What term describes a surgeon operating a robot without direct contact with the patient?

The term that accurately describes a surgeon operating a robot without direct contact with the patient is teleoperation. This involves using robotic systems to perform surgical tasks while the surgeon controls the instruments from a distance, often in a remote location. This method allows for precision and can enhance a surgeon’s ability to perform complex procedures, even when not physically present in the operating room.

Telepresence typically refers to a technology that allows a person to feel as though they are present in a location other than their true physical location, often through video and audio feedback but doesn't specifically imply remote surgical operation. Telemedicine focuses on the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients through technology, and while it can include consultations or follow-ups, it does not specifically pertain to the act of performing surgery. Remote surgery is a broader term that can encompass teleoperation, but teleoperation distinctly emphasizes the controlled operation of robotic tools without the need for physical presence alongside the patient.

Thus, teleoperation specifically identifies the operational aspect of robotic surgery facilitated through a distance connection, which is the crux of the question.