It is now possible to use the internet to mentor and assist surgeons remotely and, with the aid of robotic systems, to conduct surgery remotely. Telementoring and telesurgery have the potential to improve the quality of care available to patients that live in remote communities where resources are limited. The authors of this Review discuss the different areas of telemedicine, their applications and associated advantages and disadvantages.
- Ben Challacombe
- Louis Kavoussi
- Prokar Dasgupta