Prof. Masatoshi Eto

Short Bio

Prof Masatoshi Eto graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University in 1986 and obtained MD degree. In 1988, he entered to Graduate School, Division of Medical Science, Kyushu University (Department of Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation) and obtained Doctor of Medical Science (equivalent to PhD) in 1992.
After his residency in Urology at Kyushu University Hospital and clinical fellow at various hospitals, he studied abroad at University of Pittsburgh for 2 years from 1999 to 2001.
After studying abroad, he became a lecturer at Kyushu University Hospital. Then he moved to Department of Urology, Kumamoto University as a professor and chairman in 2009.
From 2015 to present, he has been a professor and chairman of Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University. In addition, from 2018, he is a director of Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, and a director of Department of Advanced Medicine and Innovative Technology, Kyushu University Hospital.

Speciality and Research Field of Interest
1.Diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers
2.Tumor immunology
3.Urologic surgery (including laparoscopic and robotic surgery)

Recent advances in robotic surgery in Kyushu University

I will present 2 topics regarding recent advances in robotic surgery in our institute. First topic is surgical navigation (SN) system to perform robotic surgery more safely and efficiently. For the purpose, we have established a SN system during robotic assisted partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer where 3D model images in virtual reality are synchronized with real time endoscopic images. I will demonstrate the mechanism of the SN system and several real surgical cases to show the benefit of the system. Indeed, our results have demonstrated that the SN system contributes to postoperative renal parenchymal preservation, resulting in preservation of postoperative kidney function.
Another topic is our development of microsurgery robotic system. Microsurgery is a very delicate task, including anastomosis of small blood vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels with a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm, and sometimes it is a heavy burden for plastic surgeons. To reduce the burden, we have been developing microsurgery robotic system with the grant from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). Currently, we have succeeded in the development of master-slave microsurgery robotic system that enables anastomosis of simulated blood vessel with a diameter of 1 mm, aiming commercialization.