Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Hiroya Kitano is a pioneering surgeon and researcher whose work centers on the advancement of minimally invasive head and neck surgery, with a particular focus on transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and its application to pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. His major contributions include the first systematic evaluation of TORS using the da Vinci Surgical System in Japan, where he demonstrated its potential to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes without compromising survival. Notably, his 2015 study on TORS for pharyngeal cancer (17 citations) laid critical groundwork for the procedure’s adoption in Japan, addressing regulatory and technical barriers. Dr. Kitano also developed innovative tools, such as a polyethylene terephthalate glycol mouthpiece, to enhance surgical precision and safety. His work extends to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, where his early case series (15 citations) helped establish robotic surgery protocols in Japanese hospitals following national insurance approval. With additional studies on ultrasound-guided transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for metastatic lymph nodes, Dr. Kitano’s research has consistently pushed the boundaries of transoral approaches, offering patients less invasive alternatives with reduced complications. His cumulative impact is reflected in a growing body of citations that underscore his role as a key figure in the global adoption of robotic head and neck surgery.