Indonesia has successfully conducted the first telerobotic surgery on humans in Southeast Asia. The historic procedure took place at Jakarta’s Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), marking a significant advancement in the region’s medical capabilities.
This surgery was led by a skilled team of urologists, spearheaded by Dr. Ponco Birowo. The procedure performed remotely via the cutting-edge EDGE Medical Robotic System, represents a leap forward in minimally invasive surgical techniques. The surgery was facilitated through a 5G network provided by Telkomsel, ensuring seamless real-time control of the robotic instruments by the surgical team, despite the physical distance.
Telerobotic surgery, which allows surgeons to operate on patients from remote locations using robotic systems, has been heralded as a transformative development in the medical field. This technology offers unparalleled precision and minimizes the physical trauma to patients, reducing recovery times and the risk of complications.
The successful execution of this surgery in Indonesia is particularly noteworthy given the country’s challenging geography, where many remote areas have limited access to advanced healthcare facilities. The potential of telerobotic surgery to address these challenges is immense, enabling patients in distant regions to receive specialized care that would otherwise be inaccessible.
The success of this surgery was no accident. It followed extensive preparation and training of Indonesian urologists who travelled to Shenzhen, China, in August 2024. There, they underwent rigorous training on the EDGE Medical Robotic System, ensuring they were well-equipped to handle the complexities of telerobotic surgery.
Dr. Ponco Birowo, who led the operation, emphasized the importance of these preparations, noting that the team conducted numerous trials with surgical props to guarantee patient safety.
Following the success at RSCM, plans are already underway to expand the availability of telerobotic surgery to other major hospitals across Indonesia. Facilities in Bandung, Bali, and Central Java are being prepared to adopt this advanced technology.