Masaya Watanabe
Papers
2
Total Citations
35
H-Index
2
About
Masaya Watanabe is a leading surgical oncologist whose research focuses on advancing minimally invasive techniques for gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric and esophageal malignancies. His most significant contribution is the design and leadership of the MONA LISA study (JCOG1907), a landmark randomized controlled phase III trial that directly compares robot-assisted gastrectomy (RG) with laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for clinical stage T1-4aN0-3 gastric cancer. This protocol paper, already cited 33 times, addresses critical limitations of conventional laparoscopy—such as motion restriction and spatial perception difficulties—by evaluating whether robotic assistance can improve surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Watanabe’s work also extends to esophageal cancer, where he pioneered hand-assisted robotic surgery during the abdominal phase of robot-assisted oesophagectomy, a technique that enhances dexterity and safety in complex procedures. His research is shaping the future of robotic oncologic surgery, providing rigorous evidence to guide clinical adoption. With a career dedicated to refining surgical precision and expanding the role of robotics in cancer care, Watanabe’s contributions are instrumental in defining next-generation standards for minimally invasive gastrointestinal oncology.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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