Cristina Viola

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Cristina Viola is a pioneering thoracic surgeon whose research focuses on advancing minimally invasive surgical techniques for lung cancer treatment, particularly in high-risk patient populations. Her most-cited work, a 2025 study comparing outcomes of robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open lung resections in propensity-matched high-risk patients, has already garnered 3 citations, signaling its growing influence in the field. Viola’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that RATS offers comparable or superior perioperative outcomes to traditional approaches, even in patients with significant comorbidities—a critical advancement for expanding surgical eligibility. Her research directly addresses the challenge of balancing oncologic efficacy with postoperative recovery, providing evidence that robotic platforms can reduce complications and hospital stays without compromising cancer clearance. Beyond this landmark study, Viola has been instrumental in developing standardized protocols for robotic lobectomy and segmentectomy, helping to establish RATS as a viable alternative in complex thoracic oncology. Her work is reshaping surgical decision-making, particularly for elderly or frail patients, and her ongoing investigations into long-term survival outcomes promise to further solidify the role of robotics in lung cancer care.