Valentine N Nfonsam

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Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Chapters

• Nfonsam, V. N., Leigh, A., & Neumayer, L. A. (2016). Surgical Practice Management. In ACS Surgery/Scientific American Surgery..
• Bernstein, C., Prasad, A., Nfonsam, V. N., & Bernstein, H. (2013). DNA Damage, DNA Repair and Cancer. In New Research Directions in DNA Repair(pp 413-465). In Tech Web.

Journals/Publications

• Driesen, A. M., Romero Arenas, M. A., Arora, T. K., Tang, A., Nfonsam, V. N., O'Grady, C. L., Riall, T. S., & Morris-Wiseman, L. F. (2020). Do General Surgery Residency Program Websites Feature Diversity?. Journal of surgical education.
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  This study assesses ways in which General Surgery residency program websites demonstrate diversity.
• Ewongwo, A., Hamidi, M., Alattar, Z., Ayotunde, O. P., Tiwari, H. A., Elquza, E., Scott, A., Hanna, K., & Nfonsam, V. (2020). Contributing factors and short-term surgical outcomes of patients with early-onset rectal cancer. American journal of surgery, 219(4), 578-582.
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  The aim of this study was to evaluate patient factors that contribute to increased incidence of early onset rectal cancer and analyze the short-term surgical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery.
• Ewongwo, A., Nfonsam, V. N., Omesiete, P., Matthews, P., & Choudhury, N. (2020). Coloarticular Fistula: A Rare but Potentially Fatal Complication. Clinical Oncology and Research, 3(1), 1-3. doi:10.31487/j.COR.2020.01.08
• Fujii, T., Yamaskai, Y., Saito, N., Sawada, M., Narita, R., Saito, T., Durko, H. L., Rice, P. F., Hutchens, G. V., Dominguez-Cooks, J., Thurgood, H. T., Chandra, S., Nfonsam, V. N., & Barton, J. K. (2020). Polarization characteristics of dark-field microscopic images of human colon tissue adjacent to tumor. Nikon Research Report, 2, 31-37.
• Hawkins, A. T., Wise, P. E., Chan, T., Lee, J. T., Glyn, T., Wood, V., Eglinton, T., Frizelle, F., Khan, A., Hall, J., Ilyas, M. M., Michailidou, M., Nfonsam, V. N., Cowan, M., Williams, J., Steele, S. R., Alavi, K., Ellis, C. T., Collins, D., , Winter, D. C., et al. (2020). Diverticulitis: An update from the age old Paradigm. Current Problems in Surgery.
• Jarman, B. T., Borgert, A. J., Kallies, K. J., Joshi, A. R., Smink, D. S., Sarosi, G. A., Chang, L., Green, J. M., Greenberg, J. A., Melcher, M. L., Nfonsam, V., & Whiting, J. (2020). Underrepresented Minorities in General Surgery Residency: Analysis of Interviewed Applicants, Residents, and Core Teaching Faculty. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 231(1), 54-58.
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  The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires diversity in residency. The self-identified race/ethnicities of general surgery applicants, residents, and core teaching faculty were assessed to evaluate underrepresented minority (URM) representation in surgery residency programs and to determine the impact of URM faculty and residents on URM applicants' selection for interview or match.
• Jecius, H., Junak, M., Hamidi, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2020). Primary Retroperitoneal Serous Cystadenoma Mimicking Rectal Duplication Cyst: A Case Report. Clinical Oncology & Research, 3(1), 1-3. doi:10.31487/j.COR.2020.01.10
• Koblinski, J. E., DeVivo, M. J., Chen, Y., & Nfonsam, V. (2020). Colorectal cancer mortality after spinal cord injury. The journal of spinal cord medicine, 1-6.
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  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the US. There is paucity of data regarding CRC and the spinal cord injury (SCI) community. Persons with SCI have suboptimal rates of colonoscopies and face extensive barriers to care. The aim of our study was to compare CRC mortality in persons with SCI to CRC mortality in the general population. A prospective follow-up study. Analysis of the National SCI database. 54,965 persons with SCI. Not applicable. Current survival status and causes of death were determined. The expected number of CRC deaths was calculated for the general US population, using ICD-10 codes. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated as the ratio of observed to expected CRC deaths stratified by current age, sex, race, time post-injury and neurologic group. The CRC mortality was 146 persons out of 54,965 persons with SCI. The overall SMR was determined to be 1.11 (95% CI [0.94, 1.31]). Among subgroups, one finding was significant and this was for patients with injury level C1-4 with an American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grade of A, B or C with an SMR of 1.68 ([95% CI [1.03-2.61]). Although persons with SCI receive suboptimal rates of preventative care screenings and report extensive barriers to care, overall, they are not at an increased risk of CRC mortality. The current recommendations for CRC screening should be continued for these individuals while reducing barriers to care.
• Martinez, C., Omesiete, P., Pandit, V., Thompson, E., Nocera, M., Riall, T., Guerrero, M., & Nfonsam, V. (2020). A Protocol-Driven Reduction in Surgical Site Infections After Colon Surgery. The Journal of surgical research, 246, 100-105.
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  Surgical site infection (SSI) is an established quality indicator and predictor for adverse patient outcomes. Multiple strategies have been established to reduce SSI; however, optimum protocol remains unclear. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of established protocol on SSI after colon surgery.
• Price, E. T., Coverley, C. R., Arrington, A. K., Nfonsam, V. N., Morris-Wiseman, L., & Riall, T. S. (2020). Are We Making an Impact? A Qualitative Program Assessment of the Resident Leadership, Well-being, and Resiliency Program for General Surgery Residents. Journal of surgical education, 77(3), 508-519.
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  After implementing a formal resident well-being and resiliency program in our surgery residency, we performed in-depth qualitative interviews to understand residents' perceptions of: (1) the impact and benefits, (2) the essential elements for success, and (3) the desired changes to the well-being program.
• Terhune, K. P., Choi, J., Green, J. M., Hildreth, A. N., Lipman, J. M., Aarons, C. B., Heyduk, D. A., Misra, S., Anand, R. J., Fise, T. F., Thorne, C. B., Edwards, G. C., Joshi, A. R., Clark, C. E., Nfonsam, V. N., Chahine, A., Smink, D. S., Jarman, B. T., & Harrington, D. T. (2020). Ad astra per aspera (Through Hardships to the Stars): Lessons Learned from the First National Virtual APDS Meeting, 2020. Journal of surgical education.
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  After COVID-19 rendered in-person meetings for national societies impossible in the spring of 2020, the leadership of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) innovated via a virtual format in order to hold its national meeting.
• Arora, T. K., Dent, D., Morris-Wiseman, L., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Diversity in the Last Decade of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery: A Descriptive Analysis of Leadership and Future Directions. Journal of surgical education, 76(6), e125-e131.
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  The Association of Program Directors in Surgery Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce (APDS-DIT) was created in 2017 after the Executive Committee recognized low diversity in its membership. The DIT was charged to address gaps in diversity and inclusion at various phases of training and development from medical student to surgical leader. The aim of this study was to examine APDS demographics and determine the status of inclusion of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and nonuniversity surgeons.
• Cruz, A., Chen, D., Hsu, P., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., Vij, P., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Racial and gender disparities in the incidence of anal cancer: analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Journal of gastrointestinal oncology, 10(1), 37-41.
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  Racial and gender disparities have been shown in other gastrointestinal cancers. However, there is a paucity of data on racial and gender disparities in anal cancer (AC). The aim of this study was to assess racial and gender disparities among patients with AC.
• Deutsch, G. B., Deneve, J. L., Al-Kasspooles, M. F., Nfonsam, V. N., Gunderson, C. C., Secord, A. A., Rodgers, P., Hendren, S., Silberfein, E. J., Grant, M., Sloan, J., Sun, V., Arnold, K. B., Anderson, G. L., & Krouse, R. S. (2019). Intellectual Equipoise and Challenges: Accruing Patients With Advanced Cancer to a Trial Randomizing to Surgical or Nonsurgical Management (SWOG S1316). The American journal of hospice & palliative care.
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  Prospective, randomized trials are needed to determine optimal treatment approaches for palliative care problems such as malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). Randomization poses unique issues for such studies, especially with divergent treatment approaches and varying levels of equipoise. We report our experience accruing randomized patients to the Prospective Comparative Effectiveness Trial for Malignant Bowel Obstruction (SWOG S1316) study, comparing surgical and nonsurgical management of MBO.
• Hamidi, M., Hanna, K., Omesiete, P., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A., Pandit, V., Joseph, B., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Does it matter where you get your surgery for colorectal cancer?. International journal of colorectal disease, 34(12), 2121-2127.
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  The influence of hospital-related factors on outcomes following colorectal surgery is not well-established. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between hospital factors on outcomes in surgically managed colorectal cancer patients.
