Prostate cancer surgery from another city? How a doctor operated 220 km away

A leading academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) successfully carried out a prostate cancer surgery on a patient located 220 kilometers away by remotely controlling a surgical robot through a 5G network, as reported by local media, as stated by Global Times.


The operation connected two cities in Central China's Hubei Province. While the patient lay in an operating room at Jingzhou Central Hospital, the surgeon was seated at a control console inside Tongji Hospital affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan.


Using high-definition endoscopic images displayed on a large screen, the surgeon guided robotic arms with extraordinary precision. Every movement made at the console was transmitted almost instantly to the robotic system performing the operation hundreds of kilometers away.


The successful procedure demonstrates how modern communication technology is increasingly becoming part of advanced healthcare, especially in regions where specialist surgeons may not always be physically present.

How the remote surgery actually worked

At the center of the operation was a robotic surgical system linked through a high-speed 5G network.


The surgeon, Zhang Xu, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, operated from Wuhan while monitoring real-time images from the patient's body. The robotic arms in Jingzhou precisely replicated every movement made at the control station.


Perhaps the most striking aspect of the procedure was the extremely low communication delay.


According to the report, the system recorded a network round-trip latency of just nine milliseconds. In practical terms, that means the time taken for the surgeon's command to reach the robot, for the robot to execute the movement, and for visual feedback to return to the surgeon was only 0.009 seconds.


To put that into perspective, a human blink takes roughly 100 to 150 milliseconds. The delay experienced during this surgery was significantly shorter than that.


Such ultra-fast communication is considered essential for remote surgery because even small delays can affect precision during delicate procedures involving nerves, blood vessels, and vital organs.

Why this matters for prostate cancer patients

The patient, identified by the surname Cao, was a 57-year-old man diagnosed with early-stage intermediate-risk prostate cancer.


According to Liao Yixiang, director of the Urology Department at Jingzhou Central Hospital, the robotic procedure offered an important advantage. The technology enabled surgeons to preserve urinary and other bodily functions through highly precise surgical techniques.


This is particularly important in prostate cancer treatment.


The prostate gland sits close to nerves and structures responsible for urinary control and sexual function. During surgery, surgeons aim not only to remove the cancer completely but also to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.


The ability to perform such precision work remotely suggests that specialized expertise could someday reach patients regardless of geographical barriers.

A one-hour operation with minimal complications

The surgery itself lasted approximately one hour.


According to local media reports cited by Global Times, medical teams in both cities worked closely throughout the procedure. Their coordination ensured that the prostate tumor was safely and completely removed.


The operation reportedly resulted in minimal bleeding and no intestinal damage.


These outcomes are significant because reduced surgical trauma often translates into quicker recovery times, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and an earlier return to normal activities.


The success of the procedure also highlights the importance of teamwork. While the surgeon operated remotely, healthcare professionals on-site remained essential for patient preparation, monitoring, anesthesia management, and immediate support if needed.


Remote surgery may rely on advanced technology, but it still depends heavily on skilled medical teams working together across locations.


Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on reports from local media as cited by Global Times. The information should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance. Individuals concerned about prostate cancer or any other health condition should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical care.