Uma Duvvuri

University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Papers

Total Citations

334

H-Index

About

Uma Duvvuri is a leading head and neck surgeon and researcher whose work is redefining the surgical management of oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Her primary research focus lies at the intersection of minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotics, specifically in the field of transoral surgery. Duvvuri’s major contributions include pioneering comparative effectiveness research, where her landmark systematic review (258 citations) critically evaluated transoral robotic surgery (TORS) against intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for early oropharynx cancer, providing essential evidence for treatment decision-making. Beyond comparative studies, she is a driving force in surgical innovation. Duvvuri has been instrumental in the first clinical use of a computer-assisted, operator-controlled flexible endoscope for transoral surgery, a breakthrough designed to overcome the anatomical and financial limitations of traditional TORS. Her subsequent work (35 citations) further explored the potential of single-port, flexible robotic systems for laryngeal surgery, demonstrating improved access and maneuverability. Through these efforts, Duvvuri is not only advancing the precision of transoral surgery but also shaping the future of robotic-assisted head and neck oncology, making her a pivotal figure in the field.