• Hanna, K., Zeeshan, M., Hamidi, M., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A., Joseph, B., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Colon cancer in the young: contributing factors and short-term surgical outcomes. International journal of colorectal disease, 34(11), 1879-1885.
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  The incidence in young patients has increased significantly over the last few decades. The aim of this study is to evaluate demographic and tumor characteristics of young patients and analyze the short-term surgical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery.
• Jarman, B. T., Kallies, K. J., Joshi, A. R., Smink, D. S., Sarosi, G. A., Chang, L., Green, J. M., Greenberg, J. A., Melcher, M. L., Nfonsam, V., Ramirez, L. D., Borgert, A. J., & Whiting, J. (2019). Underrepresented Minorities are Underrepresented Among General Surgery Applicants Selected to Interview. Journal of surgical education, 76(6), e15-e23.
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  Diversity is an ill-defined entity in general surgery training. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education recently proposed new common program requirements including verbiage requiring diversity in residency. "Recruiting" for diversity can be challenging within the constraints of geographic preference, type of program, and applicant qualifications. In addition, the Match process adds further uncertainty. We sought to study the self-identified racial/ethnic distribution of general surgery applicants to better ascertain the characteristics of underrepresented minorities (URM) within the general surgery applicant pool.
• Koblinski, J., Jandova, J., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Disparities in colon and rectal cancer queried individually between Hispanics and Whites. Journal of gastrointestinal oncology, 10(4), 632-640.
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  Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Racial disparities between Hispanics and Whites exist for incidence of late-onset (LO) CRC. However, not much is known about potential disparities between colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC) incidence queried individually.
• Mogor, O., Ewongwo, A., Ojameruaye, O., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., Martinez, C., Hsu, P., Scott, A., Elquza, E., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Rectal cancer in the young: analysis of contributing factors and surgical outcomes. Journal of gastrointestinal oncology, 10(5), 896-901.
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  Rectal cancer (RC) among young patients (≤50 years) is on the rise. The factors associated with development of RC are established however; factors leading to early RC remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with RC among young patients.
• Nfonsam, L. E., Jandova, J., Jecius, H. C., Omesiete, P. N., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019). expression correlates with epithelial mesenchymal transition-linked genes and poor overall survival in colon cancer patients. World journal of gastrointestinal oncology, 11(8), 589-598.
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  Colon cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States with an estimated 97220 new cases expected by the end of 2018. It affects 1.2 million people around the world and is responsible for about 0.6 million deaths every year. Despite decline in overall incidence and mortality over the past 30 years, there continues to be an alarming rise in early-onset colon cancer cases (< 50 years). Patients are often diagnosed at late stages of the disease and tend to have poor survival. We previously showed that the "gatekeeper" gene, secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (), is over-expressed in early-onset colon cancer. is speculated to play an essential role in cancer by inhibiting the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Jecius, H. C., Janda, J., Omesiete, P. N., Elquza, E., Scott, A. J., Nfonsam, L. E., & Jandova, J. (2019). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Promotes Cell Proliferation in Early Onset Colon Cancer Tumorigenesis. Surgical Endoscopy.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Jecius, H., Chen, D., Omesiete, P. N., Ewongwo, A. N., Elquza, E., Scott, A. J., & Jandova, J. (2019). Increasing Incidence of Colon Cancer in the Young: Assessing the Tumor Biology. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 229(1), 79-90.
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  The overall incidence of colon cancer (CC) is decreasing, but with increasing early-onset colon cancer (EOCC < 50 years old). Our recent study revealed unique overexpression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in EOCC and its association with aggressiveness. The aim of this study was to assess CC biology, especially in the young, by evaluating the role of COMP in CC carcinogenesis and cancer progression, detecting COMP in serum and its association with disease stage.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Nfonsam, L. E., Chen, D., Omesiete, P. N., Cruz, A., Runyan, R. B., & Jandova, J. (2019). COMP Gene Coexpresses With EMT Genes and Is Associated With Poor Survival in Colon Cancer Patients. The Journal of surgical research, 233, 297-303.
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  About 1.2 million new cases of colon cancer (CC) and 0.6 million deaths are reported every year, establishing CC as an important contributor to worldwide cancer morbidity and mortality. Although the overall incidence and mortality of CC have declined over the past 3 decades, the number of early-onset colon cancer ([EOCC], patients
• Omesiete, N., Martinez, C., Pandit, V., Villalvazo, Y., Jecius, H., Thompson, E., Norcera, M., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Restricting Intraoperative Fluid Volume Allows Earlier Return of Bowel Function After Colon and Rectal Surgery. The Journal of surgical research, 244, 130-135.
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  Return of bowel function (ROBF) after abdominal surgery is an important determinant of patient outcomes. The role of intraoperative fluids (IOFs) in colon surgery remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IOF on ROBF in patients undergoing colon surgery. We hypothesized that minimizing IOFs allows earlier ROBF.
• Pandit, V., Jehan, F., Zeeshan, M., Koblinski, J. E., Martinez, C., Khan, M., Mogor, O. P., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Failure to Rescue in Postoperative Patients With Colon Cancer: Time to Rethink Where You Get Surgery. The Journal of surgical research, 234, 1-6.
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  Failure to rescue (FTR) is an important measure of quality of care. The aim of this study was to assess FTR in patients with colon cancer (CC) who underwent surgical resection. We hypothesized that patient managed in urban centers had lower FTR.
• Recio-Boiles, A., Hammad, H., Howell, K., Kalb, B. T., Nfonsam, V. N., Scott, A. J., Babiker, H. M., & Elquza, E. (2019). Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Evaluation by Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Neoadjuvant Therapy on Decision Making: Cancer Center Experience and Literature Review. Journal of gastrointestinal cancer.
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  An accurate clinical and radiological staging is the pyramid of treatment decisions in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Guidelines recommended neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by surgical resection for fit patients with LARC. Determining the aggressiveness of intervention while avoiding needless morbidity according to patient risk remains an unmet pre-operative decision-making need. With newer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and image acquisition available at our Cancer Center, we seek to retrospectively review the correlation between pre- and post-CRT MRI response to the surgical pathological stage in order to aide multidisciplinary team decision making.
• Vij, P., Chen, D., Hsu, C. H., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., Elquza, E., Scott, A., Cruz, A., & Nfonsam, V. (2019). Racial disparities in the incidence of colon cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of gastrointestinal oncology, 10(2), 254-258.
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  Studies have explored the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD)] and colon cancer (CC). Additionally, racial disparities in the incidence of CC is well known. However, the impact of racial disparity in IBD patients who develop CC remains unclear. The aim of this study is to address the knowledge gap in this particular group of patients.
• Koblinski, J., Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. (2018). Disparities in incidence of early- and late-onset colorectal cancer between Hispanics and Whites: A 10-year SEER database study. American journal of surgery, 215(4), 581-585.
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  Racial disparities in incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) exist. In Hispanics, CRC was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2012.
• Michailidou, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018). Preoperative anemia and outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease. American journal of surgery, 215(1), 78-81.
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  Anemia is the most common extraintestinal manifestation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and has been linked to severity of the disease. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of anemia on postoperative outcomes in patients with IBD.
• Pandit, V., Khan, M., Martinez, C., Jehan, F., Zeeshan, M., Koblinski, J., Hamidi, M., Omesieta, P., Osuchukwu, O., & Nfonsam, V. (2018). A modified frailty index predicts adverse outcomes among patients with colon cancer undergoing surgical intervention. American journal of surgery.
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  Assessing outcomes in patients with colon cancer (CC) undergoing surgical intervention is challenging. Frailty has been as established tool for assessing patient outcomes. The aim was of this study was to assess role of frailty in patients with CC.
• Riall, T. S., Teiman, J., Chang, M., Cole, D., Leighn, T., McClafferty, H., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018). Maintaining the Fire but Avoiding Burnout: Implementation and Evaluation of a Resident Well-Being Program. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 226(4), 369-379.
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  There have been few programs designed to improve surgical resident well-being, and such efforts often lack formal evaluation.
• Shweikeh, F., Schwed, A. C., Hsu, C. H., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018). Status of Resident Attrition From Surgical Residency in the Past, Present, and Future Outlook. Journal of surgical education, 75(2), 254-262.
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  To investigate the current rate of attrition in general surgery residency, assess the risk factors, and identify prevention strategies.
• Telemi, E., Trofymenko, O., Venkat, R., Pandit, V., Pandian, T. K., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018). Frailty Predicts Morbidity after Colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis. The American surgeon, 84(2), 225-229.
