Scholarly Achievement | Recent Publications & Presentations from Downstate Surgery
Nov 30, 2025
The Department of Surgery is proud to highlight the outstanding scholarly accomplishments of our residents, recent graduates, and faculty. Their recent publications and international presentations reflect a deep commitment to advancing surgical science and clinical excellence.
Our team has contributed to a remarkable series of case reports across pediatric surgery. Central to these successes is Francisca Velcek, MD, FACS, FAAP, MAMSE, Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery, whose mentorship, clinical expertise, and commitment to resident education were instrumental in guiding these projects to publication and presentation.
The first, Rapunzel Syndrome Complicated by Dual Jejuno–Jejunal Intussusceptions by Abed V, Sacks MA, Falcone C, et al., was recently accepted to the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports and features important contributions from Dr. Marla Sacks and Dr. Christina Falcone.
Another notable publication, Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome Complicated by Hematometra and Hematosalpinx Treated with Laparoscopic Uterine Drain Placement by Mahajan UV, Sacks M, Reck C, et al., appeared in the Journal of Surgical Case Reports (2025) and highlights a rare case managed with minimally invasive techniques, led by first author Dr. Uma Mahajan.
The case report Excision of a Rectal Duplication Cyst Near the Glomus Coccygeum—An Unusual Cause of Intraoperative Bleeding by Abed V, Sacks M, Reck C, et al., published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports (2025), offers important insights into a rare anatomic challenge and includes significant contributions from Dr. Marla Sacks.
In addition, Transperineal Approach for the Repair of a Low H-Type Rectovestibular Fistula by Mesic M, Sacks M, Divkovic D, et al., published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports (2025), outlines a specialized operative strategy for a rare anorectal malformation.
One of the most impactful contributions in this series, Sphincter-Preserving Anorectoplasty (SPARP) With Anterior Approach: A Revisited and Modified Technique for Anorectal Malformation by Mesic M, Sacks M, Divkovic D, et al., appears in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery (2025) and presents meaningful technical refinements with broad clinical implications. Dr. Marla Sacks played a key role in this work.
In addition to the publications, Dr. Marla Sacks attended the 2025 World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons (WOFAPS) meeting in Antalya, Turkey, and presented two e-posters highlighting rare pediatric surgical cases: Rectal Duplication Cyst Near the Glomus Coccygeum and Pediatric Pseudo-Meigs’ Syndrome Secondary to a Sertoli–Leydig Cell Tumor.
These achievements reflect the tremendous dedication of Dr. Marla Sacks, recent Chief Resident graduate, who continues to distinguish herself through meaningful scholarly contributions and leadership within pediatric surgery. Dr. Uma Mahajan, PGY-2, has demonstrated sustained involvement in departmental research efforts and strengthening our academic mission. Dr. Christina Falcone, PGY-2, likewise remains actively engaged in scholarly activity and further developing her academic portfolio.
We congratulate all contributors on their outstanding achievements. Their collective efforts reinforce our department’s commitment to producing rigorous, impactful surgical research.