Nicole Fornalik

About

Dr. Nicole Fornalik is a pioneering robotic surgeon whose work focuses on expanding the boundaries of minimally invasive gynecologic oncology, particularly for complex and high-risk patient populations. Her major contributions center on demonstrating that advanced robotic techniques can overcome the traditional surgical challenges posed by morbid obesity and large pelvic masses. In her most cited work (2018, 23 citations), she showed that with dedicated teamwork and high-volume experience, robotic surgery can achieve adequate lymphadenectomy in patients with a BMI of 40 or greater, challenging the conventional reliance on laparotomy. Her 2017 perspective on uterus transplantation (15 citations) further highlights her role in adapting robotic platforms for novel, life-changing procedures. Fornalik’s technical innovations include performing robotic hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy without the standard Trendelenburg position, a modification that improves safety for patients with high BMI. Her case report on removing a 25cm pelvic mass robotically (2015) underscores her willingness to tackle extreme pathology. Through her work, Fornalik has redefined what is surgically possible, proving that robotics can deliver the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to patients previously deemed unsuitable candidates.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Can Teamwork and High-Volume Experience Overcome Challenges of Lymphadenectomy in Morbidly Obese Patients (Body Mass Index of 40 kg/m2 or Greater) with Endometrial Cancer?

   23 citations · 2018
2. 2
   Uterus transplantation: robotic surgeon perspective

   15 citations · 2017
3. 3
   Advanced Robotics: Removal of a 25cm Pelvic Mass

   2 citations · 2015
4. 4
   Robotic hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy without Trendelenburg position (BMI 36)

   1 citations · 2017

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links