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  The rate of ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease, has been on the rise in the United States for the last several decades. Colectomy can be performed when other treatment options cannot provide a reasonable quality of life to patients with UC. Frailty has been shown to be a strong tool for evaluating preoperative risk factors for poor postoperative outcomes. The National Surgical Quality and Improvement Program cross-institutional database was used for this study. Data from 943 patients who underwent colectomy for UC between 2005 and 2012 were evaluated. Modified frailty index (mFI) is a previously described and validated 11-variable frailty measure used in the National Surgical Quality and Improvement Program to assess frailty. Outcome measures included serious morbidity; overall morbidity; cardiopulmonary, septic, and wound complications; and Clavien class IV (requiring ICU) and V (mortality) complications. Median age was 46 years and median body mass index was 25.5 Kg/m2. In all, 54.3 per cent of patients were male and 39.38 per cent of patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists Class lll or higher. The median mFI was 0 (0-0.54). As the mFI increased from 0 (nonfrail) to 0.18 and above, the overall morbidity increased from 25.40 to 52.1 per cent (P < 0.05), serious morbidity increased from 14.9 to 42.1 per cent (P < 0.05), septic complications increased from 9.87 to 21.49 per cent (P < 0.05), cardiopulmonary complications increased from 2.98 to 23.14 per cent (P < 0.05), Clavien class IV complications increased from 3.5 to 26.5 per cent (P < 0.05), and Clavien V complications increased from 0.16 to 6.61 per cent (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, mFI was an independent predictor of septic complications [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 31.26; P = 0.006], cardiopulmonary complications (AOR: 216.3; P ≤ 0.001), serious morbidity(AOR: 66.8; P ≤ 0.001), overall morbidity (AOR: 25.5; P ≤ 0.001), Clavien class IV (AOR: 204.9; P ≤ 0.001) complications, and return to the operating room (AOR: 14.29; P = 0.048). Frailty is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality after colectomy in patients with UC. mFI is an easy-to-use tool and can play an important role in the risk stratification of these patients.
• Venkat, R., Pandit, V., Telemi, E., Trofymenko, O., Pandian, T. K., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018). Frailty Predicts Morbidity and Mortality after Colectomy for Clostridium difficile Colitis. The American surgeon, 84(5), 628-632.
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  Frailty has been noted as a powerful predictive preoperative tool for 30-day postoperative complications. We sought to evaluate the association between frailty and postoperative outcomes after colectomy for Clostridium difficile colitis. The National Surgical Quality and Improvement Program cross-institutional database was used for this study. Data from 470 patients with a diagnosis of C. difficile colitis were used in the study. Modified frailty index (mFI) is a previously described and validated 11-variable frailty measure used with the National Surgical Quality and Improvement Program to assess frailty. Outcome measures included serious morbidity, overall morbidity, and Clavien IV (requiring ICU) and Clavien V (mortality) complications. The median age was 70 years and body mass index was 26.9 kg/m2. 55.6 per cent of patients were females. 98.5 per cent of patients were assigned American Society of Anesthesiologists Class III or higher. The median mFI was 0.27 (0-0.63). Because mFI increased from 0 (non-frail) to 0.55 and above, the overall morbidity increased from 53.3 per cent to 84.4 per cent and serious morbidity increased from 43.3 per cent to 78.1 per cent. The Clavien IV complication rate increased from 30.0 per cent to 75.0 per cent. The mortality rate increased from 6.7 per cent to 56.2 per cent. On a multivariate analysis, mFI was an independent predictor of overall morbidity (AOR: 13.0; P < 0.05), mortality (AOR: 8.8; P = 0.018), cardiopulmonary complications (AOR: 6.8; P = 0.026), and prolonged length of hospital stay (AOR: 6.6; P = 0.045). Frailty is associated with increased risk of complications in C. difficile colitis patients undergoing colectomy. mFI is an easy-to-use tool and can play an important role in the risk stratification of these patients who generally have significant morbidity and mortality to begin with.
• Ilyas, M. I., Zangbar, B., Nfonsam, V. N., Maegawa, F. A., Joseph, B. A., Patel, J. A., & Wexner, S. D. (2017). Are there differences in outcome after elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease and for cancer? A national inpatient study. Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, 19(3), 260-265.
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  The postoperative outcome after elective sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis has not been compared to that for cancer. The study aimed to evaluate the differences in the postoperative outcome after sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease and cancer.
• Nielsen, V. G., Paidy, S. R., McLeod, W., Fox, A., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2017). Treatment of accidental perianal injection of topical thrombin with intravenous antithrombin. Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis, 43(3), 423-425.
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  While topical thrombin application can markedly improve surgical hemostasis, rapid absorption of thrombin can result in pulmonary embolism and death. We report a case of accidental interstitial infiltration of topical thrombin after hemorrhoidectomy that was treated with administration of human antithrombin and heparin anticoagulation. Except for a marked decrease in antithrombin activity from super normal to normal values, the patient exhibited no laboratory or clinical signs of pulmonary embolism, thrombin mediated consumptive loss of procoagulants, or regional thrombosis. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery without sign of thrombotic morbidity. While it is hoped that such a medical misadventure should not occur, our case may serve as a reference to guide anticoagulant therapy if such a clinical scenario arises.
• Thuraisingam, R., Jandova, J., Pandit, V., Michailidou, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2017). Assessing the national trends in colon cancer among Native Americans: A 12 year SEER database study. American journal of surgery, 214(2), 228-231.
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  Native Americans (NA) form a unique cohort of colon cancer (CC) patients among whom the variability in demographics and cancer characteristics remains unclear.
• Janda, J., Nfonsam, V., Calienes, F., Sligh, J. E., & Jandova, J. (2016). Modulation of ROS levels in fibroblasts by altering mitochondria regulates the process of wound healing. Archives of dermatological research, 308(4), 239-48.
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  Mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in fibroblasts which are thought to be crucial regulators of wound healing with a potential to affect the expression of nuclear genes involved in this process. ROS generated by mitochondria are involved in all stages of tissue repair process but the regulation of ROS-generating system in fibroblasts still remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to better understand molecular mechanisms of how the regulation of ROS levels generated by mitochondria may influence the process of wound repair. Cybrid model system of mtDNA variations was used to study the functional consequences of altered ROS levels on wound healing responses in a uniform nuclear background of cultured ρ(0) fibroblasts. Mitochondrial ROS in cybrids were modulated by antioxidants that quench ROS to examine their ability to close the wound. Real-time PCR arrays were used to investigate whether ROS generated by specific mtDNA variants have the ability to alter expression of some key nuclear-encoded genes central to the wound healing response and oxidative stress. Our data suggest levels of mitochondrial ROS affect expression of some nuclear encoded genes central to wound healing response and oxidative stress and modulation of mitochondrial ROS by antioxidants positively affects in vitro process of wound closure. Thus, regulation of mitochondrial ROS-generating system in fibroblasts can be used as effective natural redox-based strategy to help treat non-healing wounds.
• Jandova, J., Ohlson, E., Torres B S, M. R., DiGiovanni, R., Pandit, V., Elquza, E., & Nfonsam, V. (2016). Racial disparities and socioeconomic status in the incidence of colorectal cancer in Arizona. American journal of surgery, 212(3), 485-92.
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  The prevalence of racial and socioeconomic disparities in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is well known; however, statewide variability exits across the United States. The aim of our study was to determine the overall incidence, socioeconomic and racial disparities in the development of CRC in the state of Arizona.
• Jandova, J., Xu, W., & Nfonsam, V. (2016). Sporadic early-onset colon cancer expresses unique molecular features. The Journal of surgical research, 204(1), 251-60.
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  The overall incidence of colon cancer (CC) has steadily declined in the last decades but has increased in patients under age 50 y. The etiology of early-onset (EO) CC is not understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate gene expression patterns in EOCC and show its uniqueness compared to late-onset (LO) disease.
• Nfonsam, V., Aziz, H., Pandit, V., Khalil, M., Jandova, J., & Joseph, B. (2016). Analyzing clinical outcomes in laparoscopic right vs. left colectomy in colon cancer patients using the NSQIP database. Cancer treatment communications, 8, 1-4.
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  Optimization of surgical outcomes after colectomy continues to be actively studied, but most studies group right-sided and left-sided colectomies together. The aim of our study was to determine whether the complication rate differs between right-sided and left-sided colectomies for cancer.
• Nfonsam, V., Xu, W., Koblinski, J., & Jandova, J. (2016). Gene Expression Analysis of Sporadic Early-Onset Rectal Adenocarcinoma. Gastrointestinal cancer : research & therapy, 1(1).
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  Overall declines in incidence of rectal cancer (RC) in patients older than 50 years have been mostly attributed to improvement in treatment modalities and introduction of age-based screening. Recent studies, however, have shown a rise in the incidence of RC in patients younger than 50 years. The etiology of early-onset (EO) RC is not well understood. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular features of (EO) RC and show its uniqueness compared to late-onset (LO) disease.
• Pandit, V., Khalil, M., Joseph, B., Jandova, J., Jokar, T. O., Haider, A. A., Zangbar, B., Azim, A., Hassan, A., & Nfonsam, V. (2016). Disparities in Mangement of Patients with Benign Colorectal Disease: Impact of Urbanization and Specialized Care. The American surgeon, 82(11), 1046-1051.
