Special Interview with Prof. Shanu N. Kothari: One of the World’s Top 2% Scientists Recognized by Stanford University

On April 3, 2025, the Editorial Office of Mini-invasive Surgery (MIS, ISSN: 2574-1225) had the honor of interviewing Prof. Shanu N. Kothari, one of the world’s top 2% scientists recognized by Stanford University, and the past president of both the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Southwestern Surgical Congress.

Below are the details of the interview:

Q1. Robotic bariatric surgery has been gaining increasing attention in research. What are the key technological advancements in this field, and how do they influence the surgical decision-making process?

Q2. The indications and techniques for bariatric surgery are rapidly evolving globally. In your view, how important is interdisciplinary collaboration (such as with endocrinologists, nutritionists, etc.)? How will such collaboration drive the future development of this field?

Q3. Looking ahead, what do you believe are the most promising developments in minimally invasive bariatric surgery, particularly in patient selection, technology integration, and surgical methods?

Q4. As one of the top 2% of scientists recognized by Stanford University, your research has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the field of minimally invasive bariatric surgery. How has your research influenced clinical practice and the adoption of new technologies?

Q5. As Section Editor for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at Mini-invasive Surgery, how do you think the journal effectively captures the latest hot topics in this field? What suggestions do you have for the journal's future development?

Profile:

Prof. Shanu N. Kothari

Department of Surgery, USC School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA.

Prof. Shanu N. Kothari is a distinguished expert in minimally invasive metabolic and bariatric surgery, and currently serves as Chair of Surgery at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, he has dedicated himself to advancing both the clinical practice and technological innovations in bariatric surgery.

Prior to joining Prisma Health, Prof. Kothari established the bariatric surgery program at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he also initiated a specialized fellowship in minimally invasive bariatric surgery and advanced gastrointestinal surgery.

As a former President of the ASMBS and the Southwestern Surgical Congress and the incoming President of the Fellowship Council, Prof. Kothari has had a significant impact on the field both nationally and internationally. He has delivered over 300 presentations and lectures and published numerous peer-reviewed articles, actively contributing to global academic exchange and progress.

Prof. Kothari’s enduring dedication to academic excellence and leadership continues to guide the global development of bariatric surgery and inspires the next generation of surgeons to push the field forward.

Editor: Ivy Wang
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Mini-invasive Surgery