James S. Tomlinson

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About

James S. Tomlinson is a surgical oncologist and researcher whose work centers on advancing minimally invasive pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgery, with a particular focus on robotic techniques. His major contributions include demonstrating the safety and feasibility of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients (≥75 years), a high-risk population traditionally managed with open surgery. In a propensity score–matched analysis of over 2,500 patients, his team showed comparable outcomes between robotic and open approaches, challenging conventional surgical dogma. Tomlinson has also critically examined the learning curves required to establish a new minimally invasive pancreas program, providing valuable benchmarks for institutions adopting robotic complex general surgical oncology. His 11-year retrospective study on robotic cholecystectomies at a Veterans Affairs hospital further underscores his commitment to improving surgical outcomes through technology. With over 13 citations across his most influential works, Tomlinson’s research is shaping best practices in robotic surgery, particularly for older, higher-risk patients. His work not only advances technical proficiency but also promotes equitable access to minimally invasive care in diverse healthcare settings.