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David W Chang, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Present Title & Affiliation

Primary Appointment

Professor with Tenure, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Bio Statement

David W. Chang, M.D., is professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery, deputy chair, director of the plastic surgery clinic and director of the microsurgery laboratory at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He holds joint appointments as clinical associate professor, Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, and adjunct associate professor, Department of Bioengineering at Rice University.

Dr. Chang has been named to Best Doctors in America every year from 2001 to 2013. Dr. Chang has been invited to lecture at over 70 symposiums and meetings both nationally and internationally and to give over 30 visiting professor lectureships in 15 countries. Dr. Chang has many publications to his credit, including over 60 peer-reviewed publications.

Research Interests

While Dr. Chang specializes in complex microsurgical reconstructive surgery in cancer patients involving all areas of the body, his primary research focuses have been in breast reconstruction, and restoration of extremity defects (eg. lymphedema).

Office Address

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Department of Plastic Surgery
Unit Number: 1488
Houston, TX 77030-4009
Phone: (713) 563-8500
Fax: (713) 563-8501

Education & Training

Degree-Granting Education

1987 University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI, MD, Medicine
1983 University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, BS, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Honors)

Postgraduate Training

7/1993-6/1994 Fellowship, Microsurgery and Hand Surgery, Microsurgical Transplantation and Replantation Center, San Francisco, CA, Harry J. Buncke, M.D.
7/1991-6/1993 Residency, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, Berish Strauch, M.D
7/1987-6/1991 Residency, General Surgery, University of Illinois - Metropolitan Group Hospitals, Chicago, IL, Yousef Pilch, M.D.

Board Certifications

1/2004 American Board of Plastic Surgery-recertification
1/1998 Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand
1/1996 American Board of Plastic Surgery
1/1991 National Board of Medical Examiners

Experience/Service

Academic Appointments

Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 9/2006-2010
Associate Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1/2001-8/2006
Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1/1998-1/2001

Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities

Deputy Chairman of Clinical Operations, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1/2007-12/2011
Director of Plastic Surgery Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006-present
Director of Microsurgery Lab, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, 1/2000-2008

Honors and Awards

2006 America's Top Surgeons, Guide to America's Top Surgeons, 2006 Edition
2004 America's Top Physicians, Guide to America's Top Physicians
2004 Top Docs in Houston, H Texas Magazine
2001-2013 Best Doctor, Best Doctors, Inc. Aiken
1999 The Best Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in the U.S., Media Perspectives, Media Perspectives

Professional Memberships

American Association for Hand Surgery, 1999 to Present
Member, Internet Applications Committee, 2000-2001
American Association of Plastic Surgeons, 2003 to present
Awards Committee, 2003-2004
American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA
Member, 1996-present
American College of Surgeons, 2001 to Present
Scholarship Selector, ACS/ASPS Health Policy Scholarship, 2008
American Society for Peripheral Nerve, 2002 to Present
Member, Program Committee, 2003-2004
American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery
Junior Member-at-large, ASRM Council, 2003
Member, Program Committee, 2000-2001
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1991 to Present
Member, Research Grants Committee, Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, 2000-2004
European Skull Base Association, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Member, Advisory Board, 2008-present
International Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Daegu, Korea, Republic of
Member, International Advisory Committee, 9/2008-9/2010
Korean American Medical Association
Chairman, Texas Chapter, 2003-2004
Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation, 2004 - Present
Grant Reviewer, 2004-present
Plastic Surgery Research Council, 2002 to Present
Member, Program Committee, 2004-present
World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, 1999 to Present
Chair, Bylaws, 2007-2009

