James W. Fleshman

Washington University in St. Louis, Baylor University Medical Center

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

James W. Fleshman is a pioneering colorectal surgeon whose career has been defined by advancing minimally invasive approaches to colorectal cancer. His research focuses on laparoscopic and robotic techniques for rectal and colon cancer, with a particular emphasis on standardizing total mesorectal excision (TME)—a critical procedure for optimizing oncologic outcomes. Fleshman’s most cited work, "Laparoscopy for Rectal Cancer" (2010, 26 citations), helped establish the short-term benefits and oncologic safety of laparoscopic-assisted surgery for rectal malignancies. He further shaped the field with his 2015 paper on standardizing TME from open to robotic and laparoscopic approaches (19 citations), building on Heald’s foundational work to ensure precise, reproducible surgical technique. His 2010 paper on laparoscopy for colon and rectal cancer (5 citations) underscores his commitment to demonstrating that minimally invasive methods offer superior patient recovery without compromising long-term survival. A key achievement is his role in advancing hand-assisted laparoscopy, which broadened access to these techniques. With a career spanning decades, Fleshman has been a leading voice in evidence-based surgical innovation, influencing how surgeons worldwide manage colorectal cancer.