Denise E. Hilling
Papers
2
Total Citations
86
H-Index
2
About
Denise E. Hilling is a leading surgical oncologist whose research is transforming colorectal cancer care through rigorous clinical trials and a deep commitment to patient outcomes. Her primary research areas include minimally invasive surgery, intraoperative imaging, and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in rectal cancer. Dr. Hilling’s most impactful contribution is her leadership of the landmark AVOID trial (2024), a multicentre, randomised, phase 3 study that demonstrated how indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence angiography can significantly reduce anastomotic leakage in minimally invasive colorectal surgery—a finding with immediate, life-saving implications for thousands of patients. This work has already garnered 84 citations and is reshaping intraoperative decision-making. She also investigates the long-term effects of surgical technique, as shown in her 2025 Dutch cohort study comparing robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic total mesorectal excision, which addresses a critical gap in understanding HRQoL beyond one year. By blending high-level evidence with patient-centered endpoints, Dr. Hilling exemplifies how rigorous surgical research can improve both survival and quality of life.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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