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Program Director(s):
Marcoandrea Giorgi
Andrew Luhrs

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Description:

This clinically busy fellowship provides advanced training in all aspects of minimally invasive surgery. Much of the fellow’s day is spent in the operating room, participating in a wide range of cases, including foregut, primary and revisional bariatric, robotic, hernia, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, basic and advanced endoscopy, general surgery and colorectal procedures.

The operative experience can be tailored towards future career plans, with additional exposure as desired.

Foregut exposure includes laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair, fundoplication, Heller myotomy, revisional laparoscopic and robotic re-do foregut.

Bariatric procedures are performed in our MBSAQIP accredited center and include high percentage of laparoscopic and robotic Roux-en-y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, laparoscopic and robotic revisional bariatric surgery.

Brown Surgical is part of a comprehensive hernia center with exposure to various aspects of hernia surgery including open, laparoscopic and robotic inguinal, ventral, incisional and parastomal hernias. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction is performed with robotic eTEP-retrorectus, robotic and open TAR, parastomal hernia repairs.

Flexible endoscopy exposure includes basic endoscopy for pre and post operative bariatric patients, advanced endoscopy with balloon dilation, endoscopic suturing, POEM and POP procedures, leak management with stenting, internal drainage and endoscopic wound vac.

Research experience is available with chance to participate, submit and publish clinical MIS/bariatric projects, video abstracts at major yearly national conferences.

Basic Program Information:

  • Location: Providence, Rhode Island
  • Primary Program Site: The Miriam Hospital, The Alpert Medical School of Brown University
  • Primary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR's, # Surgical ICU beds: 250 beds; 16 ORs
  • Secondary Program Site: Rhode Island Hospital
  • Secondary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR's, # Surgical ICU beds: 719
  • Clinic locations and schedule:

    195 Collyer Street

  • University Affiliation: Brown University
  • School of Medicine Affiliation: Alpert Medical School of Brown University
  • Year Program and/or Designation Established: 1992
  • Number of Faculty: 6
  • % of Program Clinical: 90
  • % of Program Research: 10

Additional Program Information:

  • Interaction with Residents: Some cases shared
  • Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Primary Institution? Yes
  • Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Secondary Institution? Yes
  • Is there a curriculum in place for fellowship? Yes
  • Is there a skills lab at the institution with fellow access? Yes
  • Are there teaching conferences available for the fellow? Yes
  • Is there an evaluation tool for fellow by faculty in place? Yes
  • Is there an evaluation tool for faculty by fellow in place? Yes
  • Papers Accepted For Publication where PD was an author: 15
  • Publications that Involved Input from the Fellow: 5
  • Are funds available for the Fellow to attend conferences? Yes

Malpractice Insurance Information:

  • The fellow(s) is also required to have attending privileges (insurance coverage must also include all activities for their work while they act as a fellow and an attending) and the program provides the following:
    Claims-based malpractice coverage including a tail for the statute of limitations

Contact Information For Questions:

Amber Ruscher
Phone: 401-793-4545
Fax:
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.brown.edu/academics/medical/about/departments/surgery/advanced-laparoscopic-surgery-fellowship

Facilities

Library
Administrative Support
Clinical Research
Simulation Lab
Video Capture and Editing Support

Citizenship and Visa Requirements:

    US Citizens
    US Permanent Residents (Green Card)
    Canadian Citizens
    Canadian Permanent Residents

Medical School Requirements:

    We accept graduates of U.S. or Canadian Medical Schools and Foreign Medical Schools

Examinations and Certifications:

    Applicants must have passed the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1, 2, & 3 exams
    Applicants must have had at least 2 years of prior training in an ACGME accredited residency or fellowship (or Canadian equivalent)
    Applicants who are ABS or Canadian Board Eligible or Certified
    Applicants who hold a General Surgery specialty certificate from a Board or College outside of U.S. or Canada at the beginning of the fellowship
    Applicants must have had at least 2 years of prior training in an AOA (American Osteopathic Association) accredited residency or fellowship
    Applicants must be AOBS (American Osteopathic Board of Surgery) eligible or certified

 

Licensure Requirements and Information:

Accreditation Status Accreditation Period Length of Accreditation
Accredited for Advanced GI MIS/Bariatrics/Hernia and Abdominal Wall 2023-2026 3

