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Semin Plast Surg 2023; 37(03): 217-222
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771301
Review Article

Remote Robotic Surgery and Virtual Education Platforms: How Advanced Surgical Technologies Can Increase Access to Surgical Care in Resource-Limited Settings

Youmna A. Sherif
1   Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Center for Global Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Mohammed A. Adam
2   Sudanese Consortium for Surgical Development, Khartoum, Sudan
,
Aimee Imana
2   Sudanese Consortium for Surgical Development, Khartoum, Sudan
,
Sarnai Erdene
3   Department of Surgery, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
,
Rachel W. Davis
1   Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Center for Global Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Advanced surgical technologies consist of remote and virtual platforms that facilitate surgical care and education. It also includes the infrastructure necessary to utilize these platforms (e.g., internet access, robotic systems, and simulators). Given that 5 billion people lack access to safe and timely surgical care, the appeal of these technologies to the field of global surgery lies primarily in its ability to eliminate geographical barriers and address surgeon shortages. This article discusses the use of virtual and remote technologies in resource-limited settings, the potential applications of these technologies, the possible barriers to their integration, and the impact these technologies may have on access to surgical care and education. Specifically, it will explore how robotic surgery, telesurgery, virtual education platforms, and simulations have the potential to be instrumental in enhancing worldwide access to safe surgical care.

Keywords

telesurgery - robotic surgery - telementoring - resource-limited settings


Publication History

Article published online:
30 July 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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