Wakako Fujiwara
Papers
2
Total Citations
19
H-Index
2
About
Dr. Wakako Fujiwara is a pioneering thoracic surgeon whose research focuses on advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques for lung cancer treatment, particularly through robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS). Her major contributions include establishing the feasibility and safety of robotic surgery for primary lung cancer, as demonstrated in her landmark 2017 study (16 citations), which provided crucial early data on procedural outcomes, learning curves, and perioperative safety at a time when RATS was not yet covered by Japanese national health insurance. This work helped lay the groundwork for broader adoption of robotic approaches in Japan. More recently, her 2025 retrospective cohort study (3 citations) offers critical comparative insights into thoracotomy conversion rates between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and RATS, identifying specific causes for conversion that inform surgical decision-making. Dr. Fujiwara’s research directly addresses practical barriers to implementing robotic thoracic surgery, making her a key voice in the ongoing evolution of lung cancer treatment. Her work continues to shape clinical guidelines and training protocols, with cumulative citations reflecting growing recognition of her contributions to safer, more effective surgical care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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