Panama conducts first robotic gynecological telesurgery in the Americas

In a groundbreaking medical achievement for Panama, a 54-year-old patient in Chiriquí received a robotic gynecological telesurgery performed remotely from the City of Health. The procedure, more than 400 kilometers away, marks the first of its kind in the Americas, significantly advancing specialized healthcare access for patients in the provinces.

Dr. Miguel Cáceres, a gynecologic oncologist, operated the robotic system in the City of Health while a medical team at the Rafael Hernández Regional Hospital in Chiriquí assisted. The patient, a Chiriquí resident with a history of breast cancer, underwent the preventative procedure due to uterine polyps. This innovative approach aims to eliminate the need for provincial patients to travel to the capital for complex surgeries.

Specialists involved highlighted the benefits of robotic surgery, including enhanced precision, minimized blood loss, and quicker recovery times. Dr. Jorge NG Chinkee, medical director of the José Domingo de Obaldía Hospital, noted the patient's prior breast cancer treatment and the potential for more complex gynecological issues. Anneth Bonilla, a gynecologist at the City of Health, added that these procedures could shorten hospital stays and allow patients to return to daily activities sooner.

The medical team plans to conduct at least two such procedures weekly, gradually increasing the frequency. This pioneering telesurgery represents a major step in expanding access to specialized medical interventions across Panama, paving the way for regular implementation of these advanced techniques.