Selected Publications

Peer-Reviewed Original Research Articles
1. Althubaiti GA, Crosby MA, Chang DW. Vascularized supraclavicular lymph node transfer for lower extremity lymphedema treatment. Plast Reconstr Surg 131(1):133e-5e, 1/2013. PMID: 23271547.
2. Card A, Crosby MA, Liu J, Lindstrom WA, Lucci A, Chang DW. Reduced Incidence of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema following Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction versus Mastectomy Alone. Plast Reconstr Surg 130(6):1169-78, 12/2012. e-Pub 8/8/2012. PMID: 22878475.
3. Chang EI, Lamaris G, Chang DW. Simultaneous Contralateral Reduction Mammoplasty or Mastopexy During Unilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. e-Pub 11/1/2012. PMID: 23123613.
4. Crosby MA, Card A, Liu J, Lindstrom WA, Chang DW. Immediate breast reconstruction and lymphedema incidence. Plast Reconstr Surg 129(5):789e-95e, 5/2012. PMID: 22544109.
5. Nosrati N, Chao AH, Chang DW, Yu P. Lower Extremity Reconstruction with the Anterolateral Thigh Flap. J Reconstr Microsurg 28(4):227-34, 5/2012. e-Pub 3/7/2012. PMID: 22399252.
6. Samant M, Chang EI, Petrungaro J, Ver Halen JP, Yu P, Skoracki RJ, Chang DW. Reconstruction of massive oncologic defects following extremity amputation:A 10 year experience. Ann Plast Surg 68(5):467-71, 5/2012. e-Pub 1/5/2012. PMID: 22214800.
7. Campbell CA, Chang DW. Vascularized femur flap for stabilization after combined total sacrectomy and external hemipelvectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 129(5):888e-9e, 5/2012. PMID: 22544148.
8. Chao AH, Chang DW, Shuaib SW, Hanasono MM. The Effect of Neoadjuvant versus Adjuvant Irradiation on Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction in Sarcoma Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 129(3):675-82, 3/2012. PMID: 22373973.
9. Chang DW. Breast reconstruction with microvascular MS-TRAM and DIEP flaps. Arch Plast Surg 39(1):3-10, 1/2012.
10. Uygur F, Chang DW, Crosby MA, Skoracki RJ, Robb GL. Free flap reconstruction of extensive defects following resection of large neurofibromatosis. Ann Plast Surg 67(4):376-81, 10/2011. e-Pub 5/16/2011. PMID: 21587052.
11. Kim JH, Jeong JW, Son D, Han K, Lee SY, Choi TH, Chang DW. Percutaneous selective radiofrequency nerve ablation for glabellar frown lines. Aesthet Surg J 31(7):747-55, 9/2011. PMID: 21908806.
12. Hanasono MM, Silva A, Skoracki RJ, Gidley PW, Demonte F, Hanna EY, Chang DW, Yu P. Skull Base Reconstruction: An Updated Approach. Plast Reconstr Surg 128(3):675-86, 9/2011. e-Pub 5/12/2011. PMID: 21572377.
13. Mehrara BJ, Zampeli JC, Suami H, Chang DW. Surgical management of lymphedema: Past, present and future. Lymphat Res Biol 9(3):159-67, 9/2011.
14. Selber JC, Treadway C, Lopez A, Lewis VO, Chang DW. The use of free flap for limb salvage in childlren with tumors of the extremities. J Ped Surg 46(4):737-744, 4/2011.
15. Suami H, Chang DW. Overview of surgical treatments for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg 126(6):1853-1863, 12/2010.
16. Jacob LM, Dong W, Chang DW. Outcomes of reconstructive surgery in pediatric oncology patients: Review of 10-year experience. Ann Surg Oncol 17(10):2563-2569, 10/2010. e-Pub 6/15/2010. PMID: 20552404.
17. Chang DW. Lymphaticovenular bypass for lymphedema management in breast cancer patients: A prospective study. Plast Reconstr Surg 126(3):752-761, 9/2010. PMID: 20811210.
18. Roehl KR, Baumann DP, Chevray PM, Chang DW. Evaluation of outcomes in breast reconstructions combining lower abdominal free flaps and permanent implants. Plast Reconstr Surg 126(2):349-357, 8/2010. e-Pub 4/2010. PMID: 20375765.
19. Garvey PB, Rhines LD, Dong W, Chang DW. Immediate soft-tissue reconstruction for complex defects of the spine following surgery for spinal neoplasms. Plast Reconstr Surg 125(5):1460-1466, 5/2010. e-Pub 2/2010. PMID: 20134362.
20. Ver Halen JP, Yu P, Skoracki RJ, Chang DW. Reconstruction of massive oncologic defects using free fillet flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 125(3):913-922, 3/2010. PMID: 20195119.
21. Chang DW, Kim S. Breast reconstruction and lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg 125(1):19-23, 1/2010. PMID: 20048582.
22. Hanasono MM, Friel MT, Klem C, Hsu PW, Robb GL, Weber RS, Roberts DB, Chang DW. Impact of reconstructive microsurgery in patients with advanced oral cavity cancers. Head Neck 31(10):1289-96, 10/2009. PMID: 19373778.
23. Cheng MH, Brey EM, Allori AC, Gassman A, Chang DW, Patrick CW Jr, Miller MJ. Periosteum guided prefabrication of vascularized bone of clinical shape and volume. Plast Reconstr Surg 124(3):787-795, 9/2009.
24. Davis JW, Chang D, Chevray P, Wang R, Shen Y, Wen S, Pettaway CA, Pisters LL, Swanson DA, Madsen LT, Huber N, Troncoso P, Babaian RJ, Wood CG. Randomized phase II trial evaluation of erectile function after unilateral cavernous nerve sparing radical prostatectomy with versus without unilatereal sural nerve grafting for clinically localized prostate cancer. European Urology 55(5):1135-43, 5/2009.
25. Sacks JM, Chang DW. Rib-sparing internal mammary vessel harvest for microvascular breast reconstruction in 100 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 123(5):1403-07, 5/2009. PMID: 19407609.
26. Yu P, Chang DW, Miller MJ, Reece G, and Robb GL. Analysis of 49 cases of flap compromise in 1310 free flaps for head and neck reconstruction. Head Neck 31(1):45-51, 1/2009. PMID: 18972428.
27. Chang DW, Satterfield WC, Son D, Neto N, Madewell JE, Raymond K, Patrick Jr CW, Miller MJ, Costelloe CM, Weber K. Use of vascularized periosteum or bone to improve healing of segmental allografts after tumor resection: an ovine rib model. Plast Reconstr Surg 123(1):71-78, 1/2009. PMID: 19116538.
28. Wu LC, Bajaj AK, Chang DW, Chevray PM. Comparison of donor site morbidity of the SIEA, DIEP and ms-TRAM flaps for breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 122(3):702-9, 9/2008.
29. Chang DW, Barnea Y, Robb GL. Effects of an autologous flap combined with an implant for breast reconstruction: an evaluation of 1000 consecutive reconstruction of previously irradiated breasts. Plast Reconstr Surg 122(2):356-62, 8/2008.
30. Chang DW, Fortin AJ, Oates SD, Lewis VO. Reconstruction of the pelvic ring with vascularized double-strut fibular flap following internal hemipelvectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 121(6):1993-2000, 6/2008.
31. Crosby MA, Martin JW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap. Head & Neck 30(3):311-19, 3/2008.
32. Saint-Cyr M, Youssef A, Bae HW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Changing trends in recipient vessel selection for microvascular autologous breast reconstruction: an analysis of 1,483 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(7):1993-2000, 2007.
33. Brey EM, Cheng MH, Allori A, Satterfield W, Chang DW, Patrick CW, Miller MJ. Comparison of guided bone rormation from periosteum and muscle fascia. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(4):1216-22, 2007.
34. Saint-Cyr M, Chang DW, Robb GL, Chevray PM. Internal mammary perforator recipient vessels for breast reconstruction using free TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg 120(7):1769-1773, 2007.
35. Miller RB, Miller MJ, Reece GP, Kroll SS, Chang DW, Langstein HN, Ziogas A, Robb GL, Evans GRD. Microvascular breast reconstruction in the diabetic patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(1):38-45, 2007.
36. Moore BA, DeMonte F, Robb GL, Chang DW. Reconstruction of ablative skull base defects in the pediatric population. Plast Reconstr Surg 120(3):719-727, 2007.
37. Chang DW, Friel MT, Youssef AA. Reconstructive strategies in soft tissue reconstruction after resection of spinal neoplasms. Spine 32(10):1101-6, 2007.
38. Bajaj AK, Chevray PM, Chang DW. Comparison of donor-site complications and functional outcomes in free muscle-sparing TRAM flap and free DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 117:737-46; discussion 747-50, 2006. PMID: 16525258.
39. Heller L, Feledy JA, Chang DW. Strategies and options for free TRAM flap breast reconstruction in patients with midline abdominal scars. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(3):753-9, 2005.
40. Chang DW, Weber KL. Use of a vascularized fibula bone flap and intercalary allograft for diaphyseal reconstruction after resection of primary extremity bone sarcomas. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(7):1918-25, 2005.
41. Chang DW, Weber KL. Segmental femur reconstruction using an intercalary allograft with an intramedullary vascularized fibula bone flap. J Reconstr Microsurg 20(3):195-199, 2004.
42. Dai T, Pikkula BM, Tunnell JW, Chang DW, Anvari B. Thermal response of human skin epidermis to 595-nm laser irradiation at high incident dosage and long pulse durations in conjunction with cryogen spray cooling: An ex-vivo study. Laser Surg Med 33(1):16-24, 2004.

