Joshua A. Waters

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana University School of Medicine

Papers

Total Citations

325

H-Index

About

Joshua A. Waters is a leading figure in minimally invasive and robotic gastrointestinal surgery, with a particular focus on pancreatic and colorectal procedures. His work has been instrumental in evaluating the clinical and economic viability of robotic approaches against traditional laparoscopic techniques. In his landmark 2010 study, "Robotic distal pancreatectomy: Cost effective?" (233 citations), Waters provided critical early evidence on the financial implications of robotic surgery, a topic that remains central to healthcare policy and surgical decision-making. He further advanced the field with his 2016 analysis, "Laparoscopic versus robotic colectomy: a national surgical quality improvement project analysis" (92 citations), which leveraged a large national database to compare outcomes, offering robust, real-world data on safety and efficacy. Through these contributions, Waters has helped shape the evidence base for adopting robotic platforms in complex abdominal surgery, directly influencing how surgeons and hospitals weigh the benefits of technological innovation against cost. His research continues to guide the evolution of minimally invasive care, making him a key voice in the ongoing debate over surgical value and patient outcomes.