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Vanita Ahuja

MD, MPH, MBA
Associate Professor of Surgery; Chief General Surgery, VA Surgery; Surgery Quality Liaison-Residency, Yale Surgery; Co-Chair Surgery Award Committee, Yale Surgery; Co-Director Geriatric Surgery Committee, VA Surgery; Site Director-Residency, VA Surgery

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Vanita Ahuja, MD, MPH, MBA
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Selected Publications

  • Stakeholder Engagement Significantly Decreased Colorectal Surgical Site Infections.Salous AK, D'Adamo CR, Rubin J, Zweigle J, Cantos EA, Lopez-Perez M, Lannom M, Dodenhoff SM, Coleman J, Ahuja V. Stakeholder Engagement Significantly Decreased Colorectal Surgical Site Infections. Surgical Infections 2021, 22: 305-309. PMID: 32697676, DOI: 10.1089/sur.2019.134.
  • APDS Consensus Statement: Ideal Senior Medical Student Experiences for Preparedness for General Surgery Internship.LaFemina J, Ahuja V, Alseidi A, Balters M, Brasel K, Clark C, Delman KA, Farley D, Lindeman B, Relles D, Shabahang M, Sohn V, Harrington D. APDS Consensus Statement: Ideal Senior Medical Student Experiences for Preparedness for General Surgery Internship. Journal Of Surgical Education 2021, 78: 69-75. PMID: 32737002, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.07.015.
  • A longitudinal course pilot to improve surgical resident acquisition of quality improvement skills.Ahuja V, Gorecka J, Yoo P, Emerson BL. A longitudinal course pilot to improve surgical resident acquisition of quality improvement skills. PloS One 2021, 16: e0254922. PMID: 34280243, PMCID: PMC8289028, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254922.
  • Frailty is a stronger predictor than age for postoperative morbidity in Crohn's disease.Wolf JH, Hassab T, D'Adamo CR, Svoboda S, Demos J, Ahuja V, Katlic M. Frailty is a stronger predictor than age for postoperative morbidity in Crohn's disease. Surgery 2021, 170: 1061-1065. PMID: 34059345, DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.04.030.
  • Video-Based Coaching: Current Status and Role in Surgical Practice (Part 1) From the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Health Care Quality and Outcomes Committee.Keller DS, Winslow ER, Goldberg JE, Ahuja V. Video-Based Coaching: Current Status and Role in Surgical Practice (Part 1) From the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Health Care Quality and Outcomes Committee. Journal Of Gastrointestinal Surgery : Official Journal Of The Society For Surgery Of The Alimentary Tract 2021, 25: 2439-2446. PMID: 34355331, DOI: 10.1007/s11605-021-05102-1.
  • Item writer for the Neck Trauma Quiz. The SCORE PortalAhuja V. Item writer for the Neck Trauma Quiz. The SCORE Portal. http://www.surgicalcore.org. Published February 2, 2020.
  • The Unintended Consequences of Nonoperative Management of Acute Appendicitis.Oliveira K, Jean RA, Gonsai R, Maduka RC, Gibson CE, Chiu AS, Ahuja V. The Unintended Consequences of Nonoperative Management of Acute Appendicitis. The Journal Of Surgical Research 2020, 255: 436-441. PMID: 32619858, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.05.018.
  • Racial disparities in surgical outcomes for benign thyroid disease.Maduka RC, Gibson CE, Chiu AS, Jean RA, Wills-Johnson N, Azar SA, Oliveira K, Ahuja V. Racial disparities in surgical outcomes for benign thyroid disease. American Journal Of Surgery 2020, 220: 1219-1224. PMID: 32669203, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.054.
  • Frailty is a better predictor than age for outcomes in geriatric patients with rectal cancer undergoing proctectomy.Miller SM, Wolf J, Katlic M, D'Adamo CR, Coleman J, Ahuja V. Frailty is a better predictor than age for outcomes in geriatric patients with rectal cancer undergoing proctectomy. Surgery 2020, 168: 504-508. PMID: 32665144, DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.05.027.
  • Preoperative Nutritional Status Predicts Major Morbidity After Primary Rectal Cancer Resection.Wolf JH, Ahuja V, D'Adamo CR, Coleman J, Katlic M, Blumberg D. Preoperative Nutritional Status Predicts Major Morbidity After Primary Rectal Cancer Resection. The Journal Of Surgical Research 2020, 255: 325-331. PMID: 32593891, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.05.081.
