An Overview of Dr. Michel Gagner from Dr. Jacques M. Himpens

As an invited author for the special issue "Minimally Invasive Treatment of Bariatric Surgery" overseen by Honorary Editor-in-Chief Prof. Michel Gagner, Dr. Jacques M. Himpens kindly submitted the chapter "A stroll through the history of laparoscopic surgery: Dr Gagner's contribution to this journey" to the Editorial Office on 28 October 2024.

Following Dr. Himpens's approval, this piece is published as news, fully preserving its original content.

Dr. Himpens's overview underscores Dr. Gagner's pivotal role in advancing the field, particularly through his pioneering work in laparoscopic and robotic surgery techniques. Dr. Gagner's innovations have redefined surgical standards and inspired practices worldwide. We deeply appreciate Dr. Himpens for this heartfelt recognition of Dr. Gagner's enduring influence.

Highlights of Dr. Gagner's Achievements

1. Early Career and Academic Foundations:

Dr. Gagner began his medical journey at the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada, followed by surgical residency at McGill University, where he cultivated his interest in gastrointestinal surgery. His fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic exposed him to early innovations in minimally invasive procedures, which laid the foundation for his groundbreaking contributions.

2. Revolutionizing Bariatric Surgery:

• In 1999, Dr. Gagner performed the first laparoscopic duodenal switch, demonstrating the feasibility of complex bariatric procedures through minimally invasive approaches.
• He innovated the staged approach to the duodenal switch, introducing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a standalone procedure—now a global standard in bariatric surgery.
• Dr. Gagner advanced the understanding of metabolic surgery, shifting bariatric procedures from mere weight-loss interventions to treatments addressing metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.

3. Global Leadership and Education:

Beyond innovation, Dr. Gagner has mentored numerous surgeons, organized workshops, and championed patient safety through standardized training programs.

4. Pioneering Robotic-Assisted Surgery:

His exploration of robotic surgery techniques has enhanced the precision and scope of minimally invasive surgery, ensuring its continued evolution.

5. Ongoing Innovation:

Dr. Gagner's current research includes the integration of AI and cutting-edge technologies such as magnet-assisted anastomoses, poised to reshape the future of surgery.

Dr. Himpens' Reflection

Dr. Himpens commends Dr. Gagner for his relentless pursuit of surgical excellence, stating, "It is difficult to talk about laparoscopic surgery without mentioning the merits of Michel Gagner. His visionary contributions have set new standards and will inspire generations of surgeons to come."

To read the full text, please click here: Link to Full Article

The Mini-invasive Surgery Editorial Office extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Himpens for this profound tribute, encapsulating the essence of Dr. Gagner's transformative impact on the field.

Editor: Irene Liu
Language Editor: Emma Chen
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully submitted by the Editorial Office of Mini-invasive Surgery