Division and Department

Department of Urology


Tomonori HABUCHI, M.D.(Urology)

A Greeting from the Professor

The Department of Urology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, is recognized globally for pioneering basic and clinical research in genitourinary oncology (especially prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer), kidney transplantation, and laparoscopic/robotic urologic surgeries. In addition, the expertise of our department covers the spectrum of clinical urology, including genitourinary reconstructive surgeries, urinary tract infection, pediatric urology, male infertility and female urology. Mainly, we are currently working on developing novel molecular diagnostics and therapies for major urologic cancers using recent molecular biological techniques. In addition, we also are focusing on the better management of kidney transplantation, including the control of acute/chronic rejection and infection.

In treating genitourinary cancer patients, we emphasize multimodal therapies, including complex surgical procedures, systemic chemotherapies and immunotherapies, with careful attention given to quality-of-life issues. We are also trying to improve our outcome in kidney transplantation by pharmacogenetic and molecular immunological approaches. Our vast clinical experience and ongoing research have been presented at many international meetings and published in many international journals. Our publication list is visible at the following URL:
https://www.med.akita-u.ac.jp/~hinyoki/researcher/researchresults/index.php

Another clinical area of special expertise is laparoscopic/robotic urologic surgery - a minimally invasive surgery that results in shorter hospital stays, less discomfort, low complication rate and a shorter recovery period. Since the introduction of the DaVinci surgical system in 2012, radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, radical cyspectomy and pyeloplasty have been routinely performed by this robot-assisted laparoscopic technique. In addition, we have been performing routinely and safely the following urologic surgeries by laparoscopic procedures: donor nephrectomy, nephrectomy, radical and partial nephrectomy for kidney tumors, total nephroureterectomy, radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, orchidopexy, pyelo- or ureterolithotomy, and so on. Our minimally invasive approach has been providing epoch-making outcome and publications in various areas of urologic laparoscopic/robotic surgeries.

I believe that our department provides the highest quality urologic patient care available and that an ever-increasing number of patients will continue to benefit from the department's pioneering research and innovative clinical care in the future.

Staff

Professor and Chairman:
Tomonori HABUCHI, M.D.(Urology)

Associate Professor:
Shintaro NARITA, M.D.
Mitsuru SAITO, M.D.

Lecturers:
Kazuyuki NUMAKURA, M.D.

Research Areas

  1. Identification and molecular analysis of key genetic and molecular factors associated with genesis and progression of urologic cancers (Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, renal cell cancer, testicular cancer).
  2. Basic molecular and clinical analyses of urologic cancer progression associated with obesity, high-fat diet and the associated alteration of gut microbiome.
  3. Novel approach for reconstruction and regeneration of pelvic nerves involved in erection and micturition.
  4. Extensive robotic and laparoscopic urologic surgeries for kidney and upper urinary tract, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and other urologic diseases.
  5. Urinary reconstructive surgeries maintaining high QOL.
  6. Novel chemotherapeutic and immune-oncological approach for advanced urologic cancers
  7. Pharmacogenetic and pharmacodynamics studies on immunosuppressive drugs and anti-cancer drugs.
  8. Identification of immunologic and genetic parameters affecting the outcome of renal transplantation.
  9. Novel immunosuppressive regimens for high risk kidney transplantation.

Contact Information

Shintaro NARITA (Associate Professor), Mail: narishin@doc.med.akita-u.ac.jp

Mitsuru SAITO (Associate Professor), Mail: mitsaito@med.akita-u.ac.jp

Most Recent Achievements

See following URL link:
https://www.med.akita-u.ac.jp/~hinyoki/researcher/researchresults/index.php

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