  • tem writer for the TWIS Interpersonal Skills, Part 3 of 4 Quiz. The SCORE Portal.Ahuja V. Item writer for the TWIS Interpersonal Skills, Part 3 of 4 Quiz. The SCORE Portal. http://www.surgicalcore.org. Published September 1, 2019. .
  • Operative Mortality Prediction for Primary Rectal Cancer: Age Matters.Li Z, Coleman J, D'Adamo CR, Wolf J, Katlic M, Ahuja N, Blumberg D, Ahuja V. Operative Mortality Prediction for Primary Rectal Cancer: Age Matters. Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons 2019, 228: 627-633. PMID: 30630082, DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2018.12.014.
  • Does Perceived Resident Operative Autonomy Impact Patient Outcomes?Fieber JH, Bailey EA, Wirtalla C, Johnson AP, Leeds IL, Medbery RL, Ahuja V, VanderMeer T, Wick EC, Irojah B, Kelz RR. Does Perceived Resident Operative Autonomy Impact Patient Outcomes? Journal Of Surgical Education 2019, 76: e182-e188. PMID: 31377204, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2019.06.006.
  • A Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm Originating from the Gallbladder: A Case Report and Literature Review.Rivero-Soto RJ, Hossein-Zadeh Z, Coleman J, Ahuja V. A Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm Originating from the Gallbladder: A Case Report and Literature Review. The Permanente Journal 2019, 23 PMID: 30939279, PMCID: PMC6443366, DOI: 10.7812/TPP/18-077.
  • Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum Content Reviewer Pediatric AppendicitisAhuja V. ACS Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum Content Reviewer Pediatric Appendicitis https://www.facs.org/education/program/fsc/contributors
  • Simulation as an Adjunct to Didactics to Increase Knowledge Retention.Rivero R, Ionescu B, Bell T, Patterson D, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V Simulation as an Adjunct to Didactics to Increase Knowledge Retention. Journal Surgical Simulation
  • Development of a Surgical Simulation Curriculum on a Limited Budget. How can we survive with Minimal Resources?Rivero-Soto RJ, Ahuja V, Mpinga E, Hossein-Zadeh Z, Coleman J. Development of a Surgical Simulation Curriculum on a Limited Budget. How can we survive with Minimal Resources?. Clin Surg. 2018; 3: 1900.
  • Outcomes in the Older Patient Presenting with Acute Cholecystitis and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) StatusRivero-Soto, RJ, Ahuja V, Bell T, Sakata L, Grim R, Coleman J. Outcomes in the Older Patient Presenting with Acute Cholecystitis and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Status. International Journal of Surgical Procedures, 1.3. Doi:10.31021/ijsp.20181117
  • Quantification of Resident Work in Colorectal Surgery.Bailey EA, Johnson AP, Leeds IL, Medbery RL, Ahuja V, VanderMeer T, Wick EC, Irojah B, Kelz RR. Quantification of Resident Work in Colorectal Surgery. Journal Of Surgical Education 2018, 75: 564-572. PMID: 28986275, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2017.09.001.
  • An Interview with Dr. John L. Cameron, the Hall of Famer of Pancreatic Cancer.Rivero-Soto RJ, Coleman J, Ahuja V. An Interview with Dr. John L. Cameron, the Hall of Famer of Pancreatic Cancer. Journal Of Gastrointestinal Surgery : Official Journal Of The Society For Surgery Of The Alimentary Tract 2018, 22: 1842-1844. PMID: 30022442, DOI: 10.1007/s11605-018-3870-2.
  • ERAS in the Community Hospital: Stepwise Approach to Quality Improvement. GastroenterologySvoboda SM, Galante D, Coleman J, Sweeney, K, Blumberg, D, Ahuja V. ERAS in the Community Hospital: Stepwise Approach to Quality Improvement. Gastroenterology, April 2017, 152(5) Suppl 1, pp S1260-S1261, (abstract) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-5085(17)34201-4
  • Locally advanced primary recto-sigmoid cancers: Improved survival with multivisceral resection.Laurence G, Ahuja V, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja N. Locally advanced primary recto-sigmoid cancers: Improved survival with multivisceral resection. American Journal Of Surgery 2017, 214: 432-436. PMID: 28082009, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.12.018.
