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Creating a Vision for Robotic Surgery in Japan

In the July issue of DOCTOR'S MAGAZINE, we focus on Dr. Osamu Ohori, the head of Tokyo International Ohori Hospital, who has been at the forefront of robotic surgery for prostate cancer in Japan. Dr. Ohori's commitment to advancing medical technology and improving patient care is remarkable and inspiring.

Growing up in Iwate under the guidance of his father, a urologist, Dr. Ohori was influenced by the challenges and opportunities he saw in healthcare. At the age of 23, he made a pivotal decision to shift his path to medicine, enrolling at Iwate Medical University. Following graduation, he honed his skills in a rigorous environment at Kitasato University Hospital, where he practiced urology before embarking on a life-changing journey to the United States.

While in the U.S., he faced language barriers and cultural differences but emerged victorious, publishing a critical paper on the efficacy of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, which became instrumental in advocating for its widespread adoption in prostate cancer screening.

In 2006, Dr. Ohori performed Japan's first robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at Tokyo Medical University using the da Vinci Surgical System. This groundbreaking surgery marked a significant turning point in urological surgery by drastically reducing the risks of bleeding and postoperative complications, allowing patients to retain urinary and sexual function post-surgery. His efforts led to the establishment of a standardized approach to robotic surgery that transcended departmental boundaries.

The significance of his work became even more pronounced in 2012 when insurance coverage for robotic prostate surgeries was introduced. Patients from across the country flocked to Tokyo Medical University, positioning the institution as a leader in this emerging field.

By 2019, he founded the Tokyo International Ohori Hospital, an institution now recognized for its rapid biopsy diagnosis and exceptional proficiency in urology, as evidenced by its ranking as the top hospital for robotic prostate surgeries in Tokyo, sometimes cited as the best in Japan.

As his career progresses, Dr. Ohori is not only focused on surgical innovations but is also determined to address the challenges facing Japan's healthcare system, including management difficulties, the shortage of successors, and the uneven distribution of medical professionals. He envisions establishing a robotics surgery center to help tackle these issues and believes in Japan's capability to set global standards in healthcare.

Dr. Ohori asserts, "Japan's operational power is unparalleled; if we create a conducive environment, we can undoubtedly become the best in the world." His unwavering dedication to advancing Japanese healthcare serves as an inspiration for healthcare professionals everywhere.

In addition to our feature on Dr. Ohori, this issue includes highlights from various areas of medicine. We also present a profile of Dr. Ko Okamoto, a specialist in infectious diseases who confronts hidden threats using expertise gained from experience in developing countries and the United States.

Other columns in this issue feature insights on managing aging patients, discussions on sleep health, and a visit to Agéo Central General Hospital, the only comprehensive acute-care hospital within the Saitama prefecture's central medical area. Every article centers around innovative practices and critical topics in the medical sector.

We encourage our readers to delve into the rich tapestry of stories shared in this issue, as we continue to showcase the profound impact of dedicated professionals in healthcare across Japan.