5G remote surgery: The new era of 5G scalpels

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 1, 2024

Insight summary

5G remote surgery is transforming healthcare by allowing surgeons to operate on patients from afar using advanced robotic systems and a high-speed network. This technology enhances access to specialized care, particularly for remote and underserved communities, and is driving changes in medical education, infrastructure, and collaboration. It also presents challenges and opportunities for healthcare policy, security, and global health dynamics, prompting a reevaluation of existing systems and strategies.

5G remote surgery context

The mechanics of 5G remote surgery revolve around two key components: a robotic system in the operating room and a remote control station operated by the surgeon. These components are interconnected by a 5G network, which is crucial for its ultra-fast data transfer rates and minimal delay (latency). This low latency ensures that the surgeon's commands are transmitted in real-time, allowing for precise control of the surgical instruments. The 5G network's reliability and bandwidth also facilitate the seamless transmission of high-definition video and audio, enabling the surgeon to view the surgical site clearly and communicate effectively with the onsite medical team.

Recent developments in 5G remote surgery are showing considerable promise. The number of 5G mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 5.5 billion by 2027. This growth in 5G infrastructure is set to empower more hospitals to adopt remote surgery capabilities. 5G-enabled surgical robots are already being used for various procedures, including orthopedic surgeries like knee and hip replacements and specific neurosurgery procedures. These technological advancements are not just about enhancing surgical precision; they also open doors to unprecedented access to specialized healthcare for patients in remote or underserved regions.

In 2019, a collaborative effort between China-based Fujian Medical University's Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital and Suzhou Kangduo Robot led to the world's first animal surgery using 5G technology. Huawei Technologies provided the network support. Then, in 2021, a Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital surgeon conducted the first remote knee replacement operation. Additionally, this technology facilitated collaborative surgeries between doctors in different locations, as evidenced by a cardiologist in Kunming, China, who gave real-time guidance to surgeons in a rural hospital.

Disruptive impact

This technology could bridge the gap in access to specialized medical care, especially for patients in remote or underdeveloped areas. By enabling top surgeons to operate remotely, patients worldwide can receive high-quality surgical care without traveling to major medical centers. This shift not only democratizes access to specialized healthcare but also reduces the overall cost and logistical challenges associated with patient transportation.

For healthcare providers and medical institutions, integrating 5G remote surgery presents an opportunity to optimize resource allocation and enhance service offerings. Hospitals can collaborate beyond geographical boundaries, sharing expertise and resources more efficiently. This trend may lead to a new model of healthcare, where the physical distance between patient and surgeon becomes less relevant, allowing for a more effective distribution of medical expertise. Additionally, smaller hospitals in rural or remote locations could offer advanced surgical procedures, previously only available in large, urban hospitals.

On a governmental and policy-making level, adopting 5G remote surgery requires reevaluating current healthcare frameworks. Governments may need to invest in updating digital infrastructure to support this technology effectively, ensuring widespread and equitable access. Regulatory bodies will also face the challenge of establishing new standards and protocols to govern the practice of remote surgery, addressing concerns such as data security and patient privacy. Moreover, this trend could influence global health policy, fostering international collaboration in healthcare and potentially reshaping global health dynamics.

Implications of 5G remote surgery

Wider implications of 5G remote surgery may include: 

• Growth in medical tourism industries, as patients seek remote surgeries from top surgeons worldwide.


• Shifts in medical training and education towards remote and digital learning methods, accommodating the new skills required for 5G surgery.


• Surge in demand for high-tech medical equipment and infrastructure, boosting the medical device market.


• Changes in employment patterns in healthcare, with a rise in telemedicine roles and a decrease in traditional surgical positions.


• Increased need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare facilities to protect patient data in remote surgeries.


• Environmental benefits from reduced patient travel for specialized medical procedures, leading to lower carbon emissions.


• Potential widening of the digital divide, as advanced medical technologies remain inaccessible to regions with limited 5G infrastructure.

Questions to consider

• How might the widespread adoption of 5G remote surgery reshape the future of medical education and training for upcoming healthcare professionals?


• What ethical and privacy considerations emerge with using 5G in remote surgeries, and how should these be addressed to maintain patient trust and safety?