  • The Changing Epidemiology of Diverticulitis in the United States.Teetor T, Palachick B, Grim R, Bell T, Martin J, Blumberg D, Khan K, Ahuja V. The Changing Epidemiology of Diverticulitis in the United States. The American Surgeon 2017, 83: e134-136. PMID: 28424119.
  • Are They Too Old for Surgery? Safety of Cholecystectomy in Superelderly Patients (≥ Age 90).Irojah B, Bell T, Grim R, Martin J, Ahuja V. Are They Too Old for Surgery? Safety of Cholecystectomy in Superelderly Patients (≥ Age 90). The Permanente Journal 2017, 21: 16-013. PMID: 28488988, PMCID: PMC5424586, DOI: 10.7812/TPP/16-013.
  • Voluntary Collaboration to Increase Awareness Amongst Community Hospitals is an Effective Method to Improve Surgical OutcomesSheikh S, Thompson, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V, Voluntary Collaboration to Increase Awareness Amongst Community Hospitals is an Effective Method to Improve Surgical Outcomes. Presented at Scientific Forum Oct 2016 JACS Supplemental.
  • Item writer for the Systems-Based Practice, Part 1 of 4 Quiz. The SCORE Portal.Ahuja V. Item writer for the Systems-Based Practice, Part 1 of 4 Quiz. The SCORE Portal. http://www.surgicalcore.org/curriculumSchedule.aspx?currID=1. Published 12/9/2016
  • Acute onset abdominal pain after Cesarean Section?Kirsch J, Smith M, Ahuja V, Grim R, Mpinga E. Acute onset abdominal pain after Cesarean Section? Drexel Med Journal. 2016;10(1),67-68.
  • Critical Outcomes in Nonrobotic vs Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery.Yanagawa F, Perez M, Bell T, Grim R, Martin J, Ahuja V. Critical Outcomes in Nonrobotic vs Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery. JAMA Surgery 2015, 150: 771-7. PMID: 26083734, DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2015.1098.
  • Changing demographics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in the United States: hospitalizations from 1998 to 2010.Tucker JJ, Grim R, Bell T, Martin J, Ahuja V. Changing demographics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in the United States: hospitalizations from 1998 to 2010. The American Surgeon 2014, 80: 652-8. PMID: 24987895.
  • Unnecessary head computed tomography scans: a level 1 trauma teaching experience.Parma C, Carney D, Grim R, Bell T, Shoff K, Ahuja V. Unnecessary head computed tomography scans: a level 1 trauma teaching experience. The American Surgeon 2014, 80: 664-8. PMID: 24987897, DOI: 10.1177/000313481408000720.
  • Use, cost, complications, and mortality of robotic versus nonrobotic general surgery procedures based on a nationwide database.Salman M, Bell T, Martin J, Bhuva K, Grim R, Ahuja V. Use, cost, complications, and mortality of robotic versus nonrobotic general surgery procedures based on a nationwide database. The American Surgeon 2013, 79: 553-60. PMID: 23711262.
  • Infective endocarditis leading to acute aortic insufficiency, ventricular septal defect, and colonic ischemia.Salman M, Khan NN, Ahuja V, Shears L, Monk J. Infective endocarditis leading to acute aortic insufficiency, ventricular septal defect, and colonic ischemia. The American Surgeon 2013, 79: E267-8. PMID: 23896231.
  • Lymph Node Evaluation by Tumor Location in Colon Cancer Elderly PatientsTucker JJ, Yanagawa F, Ahuja N, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja V. Lymph Node Evaluation by Tumor Location in Colon Cancer Elderly Patients: A SEER-Medicare Study, J Surg Res, Volume 172, Issue 2, February 2012, Page 191.
  • Multifaceted Differences in Implementation of Practices for Prevention of Colorectal and Bariatric Surgical Site InfectionsBradley S, Bell M, Ahuja V. Multifaceted Differences in Implementation of Practices for Prevention of Colorectal and Bariatric Surgical Site Infections. Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority. 2012;9 (4): 136-142;[SI/QI].
