Dr. Pragatheeshwar Thirunavukarasu, often referred to by his colleagues and patients as Dr. Prag, is a cancer surgeon, certified by the American Board of Surgery in Complex General Surgical Oncology, and General Surgery.
He is fellowship-trained in Surgical Oncology and Hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery (i.e., surgery of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas). His special interest and focus is in the treatment of cancers that are in their advanced stages, such as peritoneal carcinomatosis, liver metastases, advanced liver and pancreatic malignancies, malignant ascites, and malignant bowel obstruction.
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Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Colon and rectal cancer are often grouped as colorectal cancer due to their shared characteristics. This type of cancer occurs when cells within the colon or rectum undergo uncontrolled growth.
Malignant Ascites
Liver cancer arises when cells in the liver undergo uncontrolled growth, often associated with risk factors like hepatitis or cirrhosis. Early detection and treatment are critical
Malignant Bowel Obstruction
Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas multiply uncontrollably, often leading to serious health complications. Early detection and treatment are vital for better outcomes.
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a condition where cancer spreads to the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, leading to serious health complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
Liver Cancer
Neuroendocrine tumors develop from cells in the neuroendocrine system, often affecting organs like the pancreas and intestines. Early detection and treatment are important for managing this condition effectively.
Bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
Palliative surgery aims to improve quality of life for patients with advanced or terminal illnesses by alleviating symptoms or reducing complications, rather than aiming for a cure. It focuses on comfort and symptom management.
Books & Publications
David L Bartlett, Pragatheeshwar Thirunavukarasu, Matthew D Neal. - 'Surgical Oncology - Fundamentals, Evidence-based Approaches and New Technology: (ISBN: 978-93-5025-051-8). Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ld. (New Delhi - St. Louis - Panama City - London)
Selected Publications
Talati C, Munjal S, Attwood K, Edge SB, Francescutti V. Effect of Incorporation of Pretreatment Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels into AJCC Staging for Colon Cancer on 5-Year Survival. JAMA Surgery Jun 17, 2015
Sukumar S, Sathaiah M, Mahan M, Pragatheeshwar KD, Pingpank JF, Zeh H, Bartels CJ, Lee KK, Bartlett DL. C-stage in Colon Cancer: Implications of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Biomarker in Staging, Prognosis, and Management. Journal of the National Cancer Institute;103(8):689-97 2011 Apr 20
Sathaiah M, Sukumar S, Bartels CJ, Zeh H 3rd, Lee KK Bartlett DL Meckel's Diverticulum - A high-risk region for malignancy in the ileum. Insights from a population-based epidemiological study and implications in surgical management Annals of Surgery;253(2):223-30 2010 Feb
Sathaiah M, Gorry MC, O'Malley ME, Ravindranathan R, Austin F, Thorne SH, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL. A Rationally Designed A34R Mutant Oncolytic Poxvirus: Improved Efficacy in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis. Molecular Therapy, 2013; doi:10.1038/mt.2013.27 February 26, 2013
Gabriel E Attwood K, Kukar M, Hochwald SN, Nurkin SJ. Nationwide analysis of short-term surgical outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy for malignancy. International Journal of Surgery Nov 18, 2015
Aloia TA. Preoperative Assessment and Optimization of Future Liver Remnant. Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America Surg Clin North Am;96(2):197-205 2016 Apr
Media Appearance
Reviews from Patients
Brian Wiley
Dr Prag is a wonderful doctor always.
Pat Mclemore
Excellent Doctor explains your problem to the extent to where u can understand everything
Rhonda Strange
Dr. Prag is great. I like the way he talks to a patient. He gave me peace of mind more than he will ever know.
Lauren Hammonds
Dr Prag did my gallbladder surgery. He has a great bedside manner, excellent listener and excellent explanations.
Andrea Jackson
The level of care displayed, knowledge exchanged and assurances and support provided were unmatched.