Craig Messick

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Papers

Total Citations

196

H-Index

About

Craig Messick is a leading colorectal surgeon and researcher whose work is reshaping how patients recover from minimally invasive cancer surgery. His primary research areas include enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), robotic surgical techniques, and telemedicine integration for colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Messick’s most impactful contribution is the landmark *RecoverMI trial* (2019, 78 citations), a randomized clinical trial that demonstrated how combining minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery with an accelerated ERAS protocol and telemedicine follow-up can significantly improve patient recovery and reduce hospital length of stay. This work has been pivotal in advancing patient-centered, cost-effective surgical care. Additionally, his influential studies on robotic proctectomy for rectal cancer (2016, 53 and 65 citations) have provided critical evidence on the oncological safety and efficacy of robotic total mesorectal excision, helping to establish robotic surgery as a viable and promising alternative to traditional laparoscopic approaches. Through these contributions, Dr. Messick has helped define modern standards for colorectal cancer surgery, blending technical innovation with rigorous clinical evidence to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.