Laparoscopic surgery allows patients to undergo minimally invasive surgeries with reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Because modern laparoscopic surgeries were introduced by Kurt Semm in the 1970s,[1] the development of laparoscopic surgery has been remarkable. In 1993, Rovetta et al.[2] reported the first telesurgery with robotic laparoscopy by means of satellite and optical fibers networks. Wireless laparoscopic surgery technology has since received extensive attention worldwide. However, the application of wireless endoscopic devices has been limited by the relatively low data transmission efficiency, which has restricted the rapid adaptation of this technology.[3,4]
The emergence of 5G technology has significantly expanded the application range of wireless endoscopy systems. The rapid development and widespread popularization of 5G technology have greatly improved the transmission efficiency of wireless endoscopic devices, enabling remote surgical procedures in real time.
There are many advantages of 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems. Telesurgery becomes feasible for patients who cannot seek care in distant higher-level tertiary care hospitals. Surgeons are also relieved from the physical and mental stress associated with traveling. Local doctors can observe high-quality surgical procedures, which are excellent opportunities to improve their skills. The 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy system also provides great convenience for emergency surgical consultation, enabling prompt and accurate surgical treatment. Economic benefits are another advantage of 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems. Traditional laparoscopic surgery requires expensive display systems, which are no longer necessary when using a 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy system. Patients can also benefit financially from these systems, as the cost of traveling to unfamiliar cities for surgical treatment is reduced.[5–7]
Despite the advantages of 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems, they also have limitations. The 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems have a relatively short working time because of the limitations of lithium-ion batteries. Tactile limitations are another disadvantage of 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems. These systems lack the ability to simulate the contact of fingers or laparoscopic instruments with actual tissue during surgery. The 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems also have limitations when it comes to assessing a patient’s overall health.
The use of telesurgery is rapidly advancing, but there is limited evidence of its feasibility in urology. Nevertheless, a recent study conducted in Qingdao, China, showed that telesurgery using a surgeon-controlled robot is a safe and viable option for patients with kidney tumors. The median round-trip delay was only 26 ms, and the distance between the primary hospital and the surgeon was 187 km. Both the master and slave units were closely monitored by network and mechanical engineers, and surgical assistants were well prepared to prevent complications.[8,9] This approach could potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of medical services for patients in remote places.
The 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems have the potential to revolutionize laparoscopic telesurgery. They provide many benefits and can significantly enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgeries. However, these systems still have some disadvantages, including short working time and tactile limitations. Further research in adapting state-of-the-art new technology and evaluating the safety and efficacy of these systems are urgently needed.
Acknowledgments
None.
Statement of ethics
Not applicable.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
Funding source
TFL and GL were partially funded by the Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 1R01DK124609. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Author contributions
GL, TFL have made substantial contributions to the concept or design of the article, contributed to the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the article, drafted the article and revised it critically for important intellectual content, approved the version to be published.
Footnotes
How to cite this article: Lin, G, Lue TF. Revolutionizing laparoscopic telesurgery: The emergence of 5G-assisted wireless endoscopy systems. Curr Urol 2023;17(2):82–83. doi: 10.1097/CU9.0000000000000187
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