On August 25, 2026 Philippine urology achieved a historic milestone with the successful completion of the country’s first telesurgery robotic radical prostatectomy, marking a new era in surgical innovation and healthcare delivery.
Two Filipino urologists traveled to Shanghai, China, to participate in this groundbreaking procedure. Representing the Urology Center of the Philippines, Inc. (UCPI) were Hospital Director Dr. Perry Lantin III and UCPI Robotics Program Director Dr. Juvido Agatep.
The patient, a 73-year-old male diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, underwent a robotic radical prostatectomy with Dr. Agatep serving as the remote lead surgeon from the Medbot Command Center in Shanghai. Through advanced telesurgery technology the procedure was performed in real time across a distance of 1800 km.
The procedure lasted approximately five hours and was completed successfully. Communication latency between Shanghai and Manila was maintained at approximately 60 milliseconds, allowing for precise and seamless robotic control throughout the operation.
Ensuring the safety and continuity of the procedure was a highly prepared local surgical and anesthesia team headed by Dr. Samuel Vincent Yrastorza, together with Dr. Dennis Lusaya and Dr. Jun Dy. They were supported by UCPI’s dedicated fellows and residents—Dr. Rosauro Miguel Gran, Dr. Juan Bardelosa IV, Dr. Bren Oliva, and Dr. Michael Ryan Ho—who remained ready to provide immediate assistance throughout the procedure.
The local anesthesia team was led by Dr. Lorlyn Agatep, with Dr. Rachel Bulandoz providing additional anesthesiology support. Their presence ensured that the patient remained under continuous and vigilant perioperative monitoring throughout this groundbreaking operation.
This landmark achievement is the culmination of months of preparation, training, and international collaboration. Earlier this year, Dr. Lantin and Dr. Agatep attended the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) Telesurgery Conference in the United States, where they engaged with global leaders in robotic surgery, including Dr. Vipul Patel, and gained valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of remote surgical technology.
The successful completion of this telesurgical procedure demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and transformative potential of remote robotic surgery. For the Philippines—an archipelagic nation composed of more than 7,600 islands—telesurgery offers the opportunity to bridge geographic barriers and expand access to highly specialized surgical expertise, particularly for patients in underserved and remote regions.
This historic accomplishment further strengthens UCPI’s position as a leader in robotic surgery, innovation, education, and world-class urologic care. It reflects the institution’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies that improve patient outcomes and advance the practice of medicine in the Philippines.
As telesurgery continues to evolve, UCPI remains committed to pioneering new frontiers in healthcare and helping shape the future of Philippine surgery through innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
