About

Dr. R. Valero is a pioneering urologic surgeon whose research has fundamentally shaped the modern approach to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). His work centers on optimizing surgical techniques to maximize both oncologic control and functional recovery—specifically urinary continence and erectile function—for prostate cancer patients. Dr. Valero is best known for introducing and validating the “pentafecta” outcomes framework (79 citations), a more comprehensive assessment tool that replaced the traditional “trifecta” by incorporating patient-reported satisfaction alongside cancer control and recovery. He has made landmark contributions to nerve-sparing techniques, including the critical identification of the prostatic vasculature as a surgical landmark (92 citations) and demonstrating that cavernosal nerve preservation is a graded, not all-or-none, phenomenon (21 citations). His comparative studies on retrograde versus antegrade nerve-sparing approaches (69 citations) have provided surgeons with evidence-based strategies for achieving early functional recovery. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Valero has critically examined the challenges of implementing robotic surgery in public hospitals across Latin America (27 citations), addressing issues of sustainability and equity. His work has garnered over 340 citations, reflecting its profound impact on urologic oncology and surgical practice worldwide.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

8
H-Index
11
Papers
347
Total Citations
32
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
The Role of the Prostatic Vasculature as a Landmark for Nerve Sparing During Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
92 citations · 2011
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2012 (4 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 43
🏛 Institutions: Hospital Clínico Universitario de Caracas, AdventHealth Celebration, University of Central Florida, Cleveland Clinic

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago