Surgical Procedures, Operative Commons^™

Relationship Between Exception Request For Higher Listing Urgency And Aggressiveness In Accepting Heart Offers, Jorim Parmar, Yingxian Liu, Devika Adusumilli, Luke Taylor, Shakir Al-Ezzi, Usman Khan, Claudio Bravo, Claudius Mahr, Song Li

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

BACKGROUND: Transplant programs may submit exception requests to upgrade a listed patient’s priority, often anticipating a higher likelihood of accepting marginal or high-risk donor organs. This study explores whether exception request status is associated with increased risk tolerance in organ acceptance.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), focusing on adult patients (≥18 years) listed for heart transplantation. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS/STAT 14.1. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic and clinical variables. Baseline characteristics were compared between recipients with and without exception requests. Primary analysis: Mixed-effects linear regression was used to …

Outcomes After Orif Of Closed Bimalleolar And Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures In Patients With Autoimmune Disease, Mckenna Box, Troy B. Puga, Lachlan Anderson, Alyssa Kozlowski, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Autoimmune disease is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, immunosuppressive therapy, and increased medical comorbidity, which may influence postoperative outcomes following fracture fixation. Data evaluating outcomes after ankle fracture surgery in this population remain limited. We hypothesized that autoimmune disease would be associated with higher postoperative complication rates following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of closed ankle fractures.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using a multi-hospital dataset (2017-2025) to identify adult patients undergoing ORIF for closed bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures. Patients with autoimmune disease were propensity score matched 1:2 to patients without autoimmune disease based on …

Surgical Management Of A Giant Colonic Diverticulum, Courtney Koplyay, Mason Workman, Michael Truitt, Muhammad T. Siddique

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

INTRODUCTION: Giant colonic diverticulum (GCD), defined as a diverticulum >4 cm, is a rare manifestation of diverticular disease with less than 200 reported case reports. CT imaging is the preferred imaging modality to identify and confirm the presence of a GCD, which provides an accurate depiction of the size, location, and contents of the diverticulum GCD can present with nonspecific abdominal symptoms, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or an enlarging mass. Given the risk of serious complications, including diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, and perforation, early recognition and management are essential to prevent further complications. Surgical management with diverticulectomy or partial colectomy is …

Association Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Use With Postoperative Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair In Patients With Diabetes: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis, Mckenna W. Box, Troy B. Puga, Hans Drawbert, Aysu Erdemir, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background Diabetes impairs tendon healing after rotator cuff repair (RCR), with early postoperative poor glycemic control linked to a higher failure risk in studies. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used for glycemic control. Preclinical studies indicate that GLP-1RA may benefit rotator cuff healing through anti-inflammatory mechanisms as well. However, real-world data on the effects of GLP-1RAs on RCR outcomes remain incompletely understood.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using an institutional dataset (01/01/2016 to 09/30/2024) of adults aged 18-74 years with type 2 diabetes who underwent RCR. GLP-1RA exposure was established by home medication lists. Patients with autoimmune …

Biologic Versus Non-Biologic Immunosuppressant Use And Outcomes After Orif Of Closed Ankle Fractures: A Propensity-Matched Analysis, Mckenna W. Box, Troy B. Puga, Lachlan Anderson, Alyssa Kozlowski, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: The effect of biologic immunosuppressant therapy on postoperative outcomes following ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) remains unclear, and concerns regarding infection and impaired healing often influence perioperative decision-making. We hypothesized that biologic immunosuppressant use would be associated with higher rates of postoperative complications following ORIF of closed ankle fractures compared with non-biologic immunosuppressant therapy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a multi-hospital administrative dataset (2017-2025) to identify adult patients undergoing ORIF for closed bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures who were prescribed immunosuppressive therapy. Patients were categorized based on biologic versus non-biologic immunosuppressant use. A …

Efficacy And Outcomes Of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (Orc) In Total Joint Arthroplasty (Tja): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jenna Chrabolowski, Troy B. Puga, Abanoub Attalah, Kyle P. O'Connor, Mckenna W. Box, Ashley Stovall, Michael Muncy, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction Intraoperative and postoperative blood loss is a major concern and challenge for surgeons in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Patients with large blood loss can develop postoperative anemia and associated complications. Novel hemostatic agents, such as oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) have grown in popularity as intraoperative hemostatic adjuncts. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of ORC for intraoperative and postoperative blood loss.

