5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery: Clinical outcomes, current challenges, and future perspectives
- VernacularTitle:5G远程机器人辅助外科手术的临床结局、当前挑战与未来展望
- Author:
Wenlong CHEN
1
;
Jiyong YANG
1
;
Yaling LIU
1
;
Zhuang ZUO
1
;
Changhao QUE
1
;
Li DOU
2
;
Yunjiu GOU
2
,
3
Author Information
1. The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
2. Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gansu Provincial People’s Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
3. The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China;
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
5G;
robot-assisted surgery;
remote surgery;
thoracic surgery;
therapeutic efficacy;
safety
- From:
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
2026;33(05):698-709
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
With the integration of 5G communication technology and robotic surgical systems, remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery is overcoming geographical barriers, offering an innovative approach to addressing the uneven distribution of medical resources. This study conducted a systematic literature review—using databases such as PubMed and CNKI, with the search period extending up to 2025—incorporating clinical studies, case reports, and review articles to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery (5G-RRATS). The analysis also examined current technological limitations and potential future development trajectories. Existing evidence indicates that, given adequate technical support, 5G-RRATS can achieve perioperative outcomes comparable to those of conventional local robotic surgeries across procedures including pulmonary wedge resection, lobectomy, and esophagectomy. Furthermore, it demonstrates potential advantages in minimizing surgical incisions and reducing intraoperative blood loss. Nevertheless, challenges related to network stability, latency control, interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and engineering teams, and legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations continue to hinder widespread clinical adoption. Looking ahead, the emergence of a "one-to-many" remote surgical model, combined with the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies, as well as advancements in low-orbit satellite communications, may enable 5G-RRATS to further advance precision and efficiency in thoracic surgery, thereby facilitating equitable access to high-quality care for a broader patient population.
