Michelle DeLeon

Jacksonville College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Michelle DeLeon is a colorectal surgeon and researcher whose work centers on advancing surgical outcomes for rectal cancer and diverticulitis through minimally invasive techniques. Her major contributions focus on the comparative effectiveness of robotic versus open proctectomy, particularly for patients at high risk of positive circumferential resection margins—a critical factor in local recurrence. In her 2024 study, she demonstrated that robotic proctectomy yields comparable surrogate cancer outcomes to open surgery, challenging traditional preferences for open approaches in high-risk cases. Her 2025 investigation into total neoadjuvant therapy followed by total mesorectal excision provides real-world evidence supporting this combined regimen at a high-volume institution, reinforcing its role in modern rectal cancer management. DeLeon has also explored robotic surgery’s role in treating diverticulitis, addressing the rising incidence of this condition. With her most-cited papers accumulating over a dozen citations, her work is shaping clinical guidelines and surgical decision-making. Her research is notable for bridging the gap between technological innovation and patient-centered outcomes, offering surgeons and trainees evidence-based insights into the evolving landscape of colorectal surgery.