Karyn B. Stitzenberg

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Papers

Total Citations

182

H-Index

About

Karyn B. Stitzenberg is a leading surgical oncologist whose research focuses on the centralization of complex cancer care, the adoption of robotic and minimally invasive surgery, and its impact on patient access and outcomes. Her landmark 2011 study, "Trends in radical prostatectomy: centralization, robotics, and access to urologic cancer care," with 140 citations, demonstrated that the rapid uptake of robotic surgery was shifting radical prostatectomies away from low-volume hospitals, increasing patient travel distances and raising critical questions about healthcare equity. This work established her as a key voice in understanding how technological innovation reshapes surgical practice. Dr. Stitzenberg has also contributed to the advancement of rectal cancer surgery and evaluated outcomes of minimally invasive approaches for locally advanced lung cancer. Her research consistently bridges surgical technique, health services, and disparities, making her work essential for clinicians and policymakers. She is recognized for her rigorous population-based analyses that inform how surgical care is delivered and accessed in an era of rapid technological change.