May - June, 2024 | Marcio Covas Moschovas, Shady Saikali, Travis Rogers, Ahmed Gamal, Roshane Perera, Sumeet Reddy, Vipul Patel
The article explores the ethical implications of telesurgery in the era of medical innovation. Telesurgery, enabled by 3D imaging and high-speed communication, expands surgical possibilities beyond traditional operating rooms. While it offers humanitarian benefits in global healthcare, ethical concerns arise. The surgeon-patient relationship is challenged by the lack of direct interaction, yet telemedicine has increased patient-surgeon contact during crises. Dehumanization and objectification are risks as technical precision may overshadow individual patient needs. Patient vulnerability is heightened due to remote procedures, requiring informed consent and ensuring safety. Informed consent must include details about surgeon-company relationships. Legal and jurisdictional frameworks are crucial for global telesurgery to ensure patient safety and responsibility. Cybersecurity and patient confidentiality are also ethical concerns, as technology exposes vulnerabilities to attacks. The authors emphasize the need for ethical responsibility, transparent communication, and trust in the surgeon-patient relationship. They call for a harmonized legal agenda and investment in cybersecurity to ensure safe telesurgery. The article highlights the importance of patient autonomy, ethical responsibility, and trust in the evolving field of telesurgery.The article explores the ethical implications of telesurgery in the era of medical innovation. Telesurgery, enabled by 3D imaging and high-speed communication, expands surgical possibilities beyond traditional operating rooms. While it offers humanitarian benefits in global healthcare, ethical concerns arise. The surgeon-patient relationship is challenged by the lack of direct interaction, yet telemedicine has increased patient-surgeon contact during crises. Dehumanization and objectification are risks as technical precision may overshadow individual patient needs. Patient vulnerability is heightened due to remote procedures, requiring informed consent and ensuring safety. Informed consent must include details about surgeon-company relationships. Legal and jurisdictional frameworks are crucial for global telesurgery to ensure patient safety and responsibility. Cybersecurity and patient confidentiality are also ethical concerns, as technology exposes vulnerabilities to attacks. The authors emphasize the need for ethical responsibility, transparent communication, and trust in the surgeon-patient relationship. They call for a harmonized legal agenda and investment in cybersecurity to ensure safe telesurgery. The article highlights the importance of patient autonomy, ethical responsibility, and trust in the evolving field of telesurgery.