Bridging distances and enhancing care: a comprehensive review of telemedicine in surgery.

Abstract

Telemedicine in surgical care has undergone rapid advancements in recent years, leveraging technologies such as telerobotics, artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostics, and wearable devices to facilitate remote evaluation and monitoring of patients. These innovations have improved access to care, reduced costs, and enhanced patient satisfaction. However, significant challenges remain, including technical barriers, limited tactile feedback in telesurgery, and inequities arising from digital literacy and infrastructure gaps. The rapid integration of telemedicine in surgical care necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its advancements, challenges, and implications. This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps, and highlight future research directions. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored telemedicine's potential, accelerating its adoption across healthcare systems worldwide. Despite these advancements, issues such as inconsistent reimbursement policies and challenges in integrating telemedicine into existing healthcare systems hinder its widespread adoption. Future research should prioritize the integration of AI, advancements in telepresence, and solutions to socioeconomic barriers to solidify telemedicine's role in global surgical care and enhance patient safety.