On October 21, the Chinese Navy’s hospital ship “Peace Ark,” currently on its “Harmonious Mission-2024” in Benin, successfully performed a complex kidney cyst surgery on a local patient using the onboard surgical robot “Hai Tu,” controlled remotely from China.

Around 11 AM local time, medical personnel aboard the “Peace Ark” completed a series of preoperative preparations, including anesthesia, patient positioning, and the setup of the robotic instruments. Thanks to advanced wireless network technology, the robotic system in Shanghai connected seamlessly with the systems aboard the ship. Urology specialists from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University took control of the robotic equipment from a remote console, utilizing 3D high-definition visuals to monitor the patient’s internal conditions in real time. The surgical team skillfully maneuvered the robotic arms from over 10,000 kilometers away to execute precise actions such as tissue separation, cutting, and coagulation.

The surgery was also broadcasted to the medical command center on the “Peace Ark,” where offshore medical experts observed the entire procedure on large screens. The operation was successfully completed in just over an hour.

According to Chen Ming from the “Harmonious Mission-2024” team, the surgical robot’s advanced control and remote technology allowed for high-precision operations, significantly reducing surgical risks and enhancing success rates. Throughout the procedure, the video feed was clear and stable, while communication between the remote and onboard medical experts was seamless and well-coordinated.

Prior to the surgery, the team anticipated potential complications and established emergency measures to ensure the operation’s safety and success. This marks the first deployment of the domestic ship-based surgical robot’s remote surgical module since the “Peace Ark” began its overseas mission.