Melissa F. Perkal
Papers
2
Total Citations
12
H-Index
2
About
Dr. Melissa F. Perkal is a surgical researcher whose work focuses on advancing colorectal cancer care through minimally invasive techniques and addressing health equity. Her research primarily examines the comparative effectiveness of robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, leveraging large national databases to generate real-world evidence. In her most-cited study, she analyzed clinical outcomes from a major national database, demonstrating that elective robotic surgery for colon cancer offers comparable safety and efficacy to laparoscopic approaches, with potential advantages in certain patient populations. Her subsequent work critically investigates racial disparities in postoperative complications, revealing that while minimally invasive approaches reduce overall risks, significant inequities persist for Black patients undergoing colon cancer resection. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable surgical outcomes. Though early in her citation impact (with 9 and 3 citations respectively), Dr. Perkal’s contributions are timely and policy-relevant, bridging surgical innovation with social determinants of health. Her research provides essential data for surgeons and healthcare systems striving to optimize both technical outcomes and justice in cancer care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2