate Cancer Care Across Continents

A comprehensive update for the Informed Prostate Cancer Support Group Newsletter

The Dawn of Transcontinental Surgery

The field of prostate cancer treatment has witnessed a revolutionary milestone with the successful completion of multiple remote robotic surgeries using 5G networks and advanced robotic systems. This breakthrough technology promises to democratize access to world-class surgical expertise, potentially transforming care delivery for prostate cancer patients worldwide.

The Critical Need for Remote Surgical Expertise

The geographic distribution of prostate cancer patients creates a fundamental challenge in modern healthcare delivery. While prostate cancer affects men globally, highly skilled robotic surgeons capable of performing complex procedures are concentrated in major urban medical centers, often thousands of miles away from patients who need their expertise. This geographic mismatch has created significant healthcare disparities, forcing patients to travel long distances, delay treatment, or settle for less specialized care.

Leveraging Surgical Expertise Through Remote Networks Remote robotic surgery represents a paradigm shift that allows a single expert surgeon to extend their skills across vast geographical boundaries. Rather than requiring patients to travel to centers of excellence, this technology brings world-class expertise directly to the patient's location. A surgeon in Cleveland can seamlessly operate on a patient in Abu Dhabi, or a specialist in Orlando can perform surgery on a patient in Angola, effectively multiplying the reach and impact of each expert surgeon.

Accelerating the Distribution of Surgical Innovation Beyond immediate patient care, remote robotic networks serve as powerful platforms for rapid knowledge transfer and skill development. When a surgeon develops an innovative technique or approach, remote connectivity allows for real-time demonstration and teaching to colleagues worldwide. This capability dramatically accelerates the adoption of best practices and surgical innovations, ensuring that advances in technique can benefit patients globally within months rather than years.

Training and Mentorship at Scale Remote robotic surgery also enables unprecedented opportunities for surgical education and mentorship. Experienced surgeons can provide real-time guidance to colleagues in challenging cases, effectively expanding the pool of skilled practitioners. This remote mentorship model allows for more rapid development of surgical skills in underserved regions, ultimately improving the global standard of prostate cancer care.

The convergence of advanced robotics, high-speed networks, and innovative surgical techniques is creating a new era where geographical limitations no longer determine access to the highest quality prostate cancer treatment.

Historic Achievements in 2025

The First FDA-Approved Transcontinental Surgery In June 2025, Dr. Vipul Patel at the Global Robotic Institute in Orlando, Florida, made medical history by performing the first FDA-approved transcontinental robotic prostatectomy on Fernando da Silva, a 67-year-old patient in Angola, Africa. The surgery was performed across 7,000 miles using fiber optic cables, marking the first patient of a groundbreaking human clinical trial approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to test transcontinental robotic telesurgery.

Cleveland Clinic's Remote Focal Therapy Breakthrough In another significant milestone, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi achieved a world-first in remote focal therapy for prostate cancer. While one physician was at the bedside with the patient in Abu Dhabi, they successfully transferred controls of a robotic arm to their colleague in Cleveland, Ohio, who then performed ultrasound ablation to destroy a targeted area of the prostate. Using MRI guidance that demonstrated a very clear target, the remote physician was able to seamlessly perform the procedure from beginning to end. As one surgeon noted, "After a while, I forgot that I was doing a remote surgery... It was if he was in the room sitting next to me." This breakthrough in focal therapy represents a new frontier in minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment delivered remotely.

World Records in Remote Surgery Distance Dr. Youness Ahallal performed an operation involving removing a prostate tumor over a distance of 12,000km, completed in under two hours using the Chinese-made Toumai Robot, achieving a round-trip transmission distance of over 30,000km. This procedure was conducted between Shanghai and Morocco, setting new standards for ultra-long-distance surgical capabilities.

Groundbreaking Research Publication A landmark study published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases in July 2025 by Ye et al. demonstrated the feasibility and safety of 5G-remote radical prostatectomy. The research compared 13 patients who underwent remote surgery (Tele-RARP) using 5G wireless networks with 31 patients who received local robotic surgery and 36 patients who had da Vinci Xi procedures. Remarkably, all remote surgeries were completed successfully without major complications, with outcomes comparable to traditional approaches.

The Technology Behind the Revolution

Beyond Radical Surgery: Remote Focal Therapy

While much attention has focused on remote radical prostatectomy, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has pioneered remote focal therapy using robotic ultrasound ablation. This minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to target and destroy specific cancerous areas of the prostate while preserving healthy tissue. The seamless control transfer between physicians in different continents demonstrates the precision and reliability of modern robotic systems for focused treatments.