Fellowship Opportunity # 1

  • Number of Positions Available: 1
  • Type of Fellowship: Advanced GI MIS/Bariatrics/Hernia and Abdominal Wall
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Start Day: August 1
  • End Day: July 31
  • Is this a salaried position? Yes
  • It is a requirement that the salary must be commensurate to a PGY 6 or greater in the same city. Does your program meet this requirement? Yes
  • Is the salary guaranteed for the year? Yes
  • Is there funding available beyond salary for meeting attendance, research, etc? Yes
  • Is the salary dependent on call? No
  • Is the Fellow on call? Yes
    What are the on call requirements?
  • What are the estimated fellow weekly work hours?
  • It is a requirement that Health Insurance be provided. Do you provide health insurance to your fellows? Yes
  • Teaching Responsibilities: Yes
  • Courses/Academic Presentations: Yes
  • Does reimbursement for the above make up part of the salary? No
  • Does the fellowship contract include a non-compete clause? No

Clinical Outpatient Experience

Research/Scholarship Resources

Program Director(s) Detailed Information

Dr. Marcoandrea Giorgi MD

  • At Institution Since: 2019
  • Program Director Since : 2024
  • Board Certification: Board Certified

Society Memberships

SAGES

ACS

ASMBS

Areas of Expertise

Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Hernia/Abdominal Wall, Foregut and Advanced Flexible Endoscopy

Teaching Qualifications

Fellowship Program Director Advanced GI MIS/Bariatrics/Abdominal Wall

Surgery Sub Internship Course Director

Course Leader PA533: “Surgery”, Bryant University, Smithfield RI, 2019-2024

Surgery Clerkship Faculty/lecturer, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

FLS fundamentals of laparoscopic skills faculty

FES Fundamentals of endoscopic skills faculty

MIS conference director

Summary of Qualifications

Residency - Rhode Island Hospital/Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University PGY1-5 General Surgery, 2013-2018 

Fellowship - UC Davis Medical Center, Advanced GI MIS/Bariatric, 2018-2019 

List leadership and teaching roles held nationally and locally.

Fellow of American College of Surgeons (FACS), Fellow of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons(FASMBS), Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Member of Rhode Island Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, New England Surgical Society. American Hernia Society

SAGES Resident and fellow training committee RAFT

SAGES Flex endoscopy committee

SAGES Education Council committee

ASMBS Communication Committee

PUBLICATIONS LIST: 

ORIGINAL PUBLICATIONS IN PEER REVIEWED JOURNALS:

Giorgi M, Morelli M, Mosca F: “Minimally-Invasive surgery of the Rectum for Cancer, Comparative Study between Laparoscopic and Robotic Resection”, ETD Pisa-Italy. 2012 May. n.04222012-191356

Giorgi M, Roye D, Chong T, Malek J, Shim J, Sangisetty s, Ryder BA, Stafford T, Vithiananthan S: “Safety of Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placements in high Risk Bariatric Surgery Patients”, Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care, 13(1), January 2018,DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/bari.2017.0036

Gero D, Raptis DA, Vleeschouwers WP, van Veldhuisen SL, Martin AS, Xiao Y, Galvao M, GiorgiM, Benois M, Espinoza F, Hollyman M, Lloyd A, Hosa H, Vithiananthan S, Bueter M, et al: Defining Globak Benchmaraks in Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of Minimally Invasive Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. Annals of Surgery, November 2019: 270 (5) 859-867 DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000003512

Luhrs A, Giorgi M: “Should Bariatric Surgery be Offered to Prisoners?” Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, May 2020, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j

Garcia A, Giorgi M, Parikh S, Carr A, Ali M: “Preoperative and Intraoperative Factors That Influence Length of Stay in Patients on an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Following Bariatric Surgery” Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care, October 2020, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/bari.2020.0019

Giorgi M, Goriparthi G, Roberts C, et al. “Social Factors as Predictors of Outcomes for Primary Bariatric Surgery” World Journal of Surgery and Surgical Research, 9/17/21 Volume 4, Article 1340, https://www.surgeryresearchjournal.com/open-access/social-factors-as-predictors-of-outcomes-for-primary-bariatric-surgery-7926.pdf

Sarna M, Giorgi M, Luhrs A: “Metabolic syndrome as a predictor of outcomes in primary bariatric surgery, a MBSAQIP survey” Surgical Endoscopy, January 2022, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-021-08954-5

Spivak, Giorgi M, Luhrs, A: “Conversion of Gastric Sleeve to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Biliopancreatic Diversion/Duodenal Switch: Safe and Viable Options” Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, November 2022, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2022.10.024

