Peter van Dam
Papers
1
Total Citations
50
H-Index
1
About
Peter van Dam is a leading voice in the critical evaluation of surgical innovation, particularly in gynecological oncology. His research centers on the intersection of health economics, surgical outcomes, and evidence-based medicine, challenging the uncritical adoption of costly technologies. His most cited work, a 2011 review on the costs of robot-assisted surgery for gynecological procedures (50 citations), argues that the exponential rise of robotic surgery is driven more by manufacturer marketing, patient demand, and surgeon enthusiasm than by proven clinical benefits. Van Dam demonstrates that robot-assisted surgery consistently costs more than traditional video-laparoscopy without offering superior outcomes in many cases. This seminal paper has shaped debates on healthcare resource allocation and surgical value. Beyond this, van Dam has contributed to studies on ovarian cancer management, sentinel node biopsy, and the psychosocial impacts of gynecological cancers. His work is essential reading for surgeons, policymakers, and trainees navigating the balance between technological progress and fiscal responsibility in modern medicine.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Are Costs of Robot-Assisted Surgery Warranted for Gynecological Procedures?50 citations · 2011