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  Disparities in the management of patients with various medical conditions are well established. Colorectal diseases continue to remain one of the most common causes for surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to assess disparities (rural versus urban) in the surgical management of patients with noncancerous benign colorectal diseases. We hypothesized that there is no difference among rural versus urban centers (UC) in the surgical management for noncancerous benign colorectal diseases. The national estimates of surgical procedures for benign colorectal diseases from the National Inpatient Sample database 2011 representing 20 per cent of all in-patient admissions were abstracted. Patients undergoing procedures (abscess drainage, hemmoroidectomy, fistulectomy, and bowel resections) were included. Patients with colon cancer and those who underwent emergency surgery were excluded. The population was divided into two groups: urban and rural, based on the location of treatment. Outcome measures were in-hospital complications, mortality, and hospital costs. Subanalysis of UC was preformed: centers with colorectal surgeons and centers without colorectal surgeons. Regression analysis was performed. A total of 20,617 patients who underwent surgical intervention for benign colorectal diseases across 496 (urban: 342, rural: 154) centers, were included. Of the UC, 38.3 per cent centers had colorectal surgeons. Patients managed in UC had lower complication rate (7.6% vs 10.2%, P < 0.001), shorter hospital length of stay (4.7 ± 3.1 vs 5.9 ± 3.6 days, P < 0.001), and higher hospital costs ($56,820 ± $27,691 vs $49,341 ± $2,598, P < 0.001) compared with rural centers. On subanalysis, patients managed in UC with colorectal surgeons had 11 per cent lower incidence of in-hospital complications [odds ratio: 0.89 (95% confidence interval: 0.76-0.94)] and a shorter hospital length of stay [Beta: -0.72 (95% confidence interval: -0.81 to -0.65)] when compared with patients managed in UC without colorectal specialization. Disparities exit in outcomes of the patients with noncancerous benign colorectal diseases managed surgically in urban versus rural centers. Specialized care with colorectal surgeons at UC helps reduce adverse patient outcomes. Steps to provide effective and safe surgical care in a cost-effective manner across rural as well as UC are warranted.
• Raoof, M., Nelson, R. A., Nfonsam, V. N., Warneke, J., & Krouse, R. S. (2016). Prognostic significance of lymph node yield in ypN0 rectal cancer. The British journal of surgery, 103(12), 1731-1737.
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  Neoadjuvant radiation therapy for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma decreases lymph node yield. This study investigated the association between survival and number of lymph nodes evaluated in patients with pathologically negative nodes after neoadjuvant therapy.
• Aziz, H., Pandit, V., DiGiovanni, R. M., Ohlson, E., Gruessner, A. C., Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015). Increased Incidence of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in Arizona: A Comprehensive 15-year Analysis of the Arizona Cancer Registry. Journal of gastrointestinal & digestive system, 5(5), 345.
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  The aim of this study was to investigate and analyze the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer in Arizona, using the Arizona Cancer Registry.
• Ilyas, M. I., Jordan, S. A., & Nfonsam, V. (2015). Fungal inflammatory masses masquerading as colorectal cancer: a case report. BMC research notes, 8, 32.
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  Non malignant invasive tumors of the colon and rectum are very rare. Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis can present as a mass lesion mimicking colorectal cancer.
• Martin, G., Mohammed Ilyas, M. I., Noguera, J. F., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015). Transvaginal Extraction of Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy Specimen. Journal of Surgical Research, 1(2), 031-032.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Vijayasekaran, A., Pandit, V., E, V., Aziz, H., Nzuonkwelle, S., Ohlson, E., DiGiovanni, R. M., & Jandova, J. (2015). Patients Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in Rural Areas in Arizona Typically Present with Higher Stage Disease. Journal of gastrointestinal & digestive system, 5(5), 346.
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  Despite the decreasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) over the past three decades disparities remain in its incidence, stage at presentation, and efficiency of staging and treatment between different communities, particularly when comparing urban and rural areas. The aim of the study was to assess disparities that exist in CRC outcomes among urban, international border counties, and non-border counties in Arizona.
• Nielsen, V. G., Matika, R. W., Ley, M. L., Waer, A. L., Gharagozloo, F., Kim, S., Nfonsam, V. N., Ong, E. S., Jie, T., Warneke, J. A., & Steinbrenner, E. B. (2014). Tissue-type plasminogen activator-induced fibrinolysis is enhanced in patients with breast, lung, pancreas and colon cancer. Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis, 25(3), 248-53. doi:10.1097/MBC.0000000000000040
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  Although cancer-mediated changes in hemostatic proteins unquestionably promote hypercoagulation, the effects of neoplasia on fibrinolysis in the circulation are less well defined. The goals of the present investigation were to determine if plasma obtained from patients with breast, lung, pancreas and colon cancer was less or more susceptible to lysis by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) compared to plasma obtained from normal individuals. Archived plasma obtained from patients with breast (n = 18), colon/pancreas (n = 27) or lung (n = 19) was compared to normal individual plasma (n = 30) using a thrombelastographic assay that assessed fibrinolytic vulnerability to exogenously added tPA. Plasma samples were activated with tissue factor/celite, had tPA added, and had data collected until clot lysis occurred. Additional, similar samples had potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor added to assess the role played by thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in cancer-modulated fibrinolysis. Rather than inflicting a hypofibrinolytic state, the three groups of cancers demonstrated increased vulnerability to tPA (e.g. decreased time to lysis, increased speed of lysis, decreased clot lysis time). However, hypercoagulation manifested as increased speed of clot formation and strength compensated for enhanced fibrinolytic vulnerability, resulting in a clot residence time that was not different from normal individual thrombi. In sum, enhanced hypercoagulability associated with cancer was in part diminished by enhanced fibrinolytic vulnerability to tPA.
• Nielsen, V. G., Nfonsam, V. N., Matika, R. W., Ong, E. S., Jie, T., Warneke, J. A., & Steinbrenner, E. B. (2014). Colon and pancreas tumors enhance coagulation: role of hemeoxygenase-1. Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis, 25(5), 435-8. doi:10.1097/MBC.0000000000000075
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  Colon and pancreatic cancer are associated with significant thrombophilia. Colon and pancreas tumor cells have an increase in hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) activity, the endogenous enzyme responsible for carbon monoxide production. Given that carbon monoxide enhances plasmatic coagulation, we determined if patients undergoing resection of colon and pancreatic tumors had an increase in endogenous carbon monoxide and plasmatic hypercoagulability. Patients with colon (n = 17) and pancreatic (n = 10) tumors were studied. Carbon monoxide was determined by the measurement of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). A thrombelastographic method to assess plasma coagulation kinetics and formation of carboxyhemefibrinogen (COHF) was utilized. Nonsmoking patients with colon and pancreatic tumors had abnormally increased COHb concentrations of 1.4 ± 0.9 and 1.9 ± 0.7%, respectively, indicative of HO-1 upregulation. Coagulation analyses comparing both tumor groups demonstrated no significant differences in any parameter; thus the data were combined for the tumor groups for comparison with 95% confidence interval values obtained from normal individuals (n = 30) plasma. Seventy percent of tumor patients had a velocity of clot formation greater than the 95% confidence interval value of normal individuals, with 53% of this hypercoagulable group also having COHF formation. Further, 67% of tumor patients had clot strength that exceeded the normal 95% confidence interval value, and 56% of this subgroup had COHF formation. Finally, 63% of all tumor patients had COHF formation. Future investigation of HO-1-derived carbon monoxide in the pathogenesis of colon and pancreatic tumor-related thrombophilia is warranted.
• Banerjee, B., Rial, N. S., Renkoski, T., Graves, L. R., Reid, S. A., Hu, C., Tsikitis, V. L., Nfonsom, V., Pugh, J., & Utzinger, U. (2013). Enhanced visibility of colonic neoplasms using formulaic ratio imaging of native fluorescence. Lasers in surgery and medicine, 45(9), 573-81. doi:10.1002/lsm.22186
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  Colonoscopy is the preferred method for colon cancer screening, but can miss polyps and flat neoplasms with low color contrast. The objective was to develop a new autofluorescence method that improves image contrast of colonic neoplasms.
• Bernstein, C., Nfonsam, V., Prasad, A. R., & Bernstein, H. (2013). Epigenetic field defects in progression to cancer. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, 5(3), 43-9. doi:10.4251/wjgo.v5.i3.43
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  A field defect is a field of pre-malignant tissue in which a new cancer is likely to arise. Field defects often appear to be histologically normal under the microscope. Recent research indicates that cells within a field defect characteristically have an increased frequency of epigenetic alterations and these may be fundamentally important as underlying factors in progression to cancer. However, understanding of epigenetic field defects is at an early stage, and the work of Katsurano et al published this year, is a key contribution to this field. One question examined by Katsurano et al was how early could the formation of an epigenetic field defect be detected in a mouse colitis model of tumorigenesis. They highlighted a number of measurable epigenetic alterations, detected very early in normal appearing tissue undergoing histologically invisible tumorigenesis. They also documented the increasing presence of the epigenetic alterations at successive times during progression to cancer. In this commentary, we offer a perspective on the changes they observed within a broader sequence of epigenetic events that occur in progression to cancer. In particular, we highlight the likely central role of epigenetic deficiencies in DNA repair gene expression that arise during progression to cancer.