Gong JH, Bajaj A, Lin Y, Luhrs A, Giorgi M: “Implications of declining Medicare reimbursement of hernia repair for surgeons and patients” American Journal of Surgery, March 2023, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.03.015

Koeller E, Luhrs A, Giorgi M: Changes in utilization of robotic bariatric surgery and effect on patient outcomes from 2015-2020” Journal of Robotic Surgery, May 2023, DOI:10.1007/s11701-023-01611-0

Varone A, Tillman A, Cersonsky T, Gong JH, Luhrs A, Giorgi M: “First assistant level of training as a predictor of peri operative outcomes in primary bariatric surgery” Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care, June 2023, https://doi.org/10.1089/bari.2022.0049

Liu Y, Luhrs A, Tindal E, Chan S, Gabinet N, Giorgi M: “Initial experience with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and early discharge protocols after robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia surgery” Surgical Endoscopy, March 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-024-10718-w

Haskins IN, Tan WH, Zaman J, Alimi Y, Awad M, Giorgi M, Saad AR, Perez C, Higgins RM. Current status of resident simulation training curricula: pearls and pitfalls. Surg Endosc. 2024 Sep;38(9):4788-4797. doi: 10.1007/s00464-024-11093-2. Epub 2024 Aug 6. PMID: 39107482.

Koeller E, Liu Y, Ortega E, Luhrs A, Giorgi M: “Active Smoking Increases Risk of Wound Complications in Robotic Enhanced View Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) Retro-Rectus Ventral Hernia Repairs” Surgical Endoscopy2024 Sep 28.doi: 10.1007/s00464-024-11251-6

Law W, Ortega E, Luhrs A, Giorgi M, “Is conversion to duodenal switch after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass safe? Short-term outcomes” Surgical Endoscopy 2024 Oct 28 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-11345-1

 

BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS 

Review of Pathologic Anatomy for the Medical Student (University of Pisa, 2009) 

Review of Emergency Medicine for the Medical Student (University of Pisa, 2010) 

Review of Emergency Surgery for the Medical Student (University of Pisa, 2010) 

Review of Pediatric Surgery for the Medical Student (University of Pisa, 2010) 

Review of Anesthesiology for the medical student (University of Pisa, 2011) 

Review of General Surgery for the Medical Student (University of Pisa, 2011) 

Surgical Core on Resident Education, Ventral Hernias learning module on SCORE website (2019) 

“Inflammation and Obesity”, Chapter 8: “Obesity, Inflammation and Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract”, Elsevier reference 978-0-323-90960-0 B978-0-323-90960-0.00008-4 primary author/writer 2022 

“The Link Between Obesity and Cancer”,Chapter 8: “Obesity and Colo-Rectal Cancer”, Elsevier reference 978-0-323-90965-5 B978-0-323-90965-5.00008-8 primary author/writer 2022 

“The Link Between Obesity and Cancer”, Chapter 10 “Obesity and Cancer of the Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas”, Elsevier reference 978-0-323-90965-5 B978-0-323-90965-5.00002-7 primary author/writer 2022 

“The Link Between Obesity and Cancer”, Chapter 11: “Obesity and Upper GI Cancers”, Elsevier reference 978-0-323-90965-5 B978-0-323-90965-5.00014-3 primary author/writer 2022 

 

PEER REVIEWED ORAL ABSTRACTS 

“In Primary Hyperparathyroidism Routine Four Gland Exploration Performed on an Outpatient Basis is as Successful and Safe as a Less Invasive Approach”, New England Surgical Society Resident and Research Day, Waltham, MA (May 2016); New England Surgical Society 2016 annual meeting, Boston, MA (Sept. 2016, regional) 

“Safety of retrievable inferior vena cava filter placements in high risk bariatric surgery patients”, New England Surgical Society 2016 annual meeting, Boston, MA (Sept. 2016, regional) 

“Social Factors as Predictors of Outcomes for Primary Bariatric Surgery”, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Obesity week annual meeting, Nashville, TN (November 2018, international) 

“Perioperative Outcomes and Fellow Experience during Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery Training”, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Obesity week annual meeting, Las Vegas, NE (November 2019, national) 

“Should we convert Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to duodenal switch?” ASMBS annual meeting (June 2022national) 

“Conversion of gastric sleeve to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch: a safe and viable option” Top papers sessionASMBS annual meeting (June 2022 national) 

“Use and efficacy of pre-operative aprepipant as an anti-emetic in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy” ASMBS annual meeting Las Vegas (June 2023 national) 

“The incidence of complications and 30 days outcomes in eTEP retrorectus in patients with BMI >35” SAGES annual meeting Cleveland OH (April 2024 national) 

“Active smoking increases risks of 30 day complications in robotic eTEP retrorectus repair” SAGES annual meeting Cleveland OH (April 2024 national) 

“Extensive Weight loss prior to bariatric surgery is associated with worse outcomes” ASMBS annual meeting San Diego CA (June 2024 national) 

 

PEER REVIEWED VIDEO ABSTRACT PRESENTATIONS 

“Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection”, SAGES Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD (April 2019, national) 

“Laparoscopic vs Robotic Splenic Cyst Excision”, SAGES Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD (April 2019, national) 

“Laparoscopic Median Arcuate Ligament Release”, SAGES Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD (April 2019, national) 

“Laparoscopic Obturator Hernia Repair”, SAGES Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD (April 2019, national) 

“Incidental Malrotation During Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy”, SAGES annual meeting (August 2020 national) 

“Robotic eTEP with Hemilateral TAR for Recurrent Ventral Hernia”, SAGES annual meeting (August 2020national) 

“Laparoscopic Repair of Chronic Diaphragmatic Hernia After Blunt Chest Trauma”, AHS (American Hernia Society) annual meeting (October 2020 national) 

“Robotic Flank Hernia Repair”, AHS (American Hernia Society) annual meeting (October 2020 national) 

“Laparoscopic Clipping of Left Gastric Artery Aneurysm”, SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national) 

“Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection for Perforated Jejunal Diverticulitis”, SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national) 

“Laparoscopic repair of an acute iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia with partial gastrectomy” SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national) 

“Robotic repair of a large right sided diaphragmatic hernia” SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national) 

“Robotic Spigelian Hernia Repair” SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national) 

“Robotic recurrent inguinal hernia repair with mesh excision” SAGES annual meeting (March 2022national) 

“Laparoscopic emergent gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction for perforated gastric ulcer” SAGES annual meeting (March 2022national) 

“Robotic enhanced view total extraperitoneal ventral hernia repair with hemilateral transversus abdominis release” SAGES annual meeting (March 2022national) 

“Laparoscopic internal hernia repair from inguinal peritoneal flap break after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with mesh” SAGES annual meeting (March 2022national) 

“Laparoscopic management of incarcerated port site hernia” SAGES annual meeting (March 2022national) 

“Laparoscopic lysis of adhesions and subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy” SAGES annual meeting (March 2022national) 

“Robotic eTEP Repair of a Low Midline Incisional Hernia” AHS annual meeting (September 2022 national) 

“Robotic eTEP with concomitant inguinal hernia repair” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Laparoscopic subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Robotic eTEP with bilateral Spigelian hernia repair and ventral hernia repair” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Laparoscopic perforated giant marginal ulcer with emergent Roux-en-Y reconstruction” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Laparoscopic emergent right ileo colectomy for perforated colon cancer” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Endoscopic wound vac placement for recurrent duodenal ulcer and highly selective vagotomy” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Laparoscopic marginal ulcer Graham patch in history of open RYGB” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national) 

“Endoluminal Vac Therapy for Contained Sleeve Leak” ASMBS annual meeting (June 2023 national) 

“Re-do eTEP retrorectus and bilateral TAR for a recurrent retro-rectus incisional hernia” AHS annual meeting (September 2023 national) 

“Top Down eTEP for an incisional, bilateral inguinal hernia repair with retrorectus repair” AHS annual meeting (September 2023 national) 

“Endoluminal Wound Vac Therapy for a large contained Gastric Perforation” SAGES annual meeting (April 2024 national)

 PEER REVIEWED POSTER PRESENTATIONS

“Utilizing MBSAQIP data to evaluate venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in bariatric patients at a single institution”, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Obesity week annual meeting, New Orleans, LA (Nov. 2016, international)

“Surgical Site Preparation for Take-Back Open Abdomen Surgery”, Surgical Infection Society annual meeting, St. Louis, MO (May 2017, national)

“Edoardo Bassini, Master of Surgery and Life”, American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress, Surgical History Session, Boston, MA (October 2018, national)

