- Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders
- Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research
- Pediatric Hepatobiliary Diseases and Treatments
- Abdominal vascular conditions and treatments
- Esophageal and GI Pathology
- Trauma Management and Diagnosis
- Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions
- Biliary and Gastrointestinal Fistulas
- Pancreatitis Pathology and Treatment
- Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
- Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
- Airway Management and Intubation Techniques
- Trauma and Emergency Care Studies
- Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer Studies
- Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection
- Vascular anomalies and interventions
- Liver Disease and Transplantation
- Disaster Response and Management
- Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes
- Hernia repair and management
- Streptococcal Infections and Treatments
- Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments
- Respiratory Support and Mechanisms
- Gastroesophageal reflux and treatments
- Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes
American University of Beirut
2001-2025
American University of Beirut Medical Center
2012-2022
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City
2021-2022
American University
2017
Creative Research Enterprises (United States)
2014
University of Miami
2005-2007
Jackson Memorial Hospital
2007
Office of Naval Research
2005
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
2005
Society of University Surgeons
2005
Background: Our recent experimental study showed that peripheral muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), determined noninvasively by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), was more reliable than systemic hemodynamics or invasive oxygenation variables as an index of traumatic shock. The purpose this to establish the normal range thenar StO2 in humans and relationship between shock state trauma patients. Methods: This a prospective, nonrandomized, observational, descriptive human volunteers (n =...
Background: Tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure in ventilator dependent patients. Many critical care practitioners believe that performing tracheostomy early the postinjury period decreases length of dependence as well having other benefits such better patient tolerance and lower respiratory dead space. We conducted randomized, prospective, single institution study comparing critically ill multiple trauma patients who were randomized to two different strategies for performance...
Opportunities to improve emergency surgery outcomes exist through guided better practice and reduced variability. Few attempts have been made define optimal care in surgery, few clinically derived key performance indicators (KPIs) published. A summit was therefore convened look at resources for of surgery. The aim the Donegal Summit set a platform place develop guidelines KPIs project had multidisciplinary global involvement producing consensus statements regarding areas, assess feasibility...
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled tobramycin (TOBI) in treatment ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) a randomized, double-blind pilot study. Patients Methods: Ten patients from cohort 108 mechanically ventilated with documented clinical bacteriological evidence VAP caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter spp. surgical trauma intensive care units university teaching hospital were randomized to receive either TOBI (n = 5) intravenous (TOBRA; n 5). The two...
Abstract Background : Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), an uncommon, fatal infection of the skin and soft tissues, carries a significant mortality risk, with rates reaching as high 76% despite prompt surgical interventions. While polymicrobial infections were more likely to be encountered, few studies reported monomicrobial predominance. Despite its relevance, there is notable lack data in Eastern Mediterranean region. We aimed investigate microbiological profile among patients diagnosed...
Abstract Background Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare, yet potentially fatal skin and soft tissue infection, with global annual incidence of 0.3 to 15 per 100,000 cases. Early surgical debridement crucial as mortality rates can reach up 76%. there notable scarcity data on the epidemiology NF in Eastern Mediterranean region. Our aim investigate clinical characteristics outcomes among patients diagnosed necrotizing tertiary referral center Beirut, Lebanon. Demographic Clinical...
To evaluate 30-day postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS).LS has generally been associated with lower rates of complications than OS. However, evidence mainly comes from small studies that failed to adjust for the confounding effects underlying indication or clinical condition may have favored use one technique over other.A retrospective cohort study patients undergoing 2008 and 2009 using data American College Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement...
Diverticula of the duodenum proceed those colon in respect to frequency location. Incidence at times autopsy ranges from 15 23%. Despite fact that more than 90% duodenal diverticulum cases are asymptomatic, complications if they do occur can be calamitous. Perforation is one these rare complications. Surgical intervention has always been mainstay for symptomatic/complicated diverticula, but with advancement imaging, medical treatment, and proper intensive observation, conservative treatment...
Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDA) are rare visceral aneurysms. Celiac trunk stenosis represents a common attributable aetiology for those Therefore, an alternative treatment approach, which differs from isolated aneurysms, is recommended. We hereby present 77-year-old male patient who was admitted with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain and significant drop in haemoglobin, occurring within 24-hour interval. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed ruptured aneurysm arising...
A fistula formation between the esophagus and an aberrant right subclavian artery is a rare but fatal complication that has been mostly described in setting of prolonged nasogastric intubation foreign body erosion.We report case young morbidly obese patient who underwent sleeve gastrectomy was complicated by postoperative leak at level gastroesophageal junction.A covered esophageal stent placed endoscopically to treat leak.The developed massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary...
Few reports from the medical literature have presented severe mesh-related complications following laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia. One these is being mesh erosion into bowel, resulting in fistulous tract with subsequent abscess formation.
Background . Bezoars are well established entities causing gastrointestinal obstructions. Depending on the prominent constituent of these bezoars, latter divided into four subtypes: pharmacobezoars, lactobezoars, trichobezoars, and phytobezoars. Less frequently reported types bezoars including those formed secondary to nasogastric tube feeding with casein-based formulas. Case Presentation. A 69-year-old male presented following cardiac arrest postmyocardial infarction. Patient sustained...
Bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction is a rare entity. It should be highly suspected in patients with gastric hypomotility disorders, psychiatric conditions, prior abdominal or bariatric surgery, improper intake of medication. Their diagnosis quite challenging and surgical exploration remains the best treatment choice to ensure viability tissue relieve obstruction. This case 48-year-old female no previous surgery who presented acute pain. The patient's history was remarkable for daily...
Patients with gallstone disease can present elevated liver function tests (LFTs). It is often challenging to differentiate those a common bile duct (CBD) stone from without CBD on the basis of LFTs levels. In this study, we aim evaluate predictors stones among patients presenting symptomatic gallbladder and LFTs.We retrospectively examined all who had undergone cholecystectomy between January 2010 December 2015. cholelithiasis increased were included. Patient characteristics, imaging...
Aim: The ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) Program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center was established in November 2015 as first program serving adult and pediatric population a low-resource setting. aim study is to describe challenges faced during establishment factors leading its success. Methods: described. preparation phase, included strategic, financial, clinical planning by administration, nursing, multidisciplinary team physicians. training education phase all...
This is the case of a 38 year-old Lebanese woman G2P1, history previous cesarean section, presenting at 30+5 weeks gestation with acute left-sided flank pain and two-day chills dysuria. In light clinical presentation, patient was initially diagnosed pyelonephritis managed accordingly; however, her status deteriorated worsening hypotension lethargy despite resuscitative measures normal abdominal ultrasound. Failure to revive eventually led cardiac arrest for which peri-mortem section...
Inferior phrenic artery (IPA) pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare complication of chronic pancreatitis with only three cases reported in the literature so far. It a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not diagnosed promptly. Recent advances endovascular interventions made angiography embolisation modality choice for diagnosis and treatment. We presented first report case ruptured IPA complicating drug-induced acute was successfully treated by transcatheter arterial...
Intestinal obstruction caused by a remnant fallopian tube from previous hysterectomy is rare entity that has been reported once in the literature. We report case of 61-year-old woman who presented with both small and large bowel obstructions strangulating tube. She had an ovarian sparing 16 years ago was diagnosed antiphospholipid syndrome. Our will discuss clinical presentation, imaging outcome patient. It also briefly tackle other causes obstruction.