• Marcet, J. E., Nfonsam, V. N., & Larach, S. (2013). An extended pain relief trial utilizing the infiltration of a long-acting Multivesicular liPosome foRmulation Of bupiVacaine, EXPAREL (IMPROVE): a Phase IV health economic trial in adult patients undergoing ileostomy reversal. Journal of pain research, 6, 549-55. doi:10.2147/JPR.S46467
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  Opioid analgesics are effective for postsurgical pain but are associated with opioid-related adverse events, creating a significant clinical and economic burden. Gastrointestinal surgery patients are at high risk for opioid-related adverse events. We conducted a study to assess the impact of an opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia regimen with liposome bupivacaine, compared with the standard of care (intravenous [IV] opioid-based, patient-controlled analgesia [PCA]) on postsurgical opioid use and health economic outcomes in patients undergoing ileostomy reversal.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Mateka, J. J., Prather, A. D., & Marcet, J. E. (2013). Short-term outcomes of the surgical management of acquired rectourethral fistulas: does technique matter?. Research and reports in urology, 5, 47-51. doi:10.2147/RRU.S28002
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  Acquired rectourethral fistulas are uncommon and challenging to repair. Most arise as a complication of prostate cancer treatment. Several procedures have been described to repair rectourethral fistulas with varying outcomes. We review the etiology, management, and outcomes of patients with rectourethral fistulas at our institution.
• Renkoski, T. E., Banerjee, B., Graves, L. R., Rial, N. S., Reid, S. A., Tsikitis, V. L., Nfonsam, V. N., Tiwari, P., Gavini, H., & Utzinger, U. (2013). Ratio images and ultraviolet C excitation in autofluorescence imaging of neoplasms of the human colon. Journal of biomedical optics, 18(1), 16005. doi:10.1117/1.JBO.18.1.016005
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  The accepted screening technique for colon cancer is white light endoscopy. While most abnormal growths (lesions) are detected by this method, a significant number are missed during colonoscopy, potentially resulting in advanced disease. Missed lesions are often flat and inconspicuous in color. A prototype ultraviolet spectral imager measuring autofluorescence (AF) and reflectance has been developed and applied in a study of 21 fresh human colon surgical specimens. Six excitation wavelengths from 280 to 440 nm and formulaic ratio imaging were utilized to increase lesion contrast and cause neoplasms to appear bright compared to normal tissue. It was found that in the subset of lesions which were most difficult to visualize in standard color photographs [low contrast lesions, (LCLs)] a ratio image (F340/F440) of AF images excited at 340 and 440 nm produced extraordinary images and was effective in about 70% of these difficult cases. Contrast may be due to increased levels of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, increased hemoglobin absorption, and reduced signal from submucosal collagen. A second successful ratio image (R480/R555) combined two reflectance images to produce exceptional images especially in particular LCLs where F340/F440 was ineffective. The newly discovered ratio images can potentially improve detection rate in screening with a novel AF colonoscope.
• Banerjee, B., Renkoski, T., Graves, L. R., Rial, N. S., Tsikitis, V. L., Nfonsam, V., Pugh, J., Tiwari, P., Gavini, H., & Utzinger, U. (2012). Tryptophan autofluorescence imaging of neoplasms of the human colon. Journal of biomedical optics, 17(1), 016003. doi:10.1117/1.JBO.17.1.016003
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  Detection of flat neoplasia is a major challenge in colorectal cancer screening, as missed lesions can lead to the development of an unexpected 'incident' cancer prior to the subsequent endoscopy. The use of a tryptophan-related autofluorescence has been reported to be increased in murine intestinal dysplasia. The emission spectra of cells isolated from human adenocarcinoma and normal mucosa of the colon were studied and showed markedly greater emission intensity from cancerous cells compared to cells obtained from the surrounding normal mucosa. A proto-type multispectral imaging system optimized for ultraviolet macroscopic imaging of tissue was used to obtain autofluorescence images of surgical specimens of colonic neoplasms and normal mucosa after resection. Fluorescence images did not display the expected greater emission from the tumor as compared to the normal mucosa, most probably due to increased optical absorption and scattering in the tumors. Increased fluorescence intensity in neoplasms was observed however, once fluorescence images were corrected using reflectance images. Tryptophan fluorescence alone may be useful in differentiating normal and cancerous cells, while in tissues its autofluorescence image divided by green reflectance may be useful in displaying neoplasms.
• Facista, A., Nguyen, H., Lewis, C., Prasad, A. R., Ramsey, L., Zaitlin, B., Nfonsam, V., Krouse, R. S., Bernstein, H., Payne, C. M., Stern, S., Oatman, N., Banerjee, B., & Bernstein, C. (2012). Deficient expression of DNA repair enzymes in early progression to sporadic colon cancer. Genome integrity, 3(1), 3. doi:10.1186/2041-9414-3-3.
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  Cancers often arise within an area of cells (e.g. an epithelial patch) that is predisposed to the development of cancer, i.e. a "field of cancerization" or "field defect." Sporadic colon cancer is characterized by an elevated mutation rate and genomic instability. If a field defect were deficient in DNA repair, DNA damages would tend to escape repair and give rise to carcinogenic mutations.
• Spinelli, N., Nfonsam, V., Marcet, J., Velanovich, V., & Frattini, J. C. (2012). Postoperative pneumoperitoneum after colorectal surgery: Expectant vs surgical management. World journal of gastrointestinal surgery, 4(6), 152-6. doi:10.4240/wjgs.v4.i6.152
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  Postoperative pneumoperitoneum poses a clinical dilemma. Depending on the cause, its management includes a spectrum from simple observation and supportive care to surgical exploration. The aim of this paper is to present four clinical cases and propose an algorithm for the management of postoperative pneumoperitoneum based on available literature. The causes, diagnosis and possible complications arising from pneumoperitoneum will also be discussed. Three of the four cases presented were successfully managed conservatively and one had an exploratory laparotomy with negative findings. In such scenarios, it is important to consider the nonsurgical causes of pneumoperitoneum, which include pseudopneumoperitoneum, thoracic, abdominal, gynecological and idiopathic. These causes do not always require emergent exploratory laparotomy. The surgical team needs to consider the history, physical exam and diagnostic workup of the patient. If a patient presents with peritoneal signs, then exploratory laparotomy is a must. Since 10% of the cases of pneumoperitoneum are caused by nonsurgical entities, managed expectantly, a negative exploratory laparotomy and its associated risks are avoided.
• Davis, D. M., Marcet, J. E., Frattini, J. C., Prather, A. D., Mateka, J. J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2011). Is it time to lower the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer?. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 213(3), 352-61. doi:10.1097/DCR.0b013e31821c495d
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  Overall, colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the US has decreased over the last 30 years, yet it has increased in patients younger than 50. Cancers in this population are more aggressive and advanced at diagnosis. Our goal was to determine if screening should begin at a younger age. To accomplish this, we analyzed the rates of change in CRC incidence, and compared the incidence with that of cervical cancer (CC), which is screened earlier. Locations of CRC were compared to determine the appropriate screening method.
• Krieger, B. R., Davis, D. M., Sanchez, J. E., Mateka, J. J., Nfonsam, V. N., Frattini, J. C., & Marcet, J. E. (2011). The use of silver nylon in preventing surgical site infections following colon and rectal surgery. Diseases of the colon and rectum, 54(8), 1014-9. doi:10.1097/DCR.0b013e31821c495d
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  Patients who undergo colorectal surgery have up to a 30% chance of developing a surgical site infection postoperatively. Silverlon is a silver nylon dressing designed to prevent surgical site infections, but only anecdotal evidence has previously supported its efficacy.
• Nfonsam, V. N., & Krouse, R. S. (2011). Chronicling strides in understanding and managing rectal cancer. Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.), 25(14), 1332, 1338.
• Nfonsam, V., Chand, B., Rosenblatt, S., Turner, R., & Luciano, M. (2008). Laparoscopic management of distal ventriculoperitoneal shunt complications. Surgical endoscopy, 22(8), 1866-70. doi:10.1007/s00464-007-9728-4
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  The traditional management of hydrocephalus still is the placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. However, the majority of patients require one or more revisions over their lifetime. Revisions may be required for infections, proximal site malfunction, or distal catheter complications. The authors present their experience with distal catheter complications managed laparoscopically.
