Papers
13
Total Citations
375
H-Index
10
About
Rainald Knecht is a leading European authority in head and neck surgical oncology, with a particular focus on transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and the management of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. His work has been instrumental in establishing TORS as a safe, feasible, and effective primary treatment for early-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), demonstrating excellent functional outcomes and quality of life benefits compared to traditional chemoradiation. Through a landmark single-institution series of 35 consecutive cases, he provided critical evidence on the completeness of resection and functional recovery following robotic-assisted surgery. Knecht has also pioneered the application of robotic techniques beyond the oropharynx, including feasibility studies for early hypopharyngeal cancer and robotic-assisted neck dissection, as well as transaxillary thyroidectomy—an approach that eliminates neck scars. His research on patient selection, decision management, and the timing of neck dissection has helped define best practices from a European perspective. With over 65 citations for his foundational work on TORS for oropharyngeal cancer, and a cumulative impact spanning survival analysis, surgical innovation, and intraoperative nerve monitoring, Knecht remains a key figure shaping the multidisciplinary treatment landscape for head and neck cancer.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1New treatment strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer67 citations · 2013
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- 10Die Entwicklung von TORS in Europa10 citations · 2013