Dorthe Hartwell

Papers

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About

Dorthe Hartwell is a pioneering researcher in surgical ergonomics and robotic-assisted surgery, with a focus on improving surgeon well-being and patient outcomes. Her key research areas include the physical demands of minimally invasive procedures, the ergonomic benefits of robotic systems, and the clinical implementation of novel surgical platforms. Hartwell’s most impactful work, “Robotic Surgery Is Less Physically Demanding Than Laparoscopic Surgery” (2018, 76 citations), demonstrated that robotic-assisted laparoscopy significantly reduces musculoskeletal workload compared to traditional laparoscopy—a critical finding given that 70–90% of surgeons regularly performing laparoscopic surgery report neck and shoulder symptoms. This study has shaped conversations around surgeon health and the adoption of robotics. More recently, Hartwell led the first descriptive study on the Hugo™ robot-assisted surgery system for endometriosis (2023, 11 citations), establishing its safety and feasibility with no major complications. Her work bridges surgical innovation and occupational health, offering evidence that robotic systems can alleviate physical strain while maintaining procedural safety. Hartwell’s contributions are vital for students and researchers interested in surgical technology, ergonomics, and the future of minimally invasive care.