Chinese doctors perform ultra-remote surgery on Beninese patient

(ECNS) -- Chinese doctors successfully removed a kidney cyst from a Beninese patient by remotely controlling a surgical robot on the hospital ship Peace Ark on Monday.

This marks the first time that a domestic shipboard surgical robot performed surgery utilizing its remote surgical module during an overseas mission with the Peace Ark.

The operation began with medical workers first completing the preparatory steps, including anesthesia, disinfection, and installation of robotic instruments. Lead surgeon Chen Ming initiated the procedures from the console, laying the groundwork for the core part of the surgery, which was conducted by another surgeon.

After the robotic system on the Peace Ark was connected to a hospital in China, Ren Shancheng, lead surgeon from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, observed the patient's situation in real time via a 3D high-definition display. He successfully removed the cyst by controlling the robotic arms on the Peace Ark after over an hour.  

Ren reported that the real-time video was clear and stable, and the robotic arm responded quickly and accurately. He also praised the seamless cooperation between the on-site team and the remote team.