“Patterns of ED visits within two years after bariatric surgery. Retrospective Chart Review In A Single Institution”, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Obesity week annual meeting, Nashville, TN (November 2018, international)

“Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Cause and Effect?”, SAGES Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD (April 2019, international)

“Metabolic Syndrome as a predictor of outcomes in primary bariatric surgery” SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national)

“Level of First Assist as predictor of outcomes in primary bariatric surgery” SAGES annual meeting (August 2021national)

“Comparative analysis of gastric band to either sleeve gastrectomy or roux-en-y gastric bypass revisional surgery” ASMBS annual meeting (June 2022national)

“Changes in utilization of robotic bariatric surgery and effect on patient outcomes from 2015-2020” ASMBS annual meeting (June 2022national)

“Initial experience with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and early discharge after robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) Ventral hernia repair” SAGES annual meeting (March 2023 national)

“Primary Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Severe Obesity: is there a Preferred Technical Approach? An MBSAQIP Survey” ASMBS annual meeting (June 2023 national)

“Stop using drains, a retrospective review of drain placement in eTEP retrorectus repair” SAGES annual meeting (April 2024 national)

“The Impact of Unilateral Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release on Outcomes in Robot-Assisted Enhanced-View Totally Extraperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair” SAGES annual meeting (April 2024 national) 

INVITED PRESENTATIONS

Regional

“Natural History of 100 Naso-Gastric Tubes, a Descriptive Study” Grand Rounds, Brown University Surgery Department, Providence, RI, (April 2016, local)

“Surgical Site Preparation for Take-Back Open Abdomen Surgery”, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Resident Competition, Harvard Trauma Symposium, Boston, MA (Nov. 2016, regional)

“Edoardo Bassini, the Man Beyond the Hernia”, Grand Rounds, History of Surgery Series, Brown University Surgery Department, Providence, RI (February 2017, local)

“The New (Old) Frontiers of the MIS/General Surgeon”, Grand Rounds, Brown University Surgery Department, Providence, RI (10/2019, local)

“Foregut Surgery, an introduction”, Brown University Medicine Department, Providence, RI (1/7/2020, local)

“Advances in Hernia Surgery”, Grand Rounds, Brown University Surgery Department, Providence, RI (10/2020, local)

Apollo Endo-Bariatric Symposium on endoscopic revision of gastric bypass, invited presentation for teaching to gastro-enterology providers and fellows, 15 providers present (4/2021, local)

“Endoscopic Revision of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass”, Apollo Endosurgery Endo-Bariatric Symposium, (4/30/2021, local)

“Bariatric Surgery in Renal Transplant Patients”, Rhode Island Hospital, Weekly Transplant lecture (May 2022, local)

“Approach to Difficult Diagnostic Laparoscopy for the General Surgeon” Grand Rounds, Brown University Surgery Department, Providence, RI, (9/2022, local)

“Small Bowel Obstruction” Department of Medicine Grand Rounds, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Speaker/Panelist (3/5/24, local)

“Endoscopic Management of Leaks in Surgery” Department of Surgery Grand Rounds, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, (4/2024), local)

 

National 

“Minimally-invasive surgery of the rectum for cancer, comparative study between laparoscopic and robotic resection”, University of Pisa, Aula Magna of Medicine and Surgery Faculty, Pisa, Italy (May 2012, national)

“Hernia Repair Surgery” SAGES Webinar Series (S. Vithiananthan, M. Giorgi) (3/12/2018, national)

“Endoluminal Surgery for the MIS/Bariatric Surgeon” MIS/Bariatric Fellows Nationwide Teleconference (M. Giorgi) (10/18/2018, national) 

“Resident simulation training curricula: pearls and pitfalls Workshop” Workshop presentation, APDS annual meeting, San Diego, CA (4/2023 national)

“Video Based Assessment in Surgery Residency Workshop” APDS annual meeting, Orlando, FL, Speaker/Panelist (4/2024, national)

 

International

Gero D; Raptis DA; Giorgi M; Vithiananthan S; Bueter M: “Defining Global Benchmarks in Bariatric Surgery. A Multicenter Analysis of Minimally Invasive Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy”, European Surgical Association (ESA) annual meeting, Madrid, Spain (March 2019, international)

“Adopting New Robotic Technologies for Hernia Repair”, International College of Surgeons USA national meeting, (6/26/2021, international) 

Dr. Andrew Luhrs MD

  • At Institution Since: 2019
  • Program Director Since : 2024
  • Board Certification: Board Certified

Society Memberships

SAGES

ACS

ASMBS

Areas of Expertise

Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Hernia/Abdominal Wall, Foregut and Surgical Endoscopy

Teaching Qualifications

(student/resident teaching, prior fellowship teaching, institutional education committees or work groups, society educational programs/committees, etc)

Course lecturer, PA533: “Surgery”, Bryant University, Smithfield RI, 2019-present, average class size 100.

Clerkship lecturer, Surgery Clerkship, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2019-Current, average attendance 12

Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery teacher for residents PGY1-4 at Brown University, bi-monthly, 5-10 residents ca. 2019-present

Faculty Administrator, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Journal Club, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2019-Present, average attendance 8

Faculty Administrator, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Service Conference, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2022-Present, Medical Students, Residents and Fellows in Attendance. Average Attendance 20. Presented material includes DEI topics related to obesity and disparities in care.

Faculty Administrator, Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship Teaching Curriculum, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2019-Present.

Faculty Research Mentor, Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2020-Present.

Course Director SURG4285: Surgery Boot Camp, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2022-Present.

Course lecturer, IPC4315: “Common Topics in Surgery”, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, 2022-present.

Faculty Mentor, 4th year medical students interested in surgical residency, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 2023-Present. Monthly Zoom Meetings to Prepare for Match During 4th year. Average attendance 5 students.

Summary of Qualifications

Summary of Qualifications

 

Outline residency and fellowships obtained 

Residency - Rhode Island Hospital/Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University PGY1-5 General Surgery, 2013-2018 

Fellowship - Duke Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, 2018-2019

Focused Practice Designation - Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery 

Leadership and teaching roles held nationally and locally.

Fellow of American College of Surgeons (ACS), Fellow of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons(ASMBS), Fellow of International College of Surgeons, Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Member of Rhode Island Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Member of New England Surgical Society. 

SAGES – Member of Technology Assessment and Value Analysis Committee

SAGES – Member of Hernia Committee

SAGES – Member of Robotics Committee

ASMBS – Member of Communications Committee

List relevant publications or technical developments

ORIGINAL PUBLICATIONS IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS

Luhrs AR, Davalos G, Lerebours R, Yoo J, Park C, Sudan R, Park C, Tabone L, Omotosho P, Torquati A, Portenier D, Guerron D. Determining the Changes in Bone Metabolism after Bariatric Surgery in Postmenopausal Women. Surg Endosc. 2020 Apr; 34(4):1754-1760

Walsh LK, Luhrs AR, Davalos G, Diaz R, Narvaez A, Perez JE, Lerebours R, Kuchibhatla M, Portenier D, Guerron AD. Racial Disparities in Bariatric Surgery Complications and Mortality Using the MBSAQIP Data Registry. Obes Surg. (2020) May 9: 1-12

Luhrs ARand Giorgi M. Should Bariatric Surgery Be Offered to Prisoners? Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2020 Sep; 16(9): 1332-1335

Giorgi M, Goriparthi G, Roberts C, Zhang Y, Kim S, Gong J, Luhrs AR, Vithiananthan S. Social Factors as Predictors of Outcomes for Primary Bariatric Surgery. World J Surg Surg Res 2021 Sept 4 (1340):1-5

Sarna MJ, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Metabolic syndrome as a predictor of perioperative outcomes in primary bariatric surgery, a MBSAQIP survey. Surg Endosc. 2022 Aug;36(8):6122-6128.

Spivak H, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux en Y Gastric Bypass vs Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: Safe and Viable Options. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2023. Feb; 19(2):131-135.

Varone A, Tillman A, Cersonsky TEK, Gong J, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. First Assistant Level of Training as a Predictor of Perioperative Outcomes in Primary Bariatric Surgery. Bariatr Surg Pract. 2023 Dec; 18(4).

