Kaori Ukegawa

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Kaori Ukegawa is a pioneering clinician-researcher at the intersection of ophthalmology and surgical anesthesiology, best known for elucidating the ocular risks of steep Trendelenburg positioning during robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures. Her work has fundamentally reshaped perioperative care for patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), a standard treatment for localized prostate cancer. Ukegawa’s landmark 2018 study, cited 12 times, was the first to demonstrate that the prolonged head-down tilt required for RALP causes a significant, sustained increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), raising concerns about potential retinal damage. She extended this work in a 2019 study (7 citations) specifically examining glaucoma patients, revealing that even a single RALP session can accelerate retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in this vulnerable population. By directly linking surgical positioning to measurable structural and functional retinal changes, Ukegawa has provided critical evidence for modifying intraoperative protocols—such as limiting Trendelenburg duration or implementing IOP monitoring—to prevent vision-threatening complications. Her research bridges a crucial gap between surgical oncology and ophthalmology, establishing a new standard for patient safety in minimally invasive prostate surgery.