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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


When Lithotomy was a procedure not a position: the case report of Jame K. Polk's bladder stone.

Journal Article Urology · April 24, 2025 In 1812 James K. Polk underwent a lithotomy procedure by Dr Ephraim McDowell of Kentucky to remove a bladder stone. Polk had an uneventful post-operative course and many years later became the 11th President of the United States. Lithotomy was a term initi ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Attempted Assassination of William H. Seward: Analysis of His Nonfatal Head and Neck Injuries.

Journal Article Ann Surg Open · March 2025 On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC. Booth's actions were part of a conspiracy by Confederate sympathizers to disrupt the US Government. The conspiracy also targeted Secretary of State ... Full text Link to item Cite

The Role of Sleep Apnea in Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorders Among Older Noncardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Journal Article Anesth Analg · January 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased dementia risk, yet its role in postoperative neurocognitive disorders is unclear. Here, we studied whether the severity of untreated obstructive sleep apnea is associated with the severity of ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications


Ohio State University · 1981 M.D.