Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
04:01
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
A Pilot Study of Telerobotic Radical Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Cancer Using a 5G Network
Bing Wang1, Chen Li1, Zheng Wan1
1Senior Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Telerobotic radical thyroidectomy using 5G technology is feasible and safe for treating thyroid cancer. This innovative approach enables precise remote surgeries, improving access to specialized care in underserved regions.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Telemedicine
- 5G Technology Applications
Background:
- Global increase in thyroid cancer incidence necessitates advanced treatment options.
- Robotic systems are increasingly used in thyroid surgery.
- Fifth-generation (5G) communication technology enables remote surgical capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of telerobotic radical thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer.
- To assess the application of 5G communication technology in remote thyroid surgery.
Main Methods:
- Telerobotic radical thyroidectomy performed on seven female patients with thyroid cancer.
- Utilized 5G wireless and wired networks over distances of 22-2200 km.
- Analyzed clinical data and intraoperative network transmission parameters.
Main Results:
- All surgeries were completed successfully without complications or conversion to open procedures.
- Average surgical time was 91.3 ± 11.8 min, with minimal blood loss (11.4 ± 4.8 mL).
- Average intraoperative network latency was 137.5 ms, with no adverse network events; clear audio-visual feedback was maintained.
Conclusions:
- Telerobotic radical thyroidectomy via 5G networks is a feasible and safe procedure for thyroid cancer.
- Stable 5G networks support precise surgical maneuvers, ensuring a clear surgical field.
- This technology can extend high-quality surgical services to remote areas, optimizing resource distribution.
