Sakae Okumura

The Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation For Cancer Research

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Dr. Sakae Okumura is a pioneering thoracic surgeon whose work centers on advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques—particularly robotic-assisted thoracoscopic and thymic surgery—and improving postoperative outcomes for lung cancer patients. His most impactful contributions include the development of the "confronting setting" for robot-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, a novel approach that enhances surgical ergonomics and precision. Dr. Okumura has also demonstrated technical leadership in complex reconstructive procedures, notably through his description of phrenic nerve interposition during completely portal robotic thymectomy, a technique that expands the reconstructive capabilities of robotic surgery. His research extends to health systems and quality of care, as seen in his work identifying key factors driving hospital readmission after lung cancer surgery—a study that addresses the growing economic burden of advanced surgical and oncologic treatments. With over 4 citations on his initial perioperative outcomes paper and additional recognition for his technical reports, Dr. Okumura’s work is shaping the next generation of thoracic surgical practice, balancing innovation with cost-conscious, patient-centered care.