Nova Szoka

Papers

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About

Nova Szoka is a pioneering surgeon-researcher at the intersection of robotic surgery, acute care, and digital health innovation. Her work primarily focuses on expanding the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery for high-risk populations, particularly patients with super obesity (BMI >50) and geriatric patients requiring emergency surgical care. In her landmark 2021 paper, "Robotic Subtotal Cholecystectomy in a Geriatric Acute Care Surgery Patient with Super Obesity" (32 citations), Szoka demonstrated that the robotic platform can overcome the unique anatomical and physiological challenges of conventional laparoscopy in this underserved population, offering a safer alternative for complex biliary surgery. More recently, she contributed to the SAGES white paper "Defining digital surgery" (2024, 12 citations), helping establish a framework for integrating artificial intelligence, data analytics, and connected technologies into the operating room. Szoka’s work is notable for bridging the gap between cutting-edge surgical technology and real-world clinical application, particularly for patients traditionally deemed too high-risk for advanced minimally invasive approaches. Her research has significant implications for improving surgical access and outcomes in an aging, increasingly obese population, positioning her as a key voice in the future of robotic and digitally-enhanced surgery.