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Theodore N. Pappas

Duke Surgical Innovation Distinguished Professorship
Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery
Box 3479 Med Ctr, Durham, NC
1131 Hosp South, Yellow Zone, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


RESEARCH: We have a long interest in understanding the importance of the volume-quality relationship for surgeons. In addition, we have done extensive work studying the impact of surgical trainees on the outcomes for patients. Our division is trying to fully understand the importance of robotic surgery to the future of cancer surgery.

CLINICAL: Our team has an extensive experience in aggressive surgical approaches to pancreatic cancer, including Whipple resection, subtotal pancreatectomy, laparoscopic and open pancreatic tail resection, laparoscopic/robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy, ablative techniques for the pancreas, and peripancreatic vascular resection. When clinically indicated, we employ less extensive pancreatic and duodenal operations, such as ampullary resection, duodenal resection, sphinceroplasty, and benign tumor enucleation.

We take care of every variety of complicated abdominal wall and diaphragmatic hernias, including flank hernias, paraesophageal hernias, recurrent abdominal wall hernias, abdominal mesh infections, and hernias associated with colostomies. 

Other areas of interest include stomach surgery (for ulcer disease or cancer), treatment of complications of pancreatitis, routine and complicated gall bladder disease, and inguinal hernia repair. 

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Duke Surgical Innovation Distinguished Professorship · 2009 - Present Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Surgery
Professor of Surgery · 2022 - Present Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Surgery
Vice Dean, Medical Affairs · 2012 - Present School of Medicine

In the News


Published December 14, 2021
Antibiotics Can Be First-Line Therapy for Uncomplicated Appendicitis Cases
Published June 7, 2018
Duke’s ‘Surgical Historian,’ Investigates Key Historical Moments Including RFK Assassination

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Recent Publications


The Role of Ligation in Portal Vein Trauma: A Historical Case Study.

Journal Article Am Surg · June 2026 Traumatic portal vein injuries are often fatal, with historical mortality rates as high as 71%. This report examines the 1894 assassination of French President Sadi Carnot as an early case of unsuccessful surgical management of a portal vein injury. After ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Capture and Death of John Wilkes Booth: Was the Right Man Identified?

Journal Article Am J Forensic Med Pathol · June 1, 2026 Despite the official account that John Wilkes Booth was killed by Union forces on April 26, 1865, alternative theories have persisted for more than 150 years. Several political figures, eyewitnesses, and even close associates of Booth upheld that he escape ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Education


Ohio State University · 1981 M.D.