Methods A search was conducted across MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility for inclusion criteria. Full texts were screened and …

Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants And Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems: Integrated Strategies For Bone Loss Treatment With Cytocompatibility Evaluation, Lucas José Martinho Bizuti

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis intends to investigate the development of different multimodal therapeutic strategies for combating bone loss. Most specifically, this paper will emphasize the utilization of Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants (MMNC) and Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems as options for future treatment focus. The effects of biodegradable magnesium implants were evaluated for cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility via Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson’s Trichrome staining, as well as radiological images. The Nanobubble-Based Delivery System is being developed and optimized as a delivery system to target osteoclast activity. This paper focused on optimizing experimental parameters, which include Rotational speeds for nanobubble stimulation under microgravity conditions …

The Impact Of Gastric Sleeve And Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass On Chief Cell Function And Protein Digestion In Obese Patients, Garikoitz Mikel Gainza

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Obesity has become one of the largest global health concerns of the 21^st century, correlating with numerous associated diseases. To help address the growing prevalence and burden of obesity, sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have become two commonly performed surgical procedures done to promote weight loss by altering the anatomical structure of the stomach and surrounding organs of the gastrointestinal system. Although the benefits of improved metabolism linked to these surgical procedures are well studied, their impact on the physiology of gastric cells, and more specifically chief cells as they relate to protein digestion post-surgery, is yet to …

Esophageal Stents: How High Can You Go? A Traumatic Injury Treated With High Esophageal Stent Placement, John W. Surbeck, Anthony P. Melillo, James S. Scott

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Opioid Prescribing Patterns Following Isolated Trigger Finger Release: A Single-Institution Quality Improvement Study, Brandalynn Mathis, Robert Garner, Cameron Sprong, Mark Gamadia, Alan Cornett, Steven Smith

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Implications Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonist Semaglutide For Hysterectomy Outcomes, Tess Branstetter, Megan Foster, Abbey Fritzel, Kimberly Swan, Alyssa Kozlowski, Jeffrey Durbin, Jordan Martin, Kari Nilsen

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Case Report: Spontaneous Gastric Intramural Hematoma With Intramural Dissection, Pedro De Castro, Rachel Steffes, John Surbeck, Anthony Melillo, Vince Narciso, Mohsin Soliman

MidAmerica Division GME Healthcare Symposium 2026

No abstract provided.

Call Surgery First: Impact Of A Decision Aid Tool For Common Bile Duct (Cbd) Stones, Eleah Porter, Matthew Daniel, Zachery Hensel, Saptarshi Biswas, Andrew Pearson, Wesley Vosburg, B Fernando Santos

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Pants On Fire: Open Surgical Repair Of A Strangulated Pantaloon Hernia With A Multi-Mesh Reconstruction, Carolyn Dudko, Saptarshi Biswas

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis To Medihoney Gel After Mastectomy: Role Of Alkyl Glucoside Sensitization In Chronic Wounds, Madison M. Taylor, Jordan L. Jafarnia, Austin Black, Kelly C. Nelson, Megan N. Rogge

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Outcomes Of Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix In Complex Lower Extremity Wound From Necrotizing Fasciitis, Christian B. Allen, Andres Toledo, Ryan Dennett, Brogan Hill, John Harker, Richard Crank

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Wernicke Encephalopathy Following Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case Highlighting The Critical Role Of Vitamin Adherence And Intensive Rehabilitation., Srikrishna Karnatapu, Neha Garg, Arjun Panicker, Francois Du Toit, Chamonix Kinimaka

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Redefining Resectability In Pancreatic Cancer: A Modified Appleby And Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy Procedure With Concomitant Left Lateral Sectionectomy In A Patient With Replaced Right And Left Hepatic Arteries, Monica Sciturro, Nada Belal, Jamii St. Julien

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Case Report: Primary Recurrent Gallstones Following Cholecystectomy, Gabriel Noguera, Nimal Patel

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

A Single-Center, Retrospective Analysis Of The Safety And Efficacy Of Disc Tissue Allograft Supplementation For Discogenic Axial Low Back Pain, Nomen Azeem, Ali Amirzadeh

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

From Peg To Perfusion: A Case Of Malnutrition Reversed By Mesenteric Revascularization, Sacha Saba, Mahi Basra, Alvin Newman Caro, Vikas Sethi, Marc Kudelko

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Case Report: Unique Presentation Of Mediastinal Mullerian Duct Cyst Developing Alongside Bronchial Cyst, Julia Dane, Stephanie Ngom Morris, Vaughan Marr, Bryan Steinberg

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Massive Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Robot-Assisted Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Case Report, Alia Valdez, Isabella Sciacca, Charmaine Oladell

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background Subcutaneous emphysema is the presence of air within subcutaneous tissues, often presenting as swelling and palpable crepitus. Air may spread along fascial planes and arise from traumatic, iatrogenic, infectious, or spontaneous sources. In laparoscopic surgery, it is most commonly related to carbon dioxide insufflation. Reported incidence following laparoscopic procedures ranges from 2% to 24%, depending on procedure type, surgical duration, insufflation pressure, and patient factors. In gynecologic laparoscopy, incidence has been reported as low as 2.3% in some studies, with rates up to 10–15% in others, particularly with higher intraabdominal pressures. Although often benign, extensive subcutaneous emphysema may lead …

