Papers
7
Total Citations
111
H-Index
4
About
Marieke Rutgers is a leading surgical oncologist whose research has fundamentally reshaped the treatment of rectal cancer through rigorous comparative effectiveness studies. Her work centers on evaluating the three dominant minimally invasive techniques for total mesorectal excision (TME): laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal approaches. Rutgers’ major contribution lies in providing the first large-scale, propensity-matched comparisons of these techniques, demonstrating that robot-assisted and transanal TME can overcome the technical limitations of conventional laparoscopy, particularly in challenging cases. Her landmark 2021 study (57 citations) showed significant reductions in conversion rates and morbidity, while her 3-year oncologic follow-up (23 citations) confirmed comparable cancer control across all platforms. She has further extended this work to special populations, including overweight patients and those with transverse colon cancer, and has provided crucial cost-effectiveness analyses (4 citations). Her 2024 study on 5-year survival outcomes (10 citations) represents one of the longest follow-up comparisons available. By systematically generating high-quality evidence where none existed, Rutgers has given surgeons and patients the data needed to make informed choices about surgical approach, directly influencing clinical guidelines and practice patterns worldwide.
Research Focus
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