Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Rie Makuuchi is a leading figure in the advancement of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer, with a career dedicated to rigorously evaluating and optimizing robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Her research focuses on the comparative effectiveness and safety of robotic-assisted gastrectomy (RG) versus conventional laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), particularly for early-stage disease. Dr. Makuuchi’s major contributions include leading pivotal clinical trials, such as the phase III MONA LISA study (JCOG1907), which aims to definitively establish the superiority of robotic surgery in improving outcomes for patients with clinical stage T1-4aN0-3 gastric cancer. Her work has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of robotic distal gastrectomy for cT1 tumors, with her 2015 phase II study and 2017 comparative analysis collectively cited over 100 times. Beyond comparative studies, she has innovated surgical techniques to enhance safety and visualization, including methods to prevent delayed gastric emptying and optimize the surgical view during complex procedures like robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. With a publication record that includes over 200 citations for her most influential papers, Dr. Makuuchi is at the forefront of defining the next standard of care in gastric cancer surgery, blending technical innovation with rigorous clinical evidence.