[Telesurgery--experiences from the USA].

Recent advances in telecommunications formed the basis for studies on the use of video and high resolution television for surgical teleconsulting. Experience from hospitals of the American Veterans Administration suggests the technology to be a valuable asset. Telesurgical techniques improve health care in remote areas, save costs by reducing the need for transfers, and ease the professional isolation of health care personnel. Clear recommendations for both primary care and referral centers about how to conduct telesurgical consulting are given in the text.