Valentina Santamaria

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Valentina Santamaria is a pioneering surgeon whose work sits at the critical intersection of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and transgender healthcare. Her primary research focuses on advancing robotic and laparoscopic techniques for gender-affirming procedures, with a particular emphasis on reducing surgical trauma and improving patient outcomes. In her landmark 2014 study, "Robotic Single-Site Surgery for Female-to-Male Transsexuals: Preliminary Experience," Dr. Santamaria demonstrated the feasibility of performing hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy—a key component of gender reassignment surgery—using a single-incision robotic platform. This work, which has garnered 19 citations, was among the first to show that the enhanced dexterity of robotic systems could be applied to the delicate anatomy of transgender patients, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional multiport laparoscopy. By pioneering this approach, she has helped establish a new standard of care that prioritizes both surgical precision and the unique needs of the transgender community. Her contributions are not merely technical; they represent a profound commitment to expanding access to affirming, high-quality surgical care for all patients.