Susan L. Gearhart
Papers
4
Total Citations
67
H-Index
4
About
Dr. Susan L. Gearhart is a leading colorectal surgeon whose research centers on optimizing surgical outcomes for complex patient populations, particularly through the lens of minimally invasive and robotic techniques. Her work critically examines the intersection of surgical innovation and patient frailty, challenging assumptions about the universal benefits of robotic surgery. In a landmark 2020 study (27 citations), she demonstrated that frail patients undergoing robotic colectomies for colon cancer face higher complication rates compared to open or laparoscopic approaches—a finding that has reshaped preoperative risk assessment. Dr. Gearhart also provided a national perspective on minimally invasive proctectomy (14 citations), revealing improved short-term outcomes as surgeon experience grows, and explored the feasibility of robotic approaches in inflammatory bowel disease (8 citations). Beyond clinical outcomes, she has contributed to surgical education, notably investigating whether pediatric urology fellowship training meets practice needs (18 citations). Her work consistently bridges the gap between technological advancement and patient-centered care, ensuring that surgical innovation does not outpace patient safety. Dr. Gearhart’s research has become essential reading for surgeons navigating the evolving landscape of robotic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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