Emily Ortega-Goddard

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About

Emily Ortega-Goddard is a pioneering surgeon whose work is reshaping the landscape of minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction, with a particular focus on robotic eTEP (enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal) techniques. Her research zeroes in on expanding the boundaries of surgical candidacy, especially for patients with higher body mass indices who have historically been deemed high-risk for complex hernia repairs. In her landmark 2025 study, "Pushing the boundary," she meticulously compared complication and recurrence rates in patients with a BMI of 35 or greater against those with a lower BMI, demonstrating that robotic eTEP can be performed safely and effectively across this spectrum. This work, already garnering 3 citations in its first year, challenges conventional surgical dogma and provides crucial evidence for broader patient inclusion. By systematically analyzing outcomes in a traditionally underserved population, Ortega-Goddard is not only advancing technical precision but also championing equitable access to advanced surgical care. Her contributions are a vital step toward refining risk stratification and improving recovery for thousands of patients, marking her as a rising authority in the field of robotic hernia surgery.