  • Changing epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the United States: study period 1993-2008.Buckius MT, McGrath B, Monk J, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V. Changing epidemiology of acute appendicitis in the United States: study period 1993-2008. The Journal Of Surgical Research 2012, 175: 185-90. PMID: 22099604, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.07.017.
  • Cost analysis of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in patients with colon cancer: results from a large nationwide population database.Vaid S, Tucker J, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja V. Cost analysis of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in patients with colon cancer: results from a large nationwide population database. The American Surgeon 2012, 78: 635-41. PMID: 22643256.
  • Predicting risk of death in general surgery patients on the basis of preoperative variables using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.Vaid S, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja V. Predicting risk of death in general surgery patients on the basis of preoperative variables using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. The Permanente Journal 2012, 16: 10-7. PMID: 23251111, PMCID: PMC3523928, DOI: 10.7812/tpp/12-019.
  • Application of a tertiary referral scoring system to predict nonreversal of Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis in a community hospital.Vaid S, Wallet J, Litt J, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja V. Application of a tertiary referral scoring system to predict nonreversal of Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis in a community hospital. The American Surgeon 2011, 77: 814-9. PMID: 21944340.
  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe but underused in the elderly.Tucker JJ, Yanagawa F, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe but underused in the elderly. The American Surgeon 2011, 77: 1014-20. PMID: 21944516, DOI: 10.1177/000313481107700820.
  • Economics of appendicitis: cost trend analysis of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy from 1998 to 2008.McGrath B, Buckius MT, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V. Economics of appendicitis: cost trend analysis of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy from 1998 to 2008. The Journal Of Surgical Research 2011, 171: e161-8. PMID: 21962815, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.06.067.
  • Open Surgical Techniques in Colorectal Cancer.Ahuja V. Open Surgical Techniques in Colorectal Cancer. In Gearhart, S.L and Ahuja, N (Ed.) Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, Colorectal Cancer 2010; 145-165. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, Inc.
  • Small bowel adenocarcinoma: understaged and undertreated?Nicholl MB, Ahuja V, Conway WC, Vu VD, Sim MS, Singh G. Small bowel adenocarcinoma: understaged and undertreated? Annals Of Surgical Oncology 2010, 17: 2728-32. PMID: 20458546, DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1109-x.
  • Antibiotics for Critically Ill Patients, chapter for Current Surgical Therapy,Ahuja V, Barbul A. “Antibiotics for Critically Ill Patients,” chapter for Current Surgical Therapy, 8th ed, Cameron, J.
  • Successful covered stent-graft exclusion of carotid artery pseudo-aneurysm: two case reports and review of literature.Ahuja V, Tefera G. Successful covered stent-graft exclusion of carotid artery pseudo-aneurysm: two case reports and review of literature. Annals Of Vascular Surgery 2007, 21: 367-72. PMID: 17484973, DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2006.06.015.
  • Arginine and Wound HealingAhuja V, Barbul A. “Arginine and Wound Healing,” chapter for Nutrition and Wound Healing, Molnar 2006.
  • Wound HealingAhuja V, Barbul A. “Wound Healing,” chapter for Principles of Surgery, Schwartz 8th ed 2005, 63-72.
  • Head and Neck Manifestations of GERDAhuja V, Yencha M., and Lasson F. “Head and Neck Manifestations of GERD,” AFP, 1999, Sep 1; 60(3): 873-80, 885-6
  • Comments: Response to Defining Scholarly Activity.Cunningham SC, Joshi AR, Ahuja V, Sautter A, Kothuru R, Johna S, Kowdley GC. Comments: Response to Defining Scholarly Activity. Journal Of Graduate Medical Education 2014, 6: 591. PMID: 26279795, PMCID: PMC4535234, DOI: 10.4300/JGME-D-14-00311.1.
  • Correction to: Video-Based Coaching: Current Status and Role in Surgical Practice (Part 1) From the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Health Care Quality and Outcomes Committee.Keller DS, Winslow ER, Goldberg JE, Ahuja V. Correction to: Video-Based Coaching: Current Status and Role in Surgical Practice (Part 1) From the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Health Care Quality and Outcomes Committee. Journal Of Gastrointestinal Surgery : Official Journal Of The Society For Surgery Of The Alimentary Tract 2022, 26: 723. PMID: 35059989, DOI: 10.1007/s11605-021-05203-x.
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