Remote Robotic Surgery: A Milestone for Gibraltar

On March 4, 2026, a significant advancement in remote robotic surgery was demonstrated when Professor Prokar Dasgupta, a urology expert at The London Clinic, successfully performed a prostatectomy on 62-year-old Paul Buxton from London, while the patient was located in Gibraltar. The operation utilized the Toumai Robotic System, which features a 3D HD camera and four robotic arms, allowing Dasgupta to control the procedure from 1,500 miles away with a minimal lag of just 0.06 seconds. This pioneering surgery marks a notable achievement in the field of telesurgery, particularly for Gibraltar, where major surgeries typically require patients to travel to larger cities like London or Madrid.

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Paul Buxton, who has lived in Gibraltar for 40 years, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this innovative procedure. Initially expecting to join the NHS waiting list for surgery in England, Buxton opted for the remote operation, stating, “If I hadn’t gone for the telesurgery in Gibraltar, then I would have had to have flown to London... So I thought: ‘This is a no-brainer.’” Following the surgery, he reported feeling “fantastic” within days, highlighting the procedure's effectiveness and the convenience it provided.

The Guardian

The operation was facilitated by a high-speed fiber optic connection, supplemented by a backup 5G network to ensure a stable link between the surgeon and the robotic system. A local medical team at St Bernard’s Hospital in Gibraltar was on standby to intervene if necessary. Dasgupta described the surgery as a “milestone,” emphasizing the potential humanitarian benefits of remote surgery, particularly for patients in remote areas who may lack access to advanced medical care.

The Guardian

Dasgupta noted that the success of this operation could lead to broader applications of remote surgery, potentially saving patients significant travel expenses and time. He is scheduled to perform another remote procedure on March 14, 2026, which will be livestreamed to 20,000 surgeons attending the European Association of Urology congress, further showcasing the advancements in this field.

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While the procedure has been hailed as a breakthrough, some critics may raise concerns regarding the reliance on technology in surgical procedures and the implications of remote operations on patient care. The long-term effects and outcomes of such surgeries remain to be fully assessed as the practice becomes more widespread.

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• “It’s been a privilege to be part of medical history.” — Prof Prokar Dasgupta, Urology Expert

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• “A lot of people actually said to me: ‘You’re not going to do it, are you?’” — Paul Buxton, Patient

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• “I think it is very, very exciting, the humanitarian benefit is going to be significant.” — Prof Prokar Dasgupta, Urology Expert

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This groundbreaking surgery not only represents a technological triumph but also sets a precedent for the future of healthcare accessibility in remote regions.

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