Koeller E, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. Changes in Utilization of Robotic Bariatric Surgery and Effect on Patient Outcomes From 2015-2020.  J Robotic Surg. 2023 Oct; 17(5):2041-2045

Gong JH, Bajaj A, Lin Y, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. Implications of Declining Medicare Reimbursement of Hernia Repair for Surgeons and Patients. Am J Surg. 2023 Aug; 226(2):291-293

Docimo S, Sucandy I, Luhrs AR, Snow T, Pechman D. TAVAC: Choledochoscopy Disposable Scopes, and the Single-stage vs. Two-stage Approach to Choledocholithasis. Surg Endosc. 2023 Sep;37(9):6611-6618

Liu Y, Luhrs AR, Tindal E, Chan S, Gabinet N, Giorgi M. Initial experience with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and early discharge protocols after extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia surgery. Surg Endosc. 2024 Apr; 38(4) 2260-2266

Koeller E, Liu Y, Ortega-Goddard E, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR.Active Smoking Increases Risk of Wound Complications in Robotic Enhanced-View Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) Retro-Rectus Ventral Hernia Repairs. Surg Endosc. 2024

Law B, Ortega-Goddard E, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Is Conversion to Duodenal Switch After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Safe? Short-Term Outcomes Review. Surg Endoscopy (2024)

BOOK CHAPTERS

Luhrs ARand Sudan R. Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Duodenal Switch. The Perfect Sleeve Gastrectomy. Springer (2019).

Vithiananthan S and Luhrs AR. Gastroesophageal Reflux/Barrett’s Esophagus. The SCORE Portal. https://www.surgicalcore.org/modulecontent.aspx?id=127683. Published June 2020.

Pickering J, Luhrs AR, and Pryor A. Emergent Presentations of Paraoesophageal Hernia. Abdominal Surgical Emergencies. Springer (2024). 

OTHER NON-PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Luhrs AR. Product Alert: ProCellÔ Surgical Sponge Blood Recovery Unit. SAGES. https://www.sages.org/publications/tavac/procell-surgical-sponge/. Published January 12, 2021.

Luhrs AR. Product Alert: Hominis Surgical Platform. SAGES. https://www.sages.org/publications/tavac/procell-surgical-sponge/. Published June 14, 2021.

Luhrs AR. Product Alert: EvoEndo Single-use Endoscopy System. SAGES. https://www.sages.org/publications/tavac/evoendo-single-use-endoscopy-system/. Published August 17, 2022.

Luhrs AR. Product Alert: LevaLap Laparoscopic Access Device. SAGES. https://www.sages.org/publications/tavac/levalap-laparoscopic-access-device/. Published September 20, 2023.

Luhrs AR. Product Alert: MIRA Surgical System. SAGES. https://www.sages.org/publications/tavac/mira-surgical-system/. Published March 20, 2024.

 

ABSTRACTS

Luhrs AR, Kheirbek T, Marwaha J. Effect of Time to CT on Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury.Presented as poster to EAST 2017 Scientific Assembly

Soh I, Luhrs AR, Vithiananthan S, Cloutier D. Body Mass Index as a Predictor of Surgical Site Infection After Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Reviewing Nine Years of NSQIP Data. Presented as podium presentation to SAGES 2017 Scientific Assembly

Luhrs AR, Guerron D, Portenier D. VIDEO: Endoscopic T-tube Placement for the Management of Staple Line Leak after Sleeve Gastrectomy. Presented as a podium presentation at SAGES 2019.

Luhrs AR, Davalos G, Lerebours R, Seymour K, Yoo J, Jain-Spangler K, Sudan R, Park C, Guerron D, Portenier D. Determining the Changes in Bone Metabolism after Bariatric Surgery in Postmenopausal Women.Presented as a podium presentation at SAGES 2019.

Narvaez A, Luhrs AR, Sudan R. VIDEO: Robot-assisted Sleeve Stricturoplasty. Accepted as a podium presentation at ASMBS Weekend 2019.

Narvaez A, Esteban Perez J, Guerron D, Yoo J, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Incidental Gastric Remnant Erosion in a Patient with Band Over Bypass.Accepted as podium presentation at Obesity Week 2019.

Esteban Perez J, Castro M, Narvaez A, Guerron D, Portenier D, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Laparoscopic Repair of an Iatrogenic Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Patient Undergoing RYGB. Presented as podium presentation to SAGES 2020.

Sarna M, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Metabolic Syndrome as a Predictor of Outcome in Primary Bariatic Surgery: an MSBAQIP Survey. Accepted as Poster to SAGES 2021.

Varone A, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. First Assistant Training Level as a Predictor of Outcome in Primary Bariatric Surgery: an MSBAQIP Survey. Accepted as Poster to SAGES 2021.

Komaromi J, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. VIDEO: Emergent Laparoscopic Antrectomy with Bilroth II reconstruction for large perforated gastric ulcer. Accepted as Podium Presentation to SAGES 2022.

Zhang J, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Robotic extraperitoneal retrorectus parastomal “Pauli” hernia repair. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2022.

