THE POTENTIAL OF TELECOMMUNICATION IN SUR GERY

In contrast to telesurgery, telepresence involves only the audiovisual dialogue between the local surgeon and a remote expert; the latter, h owever, is able to actively monitor the operation by giving his judgem ent and recommendations. Under clinical conditions, telepresence may h ave the potential to facilitate intraoperative consultation of remote experts or even tele-assistance. Technical requirements consist of a s uitable telemanipulation device (remotely controlled camera and indica tor) and a high-duty communication system for real-time transmission o f the operating site and the control signal. A minimum of 2 Mbyte/s of transmission capacity is recommended