Kristian Aquilina

Papers

Total Citations

138

H-Index

About

Kristian Aquilina is a pioneering neurosurgeon and researcher whose work sits at the intersection of surgical robotics and paediatric neurosurgery. His research has significantly advanced the understanding and clinical adoption of robot-assisted stereotactic techniques, particularly for some of the most technically demanding procedures in neurosurgery. Aquilina's most influential contribution is his 2018 systematic review and bibliometric analysis of robot-assisted stereotactic brain biopsy, which has garnered 94 citations and stands as a foundational reference for surgeons and researchers exploring the evidence base for surgical robotics. Complementing this, his prospective cohort study on robot-assisted brainstem biopsy in children — accumulating 44 citations — addresses one of the highest-stakes domains in paediatric oncology. Brainstem tumours account for roughly 10% of all paediatric brain tumours, and historically their surgical diagnosis carried substantial risk; Aquilina's work demonstrates how robotic precision can meaningfully improve safety and accuracy in this vulnerable population. Through rigorous clinical investigation, Aquilina has helped legitimise and refine robotic neurosurgery, offering both practicing clinicians and the broader scientific community robust evidence to guide decision-making in complex cases. His contributions are particularly valuable for trainees seeking to understand the evolving role of technology in modern neurosurgical practice.