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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 caning of senator Charles Sumner: A review of his injuries and prolonged recovery.

Journal Article J Med Biogr · November 20, 2025 Charles Sumner was an outspoken abolitionist and Republican United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1851 to 1874. In 1856, at the height of the national debate about slavery before the Civil War, Sumner was assaulted in the Senate chamber by a Democr ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite
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Education, Training & Certifications


Ohio State University · 1981 M.D.