Salvage Percutaneous Spyglass-Assisted Lithotripsy Via A Cholecystostomy Tract After Failed Ercp: A Case Report, Nicholas Gerden, Tiffany Hong, Asad Rehman, Long Hoang

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

IR-driven percutaneous cholangioscopy with SpyGlass-assisted lithotripsy is an emerging salvage technique for biliary stone disease in patients with failed or contraindicated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to complex anatomy. We report an 85-year-old patient with an indwelling cholecystostomy tube and biliary stent who presented with recurrent obstructive jaundice, with cholangiography demonstrating occlusion of the common bile duct stent due to choledocholithiasis. Conventional ERCP was unsuccessful because of complex biliary and gastrointestinal anatomy. A multidisciplinary interventional radiology–gastroenterology approach was therefore pursued, utilizing antegrade percutaneous choledochoscopy through an existing cholecystostomy tract with SpyGlass-assisted lithotripsy, followed by cholecystostomy tube exchange. The procedure resulted …

Use Of Preoperative Chlorhexidine Scrub In Prevention Of Groin Surgical Site Infections, Enoch Wong, Pranay Arora, Hunter Knight, Carissa Lucero, Edic Stephanian

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) following groin exposure in vascular surgery are associated with significant morbidity, prolonged hospital length of stay, and increased healthcare costs. The groin is particularly susceptible to infection due to local skin flora and moisture, with studies demonstrating higher infection rates compared to other vascular operative sites (1). Despite standard perioperative infection prevention measures in the operating room, SSI rates following groin exposure remain unacceptably high. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce groin SSI rates through the implementation of a standardized preoperative chlorhexidine-based scrub protocol.

Methods: A single-center QI initiative was evaluated using a …

Antibody-Mediated Allograft Rejection 23 Years After Heart Transplant, Jorim Parmar, Boney Lapsiwala, Devika Adusumilli, Sienna Luk, Nguyen Dung, Song Li, Kamala Tamirisa

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

INTRODUCTION: Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) remains the gold standard treatment for patients with advanced heart failure refractory to optimal medical and device-based therapies. Despite advances in perioperative management, immunosuppressive regimens, and long-term surveillance protocols, graft rejection remains a major determinant of post-transplant morbidity and mortality [1]. We report a case, representing one of the longest documented intervals in literature, of suspected antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) occurring 23 years after heart transplantation in which conventional endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) could not be successfully performed. This case highlights the diagnostic uncertainty associated with very late AMR and underscores the potential role of clinical presentation, …

Effects Of Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (Glp-1a) Medications In Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty (Tha): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Tanner Haechten, Troy B. Puga, Vincent Dieu, Mckenna W. Box, Kyle O'Connor, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Background Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1a) medications have rapidly grown in popularity, however, their effects on the outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) remain largely unclear. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing THA and using a GLP-1a medication. Methods A search was conducted across six databases. The search used a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility for inclusion criteria. Full texts were screened and included if they met eligibility criteria. Demographics and results of the studies were extracted from included articles. …

Outcomes Of Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka) In Patients On Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (Glp-1a): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lachlan Anderson, Troy B. Puga, Erica Olfson, Kyle P. O'Connor, Mckenna W. Box, John T. Riehl

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1a) medications are commonly prescribed to treat diabetes and obesity, however, their effects on the outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) remain largely unclear. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing TKA while using a GLP-1a medication.

Methods A search was conducted across MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The search used a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility. Full texts were then screened and included if they met eligibility criteria. Demographics and …

A Rare Case Of Successful Resolution Of Bifurcation Stenosis Using Double Kissing Crush Stenting Technique, Greeshma Molugu, Tony Alacron, Karthik Anand, Machaiah Madhrira

North Texas GME Research Forum 2026

Introduction: Bifurcation lesions are associated with greater procedural complexity and consequently are at higher risk for stent restenosis. Bifurcation lesions are still technically challenging even in the era of modern stents. High incidence of restenosis both in the main vesseI and side branch Iimits the Iong-term prognosis. We present a rare case of successful resolution of bifurcation stenosis in a patient by using the double kissing (DK) crush stenting technique.

Case Description: A 52-year-old male patient with a past medical history of hypertension presented to the hospital for elective left heart catheterization as a part of an evaluation for a …

Trapped Beyond The Wall: Gastric Outlet Obstruction From A Ventral Hernia, Complicated By Ischemia And Hemorrhage, Carolyn Dudko, Saptarshi Biswas

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.