• Brethauer, S. A., Nfonsam, V., Sherman, V., Udomsawaengsup, S., Schauer, P. R., & Chand, B. (2006). Endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal contrast studies are complementary in evaluation of weight regain after bariatric surgery. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 2(6), 643-8; discussion 649-50.
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  To assess the utility of upper endoscopy (EGD) and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies in the evaluation of weight regain after previous bariatric surgery.
• Ramirez, B. L., Hernandez, L., Alberto, F. F., Collins, M., Nfonsam, V., Punsalan, T., & Kron, M. A. (2004). Contrasting Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria rates in two Mangyan-populated Philippine villages. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 71(1), 17-23.
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  Lymphatic filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi is endemic in 45 of 77 provinces in The Philippines. To prepare the island of Mindoro for mass treatment using diethylcarbamazine and albendazole, complete census data were collected in rural villages. A sample of individuals selected from each of two adjacent villages was examined for microfilaremia. Microfilariae were detected from thin smears in 34 (13%) of 272 patients examined from the village of Bayanan and 10 (3.4%) of 292 in the village of Mangangan (P < 0.01, by chi-square test). In these villages, the majority of those infected were members of the ethnic group known as Mangyans: 33 (97%) of 24 in Bayanan and 7 (70%) of 10 in Mangangan (risk ratio = 89, 95% confidence interval = 33-240, P < 0.001.) In children examined who were less than 10 years of age (n = 165), girls were more commonly infected than boys, even though the proportion of males in the general population was greater. Understanding sociocultural characteristics and related behaviors in future observations among the Mangyan may help to explain local differences in the distribution of filariasis. This information should also be helpful in designing more culturally appropriate strategies for the control of lymphatic filariasis among ethnic minorities in The Philippines.

Presentations

• Anyanwu, G. U., Omesiete, P. N., Diri, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, February 2019). Predictive Factors for Complicated Diverticulitis: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database. 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC). Houston, TX: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Arora, T. K., Dent, D., Friel, C., Misra, S., Shaw, C., Rosenkranz, K., Romero Arenas, M., Ross, H., Holsten, S., Alban, R., Brunsvold, M., Clark, C., Camp, M., Arnold, M., Johna, S., Smith, F., Monzon, J., Morris-Wiseman, L., Thambi-Pillai, T., , Logue, A., et al. (2019, Apr 2019). Diversity in the Last Decade of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery: A Descriptive Analysis of Leadership and Future Directions. 2019 Annual Meeting of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS). Chicago, IL: Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS).
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  The Association of Program Directors in Surgery Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce (APDS-DIT) was created in 2017 after the Executive Committee recognized low diversity in its membership. The DIT was charged to address gaps in diversity and inclusion at various phases of training and development from medical student to surgical leader. The aim of this study was to examine APDS demographics and determine the status of inclusion of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and nonuniversity surgeons.
• Brown, K., Angelos, P., Banerjee, A., Britt, R., Dunn, K. B., Kennedy, G., Kim, R., Lau, J., Nfonsam, V. N., & Radhakrishnan, R. (2019, February 2019). Assessing Knowledge and Skills of Surgical Leaders in Optimizing Organizational Culture. 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC). Houston, TX: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Jarman, B., Kallies, K., Joshi, A., Smink, D. S., Sarosi, G. A., Chang, L., Green, J. M., GreenBerg, J. A., Melcher, M. L., Nfonsam, V. N., Ramirez, L. D., & Whiting, J. (2019, April). Under-represented Minorities are Under-represented Among General Surgery Applicants Invited to Interview. Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) Meeting. Chicago, IL: Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS).
• Memeh, K., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P. N., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, February 2019). Robot-assisted Versus Laparoscopic Colonic Resection for Colon Cancer: Are We Getting Better?. 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC). Houston, TX: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Ewongwo, A., & Omesiete, P. (2019, April). Comparative Analysis of Contributing Factors and Short-Term Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Early-Onset Rectal Cancer. 29th Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) Annual Meeting.
• Omesiete, P. N., Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, February 2019). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP): A Potential Biomarker in Early Onset Colon Cancer. Academic Surgical Congress. Houston, TX: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Omesiete, P., Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, February 2019). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Expression Correlates with Disease Stage In Colon Cancer. 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC). Houston, TX: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Pandit, V., Zeeshan, M., Martinez, C., Omesiete, P., Hamidi, M., Villalvazo, Y., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, February 2019). Intra-Operative Fluid Volume and Post-Operative Leak After Colectomy in Patients with Colon Cancer. 14th Annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC). Houston, TX: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Price, E., Coverley, C., Arrington, A., Aullery, A., Nfonsam, V. N., Morris-Wiseman, L., & Riall, T. S. (2019, Apr 2019). Qualitative Assessment of a Wellbeing and Resiliency Program for General Surgery Residents: Are we making an impact?. 2019 Association for Surgical Education (ASE) Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL: Association for Surgical Education.
• Charlton, C. L., Chen, D., Pandit, V., Cruz, A., Sessinou, D., Vij, P., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, January 2018). Differing Rates of C. Difficile Infection in Patients with Ostomy Reversal versus Colon Resection. Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Chen, D., Nfonsam, L., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A. N., Mogor, O. P., Runyan, R., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, May 2018). COL11A1 is Co-expressed with EMT Markers and Over-Expressed in Early-Onset Colon Cancer; American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Nashville, TN: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).
• Cruz, A., Chen, D., Pandit, V., Charlton, C. L., Sessinou, D., Vij, P., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, January 2018). Racial Disparities and Gender Differences in Anal Cancer. Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, September 2018). Ureteral Injuries during Colectomy. 2nd Annual Indian Health Services Surgeons Conference. Flagstaff, AZ: Indian Health Service (IHS).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Jecius, H. C., Janda, J., Omesiete, P. N., Elquza, E., Scott, A. J., Nfonsam, L., & Jandova, J. (2018, September 2018). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Promotes Cell Proliferation in Early Onset Colon Cancer Tumorigenesis. Arizona Chapter American College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Tucson, AZ: AZ Chapter American College of Surgeons (AZACS).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Jecius, H. C., Omesiete, P. N., & Jandova, J. (2018, November 2018). Increasing Incidence of Colon Cancer in the Young: Assessing the Tumor Biology. Western Surgical Association 2018 Annual Meeting. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico: Western Surgical Association (WSA).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Nfonsam, L., Chen, D., Omesiete, P., Cruz, A., Runyan, R., & Jandova, J. (2018, September). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Co-expresses with Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Genes and is Associated with Poor Survival in Colon Cancer Patients. Arizona Chapter American College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Omesiete, P. N., Martinez, C., Pandit, V., Villalvazo, Y., Thompson, E., Nocera, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, October 2018). Restricting Intra-Operative Fluid Volume Allows Earlier Return of Bowel Function After Colon Surgery: A Prospective Matched Cohort Analysis. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Boston, MA: American College of Surgeons (ACS).
• Pandit, V., Jehan, F. S., Martinez, C., Khan, M., Zeeshan, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, January 2018). 30-Day Hospital Readmission after surgery for colon cancer: Who is at risk of coming back?. Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Sessinou, D., Chen, D., Pandit, V., Charlton, C., Cruz, A., Vij, P., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, January 2018). Racial Disparities in Incidence of Rectal Cancer in Patients with IBD. Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, July). Topics: Management of IBD, Controversies in Management of Diverticulitis, Colorectal Cancer. National Medical Association (NMA) 115th Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: National Medical Association (NMA).
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, October). Lessons Learned from My Mother. American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress “A Day at the College” High School Program. San Diego, California: American College of Surgeons (ACS).
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, October). Surgical Management of IBD; Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Southern Arizona Patient Education Symposium. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Southern Arizona Patient Education Symposium. Tucson, Arizona: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Southern Arizona.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, September). Laparoscopic Colectomy: Is it Standard of Care?. First Annual Indian Health Services Surgeons Conference. Flagstaff, Arizona: Indian Health Services.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, September). Rectal Prolapse. First Annual Indian Health Services Surgeons Conference. Flagstaff, Arizona: Indian Health Services.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Lee, J., Clark, C., & Burroughs, S. (2017, October). A Holistic Approach to Increasing Racial Diversity Amongst Surgical Trainees; Association of Program Directors in Surgery. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. San Diego, California.
• Pandit, V., Azim, A., Khan, M., Jehan, F., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, October). Racial Disparity in Failure-To-Rescue in Patients with Colon Cancer: A Nationwide Analysis. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. San Diego, California.
• Harkins, J., Pandit, V., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Assessing Outcomes in Patients With Colon Cancer: The Effect Of Increasing Age. ASC Meeting 2016. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress.
• Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Differences In Expression Patterns Between Early- And Late-onset Rectal Tumors. Academic Surgical Congress.
• Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Gene expression profiles differ between early- and late-onset rectal tumors. Association for Academic Surgery Meeting 2016. Jacksonville, FL: Association for Academic Surgery.
