Dessislava Stefanova

Papers

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About

Dessislava Stefanova is a surgical researcher whose work centers on improving outcomes for patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery, with a particular focus on post-operative swallowing function and the complex physiology of the gastroesophageal junction. Her most-cited study, “Evaluation of post-operative dysphagia following anti-reflux surgery” (2022, 17 citations), provides critical insights into a common and distressing complication, helping surgeons better predict and manage swallowing difficulties after fundoplication. Building on this, her work “Quantifying physiologic parameters of the gastroesophageal junction during re-operative anti-reflux surgery” (2022, 6 citations) advances the understanding of how the lower esophageal sphincter and crural diaphragm behave in patients requiring revision procedures—a technically challenging and understudied area. By applying quantitative, physiologic measurements to the operating room, Stefanova bridges the gap between basic esophageal motility science and real-time surgical decision-making. Her contributions are especially valuable for surgeons tackling re-operative cases, where anatomy is distorted and standard landmarks are lost. With a growing citation footprint and a focused research agenda, Stefanova is establishing herself as a rising authority in the subspecialty of foregut surgery, dedicated to making anti-reflux procedures safer and more predictable for patients.