Spivak H, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Laparoscopic Palliative Gastrojejunostomy and Replacement of PEG Tube. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2022.

Koeller E, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Changes in Utilization of Robotic Bariatric Surgery From 2015-2020 and Effect on Patient Outcomes. Accepted as e-Poster to ASMBS 38th Annual Meeting 2022.

Leenen D, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Comparative Analysis of Adjustable Gastric Band Revision to either Sleeve Gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Accepted as e-Poster to ASMBS 38th Annual Meeting 2022.

Danise M, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Should we convert Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Duodenal Switch?  Accepted as Podium Presentation to ASMBS 38th Annual Meeting 2022.

Spivak H, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux en Y Gastric Bypass vs Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: Safe and Viable Options. Accepted as Top Paper to ASMBS 38th Annual Meeting 2022.

Tindal E, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Laparoscopic Splenectomy for COVID-19-induced Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2023.

Layman I, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Colostomy Takedown with Intra-Stomal EEA Anastomosis. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2023.

Danise M, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Robotic Incarcerated Obturator Hernia Repair with Mesh. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2023.

Zhang, Luhrs AR. VIDEO: Robotic eTEP Ventral hernia and Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2023.

Leenan D, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. VIDEO: Robotic Extended Totally Extra-Peritoneal Repair (eTEP) of Combined Ventral and Inguinal Hernia. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2023.

Gabinet N, Liu Y, Ortega-Goddard E, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. The Incidence of Complications and Recurrence Following Robotic eTEP in BMI >35 Versus BMI<35 Patients. Podium presentations at SAGES 2024.

Koeller E, Liu Y, Ortega-Goddard E, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Active Smoking Increases Risk of Wound Complications in Robotic Enhanced-View Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) Retro-Rectus Ventral Hernia Repairs. Podium Presentation SAGES 2024.

Baldi C, Luhrs AR. Here’s the GIST: Discovering and Definitively Managing a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor During Robot-Assisted Hiatal Hernia Repair. Accepted as Video Abstract to SAGES 2024

Law B, Liu Y, Tindal E, Ortega-Goddard, E, Giorgi M, Luhrs AR. Stop Using Drains: A Retrospective Review of Drain Placement in Robot-Assisted Enhanced View Totally Extraperitoneal Retro-rectus Ventral Hernia Repair. ePoster at SAGES 2024

Nwaiwu C, Liu Y, Mitchell E, Tindal E, Ortega-Goddard E, Luhrs AR, Giorgi M. The Impact of Unilateral Transversus Abdominus Muscle Release on Outcomes in Robot Assisted Enhanced View Totally Extraperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair. ePoster at SAGES 2024.

Division of Time

Percentage of Time Spent in Clinical Activity: 90%
Percentage of Time Spent in Research Activity:10%

Case Load as Reported By Fellow(s)

1 Fellow(s) performed 25 cases with 35 procedures during the 2025-2026 Fellowship Year.
1 Fellow(s) performed 530 cases with 830 procedures during the 2024-2025 Fellowship Year.

List of Contributing Faculty

Beth Ryder MD FACS FASMBS %
Area of Expertise
Bariatrics, MIS, Foregut, General Surgery
Role in Training
Bariatric Surgery Director
   
Todd Stafford MD %
Area of Expertise
MIS, Bariatrics, Foregut, General Surgery, Hernia
Role in Training
Assistant Professor of Surgery
   
Andrew Luhrs MD FACS FASMBS %
Area of Expertise
MIS, Bariatrics, Foregut, Robotics, General Surgery, Hernia, Abdominal Wall, Flex Endo
Role in Training
Associate Program Director
   
Marcoandrea Giorgi MD FACS FASMBS %
Area of Expertise
MIS, Bariatrics, Foregut, Robotics, General Surgery, Hernia, Abdominal Wall, Flex Endo
Role in Training
Program Director
   
Emily Ortega Goddard MD %
Area of Expertise
Bariatrics, MIS, Foregut, General Surgery, Abdominal Wall, Flex Endo
Role in Training
Assistant Professor of Surgery
   
Aurora Pryor MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS %
Area of Expertise
Bariatrics, Foregut
Role in Training
Surgeon-in-Chief
   

Accreditation History

Director Program Length Start End  
Stephen J Migliori Advanced GI MIS/Bariatrics/Hernia and Abdominal Wall 3 2023 2026  

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