• Koblinski, J., Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, January). Disparities in Incidence of CRC between Hispanics and Whites: a 10-year SEER database study. Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, Florida.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, January). COMP Gene Is Over-expressed in Early-Onset Colon Cancer and Associated with Poor Survival. Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, Florida.
• Telemi, E., Trofymenko, O., Venkat, R., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Frailty Predicts Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality after Colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis. ASC Meeting 2016.
• Trofymenko, O., Telemi, E., Venkat, R., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Serum Albumin Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Elective Colectomy for Benign Lesions. ASC Meeting 2016. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress.
• Trofymenko, O., Venkat, R., Telemi, E., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Frailty is a Predictor of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality after Colectomy for Cancer. ASC Meeting 2016.
• Venkat, R., Telemi, E., Oleksandr, E., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, Spring). Frailty Predicts Postoperative Morbidity/Mortality after Colectomy for C-Difficile Colitis. ASC Meeting 2016.
• Aziz, H., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, October). Outcomes in Super Elderly After Colectomy for Colon Cancer: Analysis of NSQIP. American College of Surgeons Meeting 2015. Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons.
• Aziz, H., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, Spring). Analyzing clinical outcomes in Laparoscopic Right vs. Left colectomy in patient with colon cancer patients using the NSQIP database. Academic Surgical Congress.
• Aziz, H., Jie, T., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, February). Obesity is a predicator of bile duct injuries. Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA: Academic Surgical Congress.
• Aziz, H., Torres, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, February). Right vs. Left Colectomy Outcomes in Colon Cancer Patients. Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, November). How I do it. Laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileoanal J pouchand diverting loop ileostomy. ACS Arizona Chapter Meeting. Phoenix, AZ.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, November). Updates in Colorectal Surgery. ACS Arizona Chapter Meeting. Phoenix, AZ.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, September). New Medical Issues of Living with a Stoma. United Ostomy Associations of America Convention. St. Louis, MO.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Lopez, J., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcett, J. (2010, September). Intraoperative Colonoscopies with Laparoscopic Assistance Reduces Unnecessary Bowel Resections and Hospitalization. 12th World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (SAGES). National Harbor, MD.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Prather, A., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, February). Outcomes of the Surgical Management of Acquired Recto-urethral Fistulas: Does Technique Matter?. Academic Surgical Congress. Huntington Beach, CA.
• Pandit, V., Joseph, B., Rhee, P., Zangbar, B., Mohammad, I., Khalil, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, Spring). Disparities in Management of Patients with Colorectal Disease; Impact of Urbanization and Specialized Care. Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• Raoof, M., Nfonsam, V. N., Warneke, J. A., & Krouse, R. S. (2015, February). Node-negative Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy: How Many Lymph Nodes Should Be Removed?. 10th Annual Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• Torres, M., Aziz, H., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, February). Disparities in Colorectal Cancer among Differences in the State of Arizona. Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• DiGiovanni, R., Ohlson, E., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2014, March). The Incidence, Staging, and Mortality of Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis in Arizona (2000-2010). Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2014, November). Pros and Cons Debate; Robotic Colectomy. ACS Arizona Chapter Meeting. Tucson, AZ.
• Ohlson, E., DiGiovanni, R., Vera, E., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2014, March). Increasing Incidence of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in Arizona. Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• Vera, E., Ohlson, E., DiGiovanni, R., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2014, March). Patients Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer in Rural Areas in Arizona Typically Present with Higher Stage Disease. Academic Surgical Congress. San Diego, CA.
• Zangeneh, B., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2013, October). Proximal or Distal Resection Margin of Less than 2.0 cm in Patients With Colon or Rectal Cancer is Strongly Associated with Early Local Recurrence. Academic Surgical Congress. New Orleans, LA.
• Davis, D., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., Nfonsam, V. N., & Marcet, J. (2010, Spring). Is it Time to Lower the Recommended Screening Age for Colorectal Cancer (CRC). American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting (ASCRS). Minneapolis, MN.

Poster Presentations

• Choudhury, N., Omesiete, P., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, June). Coloarticular Fistula: A Rare but potential fatal Complication. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Fujii, T., Yamasaki, Y., Saito, N., Sawada, M., Narita, R., Saito, T., Durko, H., Rice, P. S., Hutchens, G., Dominguez-Cooks, J., Thurgood, H., Chandra, S., Nfonsam, V. N., & Barton, J. K. (2019, February 2019). Early human colon cancer detection with microscopic polarimetry and a nonlinear classifier. Photonics West SPIE BiOS 2019 Conference. San Francisco, CA: Photonics West SPIE BiOS.
• Nfonsam, V. N., & Omesiete, N. (2019, Nov 2019). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Splice Variants 1 and 3 are Differentially Expressed in Colon Cancer Pathogenesis and are Potential Targets for Biomarker Testing. 2019 Annual Meeting of The Western Surgical Association. Las Vegas, NV: Western Surgical Association.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Omesiete, P. N., Cruz, A., & Jandova, J. (2019, June). Co-expression of COMP, SFRP4, LEF-1 and PDGFRB Indicates Worse Survival for Colon Cancer Patients Especially in the Young. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Thompson, S., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., & Cruz, A. (2019, April). Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy have Better Outcomes than Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy. 29th Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) Annual Meeting.
• Zeeshan, M., Hamidi, M., Hanna, K., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A. N., Joseph, B., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, June). Colon Cancer in the Young: Contributing Factors and Short-Term Surgical Outcomes. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Zeeshan, M., Hamidi, M., Hanna, K., Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A. N., Joseph, B., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, June). Does it Matter Where You Get Your Surgery for Colorectal Cancer?. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Ewongwo, A. N., Memeh, K., Pandit, V., Chen, D., Omesiete, P., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, June 2018). Rectal Cancer in the Young; Analysis of Contributing Factors;. 2018 Digestive Disease Week (DDW). Washington, DC: Digestive Disease Week (DDW).
• Martinez, C., Omesiete, P., Pandit, V., Villalvazo, Y., Thompson, E., Nocera, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, October 2018). A Protocol Driven Reduction in Surgical Site Infections After Colon Surgery. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2018. Boston, MA: American College of Surgeons (ACS).
• Martinez, C., Omesiete, P., Pandit, V., Villalvazo, Y., Thompson, E., Nocera, M., Guerrero, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, September 2018). A Protocol Driven Reduction in Surgical Site Infections After Colon Surgery. Arizona Chapter American College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Tucson, AZ: AZ Chapter American College of Surgeons (AZACS).
• Nfonsam, L., Chen, D., Mogor, O. P., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A. N., Runyan, R., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, May 2018). SFRP4 Gene is Co-Expressed with EMT Gens in Early Onset Cancer Patients and Associated with Poor Survival. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Nashville, TN: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, January 2018). Comp Gene is Over-Expressed in Early-Onset Colon Cancer and Associated with Poor Survival. 2018 Annual Academic Surgical Congress. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Chen, D., Cruz, A., Nfonsam, L., Ewongwo, A. N., Mogor, O. P., & Runyan, R. (2018, May 2018). Collagen Gene COL11A1 is Over-Expressed in Early-Onset Rectal Cancer and Co-Expressed with EMT Markers. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Nashville, TN: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).
• Nfonsam, V. N., Jecius, H. C., Omesiete, P. N., & Jandova, J. (2018, Fall 2018). Increasing incidence of colon cancer in the young; Assessing the tumor Biology;. UACC Annual Scientific Retreat. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Cancer Center.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Nfonsam, L., Chen, D., Omesiete, P., Cruz, A., Runyan, R., & Jandova, J. (2018, Fall 2018). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) Promotes Cell Proliferation in Early Onset Colon Cancer Tumorigenesis. UACC Annual Scientific Retreat. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Cancer Center.
• Omesiete, P., Martinez, C., Pandit, V., Villalvazo, Y., Thompson, E., Nocera, M., Jecius, H., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, September 2018). Restricting Intra-Operative Fluid Volume Allows Earlier Return of Bowel Function After Colon Surgery: A Prospective Matched Cohort Analysis. Arizona Chapter American College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Tucson, AZ: AZ Chapter American College of Surgeons (AZACS).
• Pandit, V., Memeh, K., Omesiete, P., Ewongwo, A. N., Mogor, O. P., Chen, D., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, May 2018). Resident Involvement and Outcomes after Surgery for Colorectal Cancer. American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Nashville, TN: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).
• Malangone, S., Recio Boiles, A., Kalb, B. T., Nfonsam, V. N., Howell, K., & Elquza, E. (2017, January/ Spring). An update on rectal cancer evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging in neoadjuvant therapy decision making: Retrospective case review. GI ASCO. San Francisco, CA: ASCO.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, November). Comp Gene is overexpressed in early-onset colon cancer, co-expressed with EMT genes and associated with poor survival. 2017 Annual Meeting of the Western Surgical Association. Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Jandova, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Colon Tumors Reveals Differences in Molecular Patterns Between Early- and Late-onset Tumors. SSO Meeting 2016. Jacksonville, FL: Academic Surgical Congress.
