Prof. Takemasa is a pioneering figure in colorectal cancer surgery, especially in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and robotic surgery, with over 3,800 MIS cases and 1,000 robotic surgeries under his belt. His approach to colorectal cancer goes beyond just surgical techniques; he focuses on multimodal therapies, preoperative strategies, and molecular biology research, with over 300 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
He holds significant leadership positions as an executive director of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery (JSGS) and the Japan Society for Endoscopy Surgery (JSES). As the chair of the JSES Robotic-Assisted Surgery Steering Committee, Prof. Takemasa is recognized as a key opinion leader (KOL) in MIS and robotic surgery in Japan, having introduced cutting-edge techniques like single-incision laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery, and taTME for colorectal cancer. He is experienced in a variety of world-first surgeries for colorectal cancer. He has been involved in generating evidence for robotic surgery for colorectal cancer and has served as PI in more than 20 clinical trials.
Surgical care in the Society 5.0 era for SDGs is expected to develop into digital surgery that comprehensively integrates robot-assisted surgery, AI and ICT, and other advanced technologies to practice precision medicine. He has played a pivotal role in advancing digital surgery. He introduced six advanced robotic-assisted surgical instruments at Sapporo Medical University, contributing to telemedicine and remote surgery initiatives. As an early adopter of telemedicine, he is heavily involved in Japan’s AMED Telemedical and Telemedicine Project, positioning himself at the forefront of global telemedical advancements. His work promises to transform regional and international healthcare through telementoring, telesurgery, and the expansion of telemedicine solutions.
