Chinese hospitals are expanding the use of remote robotic surgery across borders, enabling doctors to operate internationally while patients remain in local hospitals.
At a control console inside West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Polish surgeon Piotr Suwalski guided robotic instruments more than 7,000 kilometres away in Poland.
The procedure lasted about two hours. A message soon followed through the system: the lesion had been completely removed.
“The procedure was smooth. The view was clear, and blood loss was minimal,” Suwalski said after the operation.
Expanding Remote Surgery Networks
On March 21st, West China Hospital of Sichuan University launched its international remote robotic surgery control centre. The facility is currently the largest of its kind in western China.
The centre enables surgeons to perform operations remotely while patients remain in local hospitals. It is designed to support cross-border procedures and multi-site collaboration.
According to the hospital, each operation is supported by a team that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, network engineers, and equipment specialists. A 24-hour response system is in place. If technical issues arise, the on-site medical team at the patient’s location can take over the procedure.
The robotic system provides three-dimensional, high-definition imaging, up to 10x magnification, and motion stabilisation to assist with precise surgical control.
The hospital began using surgical robots in 2015. The technology is now applied across several departments, including urology and general surgery. Remote robotic procedures have gradually become part of routine clinical practice.
Growing International Interest
China’s surgical robotics sector has seen rapid growth in recent years. Data from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products show that exports of surgical robots increased by 368.1% in 2025.
Hospitals say remote robotic systems can reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for complex procedures. In some cases, patients complete pre-operative evaluation, surgery, and post-operative care in local hospitals.
Overseas Doctors Visit Chinese Hospitals
International exchanges are also increasing.
At The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, a team of French surgeons recently conducted a five-day visit focusing on robotic pancreatic surgery and remote procedures.
The group was led by Raphaël Bourdariat from Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz. During the visit, they took part in ward rounds, observed several complex surgeries, and discussed clinical practices with Chinese doctors.
According to Bourdariat, his hospital performs around 140 pancreatic surgeries each year, including about 30 using robotic systems.
He said the team plans to explore the use of Chinese surgical robots in France and is considering future collaboration, including remote procedures and professional exchanges.
Remote robotic surgery is being applied in more clinical settings as hospitals continue to develop related infrastructure and training.
Additional reporting by Xinhua, CNS.
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