Hiroyo Kuwabara
Papers
1
Total Citations
6
H-Index
1
About
Hiroyo Kuwabara is a leading figure in the study of robotic surgery adoption and healthcare disparities in Japan, with a particular focus on urological oncology. Her work critically examines the real-world implementation of advanced surgical technologies, most notably through her landmark 2024 study on robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Using Diagnosis Procedure Combination data, she provided the first comprehensive analysis of RALP prevalence and regional disparities across Japan, revealing that while over 570 da Vinci units were operational by 2023, significant geographic and economic barriers to access persisted. This paper, already garnering 6 citations, has become a foundational reference for policymakers and surgeons seeking to understand the uneven diffusion of robotic surgery. Kuwabara’s research bridges health services research and clinical practice, offering data-driven insights into how high-cost technologies can be equitably integrated into national healthcare systems. Her work is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of surgical innovation, health policy, and regional equity in medicine.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1