Richard Edlin
Papers
3
Total Citations
1,645
H-Index
3
About
Richard Edlin is a leading health economist whose research centers on the economic evaluation of surgical technologies, with a particular focus on colorectal cancer care. His most transformative contribution is his central role in the landmark ROLARR trial, the first large-scale, international, multicentre randomised controlled trial to compare robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. The primary results, published in JAMA in 2017, demonstrated that robotic surgery did not significantly reduce the risk of conversion to open laparotomy compared to standard laparoscopy. This finding, which has accumulated over 1,300 citations, fundamentally challenged the prevailing enthusiasm for expensive robotic platforms in rectal cancer surgery. Edlin’s work extends beyond clinical outcomes to rigorous cost-effectiveness analysis, as detailed in the ROLARR RCT report, which provides crucial evidence for healthcare decision-makers weighing the high costs of robotic systems against their marginal clinical benefits. By integrating robust trial methodology with health economics, Edlin has provided the evidence base for rational resource allocation in surgical oncology, ensuring that technological adoption is guided by value rather than hype.
Research Focus
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