5G Networks and Robotic Integration

The expansion of 5G technology has enabled some countries to conduct remote surgical procedures, tele-mentored and real-time interactive procedures on animal models, cadavers, and humans, demonstrating that 5G networks could offer a potential solution to previously experienced latency and reliability hurdles during the remote surgeries performed in the 2000s.

The Toumai Robotic System: Leading Innovation

The Toumai MT-1000 has achieved leading-edge techniques such as Force Perception, 5G Remote Operation, and a master-slave delay of ≤70 ms. As of October 2023, Toumai robots have assisted in over 1,500 clinical surgeries in nearly 60 top hospitals in 21 provinces in China, with over 80 explorations of 5G tele-surgery conducted.

The system boasts remarkable capabilities:

  • Force Sensing Technology: Provides real-time tactile feedback with 0.1N resolution
  • Ultra-Low Latency: Master-slave delay of ≤70 milliseconds
  • 5G Integration: Purpose-built for remote surgical operations
  • Proven Track Record: Over 250 successful 5G ultra-long-distance surgeries with a 100% success rate

Clinical Outcomes and Safety Data

Comparable Results Across Platforms

Recent clinical studies demonstrate that remote robotic surgery achieves outcomes comparable to traditional approaches:

  • Operative Times: 14 surgeries conducted at a center involved a master-slave distance of 52 km, with an average operative time of 83.3 minutes, an average blood loss of 23 mL, a conversion-to-open-surgery rate of 0%, and no complications.
  • Success Rate: All published studies report 100% completion rates for remote procedures
  • Complication Rates: No significant differences compared to local robotic surgery
  • Recovery Outcomes: Similar hospital stays and recovery times

Real-World Performance

At MMT Hospital in Georgia, the Toumai system successfully completed a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer in just 1 hour and 45 minutes, marking the 100th robotic surgery at the facility and making it the first hospital in the Caucasus region to reach this achievement.

Global Impact and Future Implications

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

Dr. Patel noted the "enormous" humanitarian implications, stating that "internationally, obviously, there's so many underserved areas of the world" that could benefit from this technology. Remote robotic surgery could potentially:

  • Provide expert surgical care to remote and underserved regions
  • Enable specialists to operate on patients thousands of miles away
  • Reduce healthcare disparities based on geographic location
  • Allow for emergency interventions in areas without specialized surgeons

Economic and Accessibility Benefits

The Toumai MT-1000 provides a notable financial advantage, making it an attractive option for both hospitals and patients, particularly in budget-constrained settings. The potential for widespread adoption of this system could enhance access to advanced robotic surgeries.

Market Growth Projections

China's surgical robot market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $38.4 billion by 2026, according to industry reports. This growth reflects the increasing adoption and confidence in robotic surgical technologies.

The Evolution of Robotic Prostate Surgery

Current Adoption Rates

Currently about 40% of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer elect for curative-intent treatment with radical prostatectomy (RP), more than 90% of which are performed with robotic assistance (RARP).

Technological Advancements

Recent developments in robotic surgery include:

  • Advanced imaging with enhanced 3D visualization
  • Improved instrument dexterity with multiple degrees of freedom
  • Integration of artificial intelligence for surgical guidance
  • Enhanced force feedback systems for improved precision

Future Prospects and Challenges

Ongoing Development

Robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer will move towards intelligence, promising improved patient outcomes and personalized therapy, alongside formidable challenges. Future developments may include:

  • Real-time virtual reality-based surgeries
  • Three-dimensional modeling of cancer lesions during operations
  • AI-incorporated robotic surgical systems
  • Enhanced telemedicine and remote mentoring capabilities

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

While the technology shows tremendous promise, continued research and regulatory oversight remain essential. Dr. Patel plans to submit data from the surgery back to the FDA for review in hopes of conducting more telesurgeries.

What This Means for Prostate Cancer Patients

Immediate Benefits

  1. Access to Expertise: Patients in remote areas can access world-class surgical expertise
  2. Treatment Options: Both radical surgery and focal therapy now available remotely
  3. Consistent Quality: Standardized robotic procedures may reduce outcome variability
  4. Reduced Travel: Eliminates need for long-distance travel for specialized care
  5. Emergency Response: Potential for immediate expert intervention in urgent situations
  6. Seamless Experience: Surgeons report that remote procedures feel identical to in-person operations

Long-term Implications

The technology may fundamentally change how prostate cancer care is delivered globally, potentially making both radical surgery and focal therapy available to patients regardless of their geographic location. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's successful remote focal therapy sets the stage for a future where geographical boundaries no longer limit access to excellence in healthcare, reinforcing their dedication to providing world-class expertise to those who need it most.

Looking Forward

As this technology continues to evolve, prostate cancer patients can expect:

  • Broader access to both radical and focal therapy robotic surgical options
  • Continued improvements in surgical precision and outcomes
  • Reduced costs as competition increases among robotic platforms
  • Enhanced training opportunities for surgeons worldwide
  • Seamless remote treatment experiences that feel identical to in-person care

The success of these pioneering remote surgeries—from full radical prostatectomy to targeted focal therapy—represents more than a technological achievement. It embodies a new paradigm in healthcare delivery that could benefit countless prostate cancer patients worldwide, regardless of their location or the complexity of their treatment needs.

Sources and Citations

  1. Pandav, K., Te, A. G., Tomer, N., Nair, S. S., & Tewari, A. K. (2022). Leveraging 5G technology for robotic surgery and cancer care. Cancer Reports, 5(8), e1595. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cnr2.1595
  2. Chen, J., et al. (2024). Application of 5G Remote Robotic-assisted Laparoscopy in Urological Surgery: A Small Sample Analysis. Urology, 197, 31-32. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090429524010628
  3. Ye, S., Peng, D., Zhu, L., et al. (2025). 5G-remote radical prostatectomy under novel robotic systems: a prospective comparative cohort study with local surgeries. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases.
  4. Pokhrel, G., Wang, Z., Cui, J., et al. (2025). Robotic urologic surgery using the Toumai MT-1000 Endoscopic Surgical System: a single-center prospective analysis. Translational Andrology and Urology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11732303/
  5. MicroPort MedBot. (2024). Toumai® Laparoscopic Surgical Robot. https://www.medbotsurgical.com/en/news/229.html
  6. Guo, J., et al. (2025). Intelligent medicine in focus: the 5 stages of evolution in robot-assisted surgery for prostate cancer in the past 20 years and future implications. Military Medical Research. https://mmrjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40779-024-00566-z
  7. ABC News. (2025, June 18). Exclusive look at groundbreaking remote robotic surgery: Patient was in Africa; doctor was in Florida. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/exclusive-groundbreaking-remote-robotic-surgery-patient-africa-doctor/story?id=122946197
  8. Legal Insurrection. (2025, June 25). Florida Doctor Uses Robot to Remotely Perform Surgery on Patient in Angola. https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/06/florida-doctor-uses-robot-to-remotely-perform-surgery-on-patient-in-angola/
  9. American College of Surgeons. (2025). Advanced Imaging, Robotic Surgery Propel Prostate Cancer Management. ACS Bulletin, 110(7). https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2025/julyaugust-2025-volume-110-issue-7/advanced-imaging-robotic-surgery-propel-prostate-cancer-management/
  10. American Urological Association. (2024). Robotic Prostatectomy: A Game-Changer in Prostate Cancer Treatment. AUA News. https://auanews.net/issues/articles/2024/february-2024/robotics-robotic-prostatectomy-a-game-changer-in-prostate-cancer-treatment
  11. News Bytes. (2024, November 27). How world's longest remote surgery was performed. https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/worlds-longest-remote-surgery-patient-in-morocco-doctor-in-china/story
  12. MicroPort. (2024, December 10). MicroPort® MedBot™'s Toumai® Robot Marks Milestone with 100th Robotic Surgery in the Caucasus. https://microport.com/news/microport-medbot-s-toumai-robot-marks-milestone-with-100th-robotic-surgery-in-the-caucasus
  13. Surgical Robotics Technology. (2024, December 11). MicroPort® MedBot™ Announces 100th Robotic Surgery Milestone. https://www.surgicalroboticstechnology.com/news/microport-medbot-announces-100th-robotic-surgery-milestone/
  14. MicroPort MedBot. (2022, June 11). Toumai® Completes the World's Longest-Range 5G Tele-Robotic Surgery. https://www.medbotsurgical.com/en/news/104.html
  15. Ficarra, V., et al. (2024). Upcoming multi-visceral robotic surgery systems: a SAGES review. Surgical Endoscopy. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-024-11384-8

This article was compiled from multiple recent research publications and news sources to provide the most current information available on remote robotic surgery for prostate cancer. For questions about specific treatment options, please consult with your healthcare provider.


5G-remote radical prostatectomy under novel robotic systems: a prospective comparative cohort study with local surgeries | Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases

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