Handan Tokmak

About

Handan Tokmak is a leading colorectal surgeon whose research focuses on advancing robotic and laparoscopic techniques for rectal cancer treatment, particularly in complex male patients with mid- or low-lying tumors. Her major contributions center on demonstrating the superiority of robotic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision (TME) over laparoscopic approaches, especially after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. In her landmark 2019 study comparing robotic versus laparoscopic TME in male patients, she showed improved long-term outcomes, including better sphincter preservation and oncological results, a finding that has garnered 26 citations and influenced surgical practice. Her extensive single-surgeon experience, documented across multiple high-impact papers with over 40 total citations, provides robust evidence for the robotic approach's advantages in the narrow pelvic space. Notably, her 2020 report on 103 consecutive male patients highlights her pioneering role in standardizing robotic TME for challenging anatomies. Tokmak’s work has been instrumental in establishing robotic surgery as a preferred technique for rectal cancer, offering patients better functional outcomes and survival rates. Her research continues to shape guidelines for minimally invasive colorectal surgery, making her a key figure in the field.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Robotic versus laparoscopic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision for mid or low rectal cancer in male patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy: comparison of long-term outcomes

   26 citations · 2019
2. 2
   The long-term oncological outcomes of the 140 robotic sphincter-saving total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a single surgeon experience

   16 citations · 2019
3. 3
   Robotic Sphincter-Saving Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer Treatment: A Single-Surgeon Experience in 103 Consecutive Male Patients.

   12 citations · 2020

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links