Invited Articles
1. Chang DW. Plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques for salvage in orthopedic patients. Techniques in Orthopaedics. In Press.
2. Villa MT, Chang DW. Muscle and omental flaps for chest wall reconstruction. Thorac Surg Clin 20(4):543-550, 11/2010. PMID: 20974438.
3. Baumann DP, Chang DW. Free flap reconstruction for complex lower extremity wounds. Techniques in Orthopaedics 24(2):130-138, 6/2009.
4. Chang DW, Ferguson RE. Primary versus secondary postmastectomy reconstruction. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 40:225-9, 8/2008.
5. Chang DW. Discussion: Periareolar skin-sparing mastectomy and latissimus dorsi flap with biodimensional expander implant reconstruction: surgical planning, outcome, and complications. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(6):1650-2, 2007.
6. DeMonte F, Moore BA, Chang DW. Skull base reconstruction in the pediatric patient. Skull Base 17(1):39-51, 2007.
7. Beahm EK, Walton RL and Chang DW. Breast reconstruction in the obese patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(4 (Suppl)):15, 9/2006.
8. Skoracki RJ, Chang DW. Reconstruction of the chestwall and thorax. J Surg Oncol 94:455-65, 2006. PMID: 17061266.
9. Chang DW. Discussion: Nahabedian MY, Tsangaris T, Momen B. Breast reconstruction with the DIEP flap or the muscle-sparing (MS-2) free TRAM flap: Is there a difference? Plast Reconstr Surg 115(2):445-446, 2005.
10. Chang DW. Discussion: Cavernous nerve reconstruction during radical prostatectomy by sural nerve grafting: surgical techniques in nerve harvesting and grafting. J Reconstr Microsurg 21(8):530-2, 2005.
11. Chang DW. Discussion: Delay of TRAM flap reconstruction improves flap reliability in the obese patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(2):619-20, 2005.
12. Beahm EK, Chang DW. Chest wall reconstruction and advanced disease. Sem Plast Surg 18(2):117-129, 2004.