• Mohammed, I., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, April). The Role of Third Dimension in rectal Cancer Assessment. ASCRS. Los Angeles, CA.
• Nfonsam, V. N., & Jandova, J. (2016, April). Gene expression profile differences between early- and late-onset colorectal adenocarcinoma. Annual AACR Meeting, 2016. New Orleans, LA.
• Nfonsam, V. N., & Jandova, J. (2016, February). Comparative gene expression analysis in colorectal adenocarcinoma: does age matter?. ASCRS Meeting 2016. Los Angeles, CA: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
• Thuraisingam, R., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, February). Assessing the national trends in colon cancer among Native Americans: A 12 year SEER database study. ASCRS Meeting 2016. Los Angeles, CA: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
• Hargraves, K., Onyeagucha, B., Jandova, J., Nfonsam, V. N., & Nelson, M. (2015, April). Identification of microRNA target genes involved in colon cancer progression and liver metastasis. UACC Retreat 2015. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Cancer Center.
• Jandova, J., Ohlson, E., DiGiovanni, R., Torres, M., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, April). Disparities in the Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in the State of Arizona; Race, gender and socioeconomic status. UACC retreat, 2015. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Cancer Center.
• Skrepnek, G., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2013, April). Characteristics of Inpatient Cases with Metastatic Colon Cancer Among Persons under 50 Years of Age in the US, 2001-2010. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting (ASCRS). Phoenix, AZ: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Wertheim, B., Thompson, P., & Krouse, R. (2012, April). Increased Incidence of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer specially in Minority Populations. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX.
• Davis, D., Horne, D., Mateka, J., Nfonsam, V. N., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, October). Without Warning? Characteristics of Young Colorectal Patients. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Prather, A., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, October). Colorectal Cancer in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Society of Surgical Oncology. San Antonio, TX.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Prather, A., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, October). Initial Failure of Rectovaginal Fistula Repair Should not Preclude Repeat Attempts at Repair. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting (ASCRS). Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Prather, A., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, September). Outcomes of Treatment of Perirectal Fistulas with the Anal Fistula Plug. The American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. San Francisco, CA.
• Davis, D., Mateka, J., Marcet, J., Frattini, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2010, October). Is it time to lower the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer (CRC)?. The American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Washington, DC.
• Krieger, B., Davis, D., Marcet, J., Frattini, J., Lopez, J., Mateka, J., Sanchez, J., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2010, October). Which Patients Benefit Most from Alvimopan?. The American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Washington, DC.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Davis, D., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2010, Spring). Does the Depth of Mesorectal Invasion in uT3 Rectal Cancer Affect Pathological Stages after Neoadjuvant Therapy?. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting (ASCRS). Minneapolis, Minnesota: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
• Landers, M., Brethauer, S., Pitt, T., Chikunguwoo, S., Nfonsam, V. N., & Chand, B. (2007, Spring). American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (ACS) Video session. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2007. New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Brethauer, S., Gonclaves, C., Dan, A., Chalikonda, S., Nfonsam, V. N., & Rosenblatt, S. (2006, April). Laparoscopic Revision of Failed Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Brethauer, S., Nfonsam, V. N., Dan, A., Chand, B., & Rosenblatt, S. (2006, March). Diagnosis and Management of Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding. American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Chicago, IL.
• Dan, A., Al-goul, M., Sherman, V., Brethauer, S., Chalikonda, S., Nfonsam, V. N., & Rosenblatt, S. (2006, April). Laparoscopic Repair of Tram Related Hernias. Societies of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Goncalves, C., Nfonsam, V. N., & Chand, B. (2006, September). Laparoscopic Non-Bariatric Gastric Procedures: Indications, Techniques and Outcomes. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Brethauer, S., Dan, A., Sabnis, A., Siperstein, A., Chand, B., & Rosenblatt, S. (2006, April). Ventral Hernia Repair with Surgisis Gold: Three Year Experience. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Brethauer, S., Udomsawaengsup, S., & Chand, B. (2006, October). Evolution of Enteral Access. American College of Surgeons. Chicago, IL.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Turner, R., Luciano, M., Chand, B., & Rosenblatt, S. (2006, April). Laparoscopic Management of Distal Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Complications. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Udomsawaengsup, S., & Chand, B. (2006, April). Percutaneous Transesophageal Gastro-tubing (PTEG): A Non-Surgical Approach for Enteral Feeding and Decompression. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Udomsawaengsup, S., Liu, R., Sabnis, A., & Chand, B. (2006, April). Evolution of the PEG: The SLiC Technique. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Udomsawaengsup, S., Nfonsam, V. N., Brethauer, S., Gonclaves, C., & Chand, B. (2006, April). Do Symptoms Correlate with Endoscopic Findings in Post LRYGB Patients?. Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Meeting. Dallas, TX.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2000, October). Lymphativ Filariasis in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Student Medical Research Forum. College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago.

Others

• Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, April). Gene Linked to Colon Cancer in Younger Patients Identified. MedicalResearch.com. http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/34958357/tucsonans-raising-awareness-younger-americans-getting-colorectal-cancer
• Nfonsam, V. N., Jecius, H. C., Janda, J., Omesiete, P. N., Elquza, E., Scott, A. J., Nfonsam, L. E., & Jandova, J. (2019, February). Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Expression in Colon Cancer Patients correlates with stage of disease and Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level. 2019 Annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC).
• Omesiete, P., Zeeshan, M., Hamidi, M., Hanna, K., Pandit, V., Cruz, A., Ewongwo, A., Joseph, B. A., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2019, Oct 2019). A National Analysis of Tumor Characteristic Treatment Patterns and Long term outcomes in Patients with Early Onset Colon Cancer. Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
• Pandit, V., Omesiete, P., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2018, September). Intra-Operative Fluid Volume and Post-Operative Leak After Colectomy in Patients with Colon Cancer. Arizona Chapter American College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, March). Colon cancer on the rise among millennials. KGUN9.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2017, March). Tucsonans raising awareness: Early onset colorectal cancer. Tucson News Now. http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/34958357/tucsonans-raising-awareness-younger-americans-getting-colorectal-cancer
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, March). Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. KVOI FM.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2016, March). Colorectal Cancer Awareness. KXTT 1010 AM.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2015, March). Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment Options. Family Health Talk Show, KXTT 1010 AM.
• Pandit, V., Joseph, B., Nfonsam, V. N., Aziz, H., Kulvatunyou, N., O'Keefe, T., Zangbar, B., Wynne, J., Tang, A., Green, D., Friese, R., & Rhee, P. (2014, February). Laparoscopic Colon Resections in Geriatric Patients: Improving Outcomes in Acute Diverticulitis. Journal of Surgical Research.
• DiGiovanni, R., Ohlson, E., & Nfonsam, V. N. (2014, October). Increased Incidence of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer inArizona. Annals of Surgical Oncology; Vol 21, Supp 1: P 131.
• Raoof, M., Patel, J., Nfonsam, V. N., Krouse, R., & Ong, E. (2014, April). Prognostic significance of lymph node sampling in ypN0 Rectal Adenocarcinoma: a cohort analysis of SEER database. Society of Surgical Oncology Meeting.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2013, September 2013). Act Against Cancer. Colon Cancer Month - Interview with Dave Sitton, 104.1 FM.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2012, March). Current Update on Colon Cancer. Colon Cancer Month, KXTT 1010 AM.
• Davis, D., Horne, D., Mateka, J., Nfonsam, V. N., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, June). Without warning? Characteristics of Young Colorectal Patients. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum; Vol 54, No. 5.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2011, January). Colorectal Surgery focused on Minimal Laparoscopic Surgical procedures for Colorectal Cancer. Includes Rectal Surgery. KXTT, 1010 AM.
• Nfonsam, V. N. (2011, October). Surgeon Sheds Light on Often Hidden Problems. KUAT TV Arizona Public Radio.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Prather, A., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2011, April). Colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Annals of Surgical Oncology; Vol. 18. No 1.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Prather, A., Mateka, J., Rasheid, S., Frattini, S., & Marcet, J. (2011, June). Initial Failure of Rectovaginal Fistula Repair should not preclude repeat attempts at repair. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum; Vol. 54, No 5.
• Davis, J., Mateka, J., Marcet, J., Nfonsam, V., & Frattini, J. (2010, April). Is it time to lower the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer (CRC). Diseases of the Colon and Rectum; Vol. 53, No. 4.
• Nfonsam, V. N., Davis, D., Mateka, J., Frattini, J., & Marcet, J. (2010, April). Does the Depth of Mesorectal Invasion in uT3 Rectal Cancer Affect pathologic stage after Neoadjuvant Therapy.. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.