First Remote Gynaecological Surgery Successfully Performed in Indonesia
A tele-robotic surgery procedure in the field of gynaecology was successfully performed from the Operating Theatre of RSUP Nasional Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) Kencana, Jakarta. The surgery was broadcast live during the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Association for Gynecologic Surgery (APAGE), held alongside the 13th Annual Meeting of the Indonesian Gynecological Endoscopy Society (IGES) at the Jimbaran Convention Centre (JCC), Bali.
The surgery was performed over a distance of more than 1,000 kilometres, connecting the congress location in Bali with the RSCM Kencana Operating Theatre in Jakarta. This success is part of the development of minimally invasive and robotic surgery services at RSCM. Advancements in medical technology, including robotic surgery systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and telemedicine, are opening opportunities for hospitals to provide increasingly innovative, precise, and integrated services.
RSCM has previously developed robotic surgery technology across various medical fields. In 2024, the RSCM Urology Department successfully performed the first tele-robotic surgery. This technological development has now been expanded to the field of gynaecology as part of RSCM’s efforts to advance high-tech surgical services.
The tele-robotic surgery, conducted during the APAGE and IGES Annual Meetings, serves as a platform for utilising technology to support the exchange of knowledge and clinical experience among specialists. The event also demonstrated the capability of Indonesian medical professionals in utilising robotic surgery technology to perform remote surgical procedures.
The APAGE 26th Annual Meeting and IGES 13th Annual Meeting adopted the theme ‘Collective Brilliance: Elevating Gynecology Endoscopy through Shared Innovation’, covering various developments in gynaecological endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery, artificial intelligence, vaginal surgery, tumour ablation, and other innovations. The meeting was attended by over 800 participants and 140 international speakers.
The Director of Planning and Service Strategy Development at RSCM, Dr Bobi Prabowo, stated that the development of tele-robotic surgery is part of the transformation of surgical services at RSCM. “The development of robotic surgery in gynaecology is an important step for RSCM in expanding high-tech surgical service options for the public. This innovation is also part of RSCM’s surgical service transformation journey in responding to medical technology advancements,” said Bobi.
Meanwhile, Dr Herbert Situmorang, Sp.OG, who performed the procedure, explained that this was the first remote gynaecological surgery performed in Indonesia. “This robotic surgery is the first remote gynaecological operation carried out in Indonesia. The robotic system technology and internet connectivity used have met the requirements to support the safe execution of remote surgery,” explained Herbert.
In addition to Dr Herbert Situmorang, the medical team involved in the procedure included Dr Riyan Hari Kurniawan, Ferdhy Suryadi Suwandinata, Dr Hariyono Winarto, Dr Suskhan Djusad, and Dr Luther Holan Parasian N. The success of this tele-robotic gynaecological surgery is part of RSCM’s ongoing commitment to developing minimally invasive and robotic surgery services, strengthening its role as a national referral centre and an institution that is adaptive to medical technological advancements.