European first: Landmark remote robotic surgeries performed from Orsi Academy to AZORG Aalst
On Monday, May 26, medical history was made in Europe with the continent’s very first telesurgeries. Two remote surgical procedures were successfully performed on patients at AZORG Hospital in Aalst, operated from the state-of-the-art training facilities at Orsi Academy in Merelbeke-Melle, using the Toumai® robotic system developed by Chinese company MicroPort.
These inaugural telesurgeries showcase the potential of remote surgery. “Remote surgery can bring high-quality healthcare to underserved or remote regions. This European first proves the technology is ready for clinical application,” said Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie, CEO of Orsi Academy.
The achievement was made possible through close collaboration between Orsi Academy, AZORG Hospital Aalst, MicroPort, and a pioneering team of Flemish robotic surgery experts.
”This procedure has been very important for AZORG and Orsi Academy because we are convinced that telesurgery is the future of robotic surgery. This is why we are happy to take on a pioneering role in telesurgery and also perfect and implement it.
Healthcare without borders
The day began with a robot-assisted prostate removal (RARP), performed remotely by robotic urologist Dr. Geert De Naeyer. Operating from the Orsi Academy training lab, he controlled the surgical robot without being physically present with the patient. On-site at AZORG Hospital, approximately 25 km away, was Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie, overseeing the procedure.
The second procedure involved a different specialty: a robot-assisted hysterectomy, including the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (adnexa). This surgery was performed by Dr. Emily Jamaer, also operating remotely from Orsi Academy, with Dr. Koen Traen present in the operating room with the patient.
Both surgeries mark a dual European first across urology and gynaecology, and represent a major step forward in the implementation of remote robotic surgery in Europe.
”I am extremely happy, this has exceeded my wildest dreams. I hoped for a delay of just under 100 milliseconds. But it was only 20 milliseconds. Incredible!