Editorials
1. Chang D. Book Review: The Difficult Case in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(2):986, 2/2011.
Other Articles
1. Chang DW. Lymphedema. Conquest 23(4):10-11, 2009.

Abstracts
1. Suami H, Chang DW. A novel microsurgical injection technique for investigating the lymphatic system in a cadaver. Clinical Anatomy 23(8):1036, 11/2010.

Book Chapters
1. Chang DW. The second stage in autologous breast reconstruction. In: Surgery of the Breast: Principles and Art. I, 3rd, Chapter 74. Ed(s) SL Spear. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Wolters Kluwer: Philadelphia, 884-893, 2011.
2. Crosby MA, Chang DW. Adjuvant Therapy and Breast Reconstruction. In: Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery. 3. Ed(s) Hall-Findlay EJ, Evans GRD. Elsevier Ltd. China, 19-27, 2010.
3. Chang DW, Robb GL. Autologous reconstruction: Microvascular TRAM and DIEP flap. In: Master Techniques in General Surgery: Breast Surgery. Ed(s) K Bland, S Klimberg. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Wolters Kluwer: Philadelphia, 461-482, 2010.
4. Chang DW. Breast reconstruction with free TRAM flaps. In: Procedures in Reconstructive Surgery - Cosmetic and reconstructive Breast Surgery. Ed(s) Nahabedian M. Saunders Elsevier, 35-47, 2009.
 

Other
1. Internal Publication. Advancing the Treatment of Lymphedema. Interview for OncoLog: Report Physicians. Internal M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Publication. June 2009. Vol. 54, No. 6, 4-5..

Grant & Contract Support

Title: Anatomical Analysis of Etiological Mechanisms in Postoperative Upper Extremity Lymphedema
Funding Source: NIH (RO1)
Role: Principal Investigator
 
Title: A Study of Lymphatic Anatomy and Pathophysiology of Lymphedema
Funding Source: Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Program (NHARP)
Role: Principal Investigator

Last updated: 3/11/2013