Roxana M. Grasu, M.D.
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine
About Dr. Grasu
ROXANA GRASU, M.D.
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Neuroanesthesia and Orthopedic Anesthesia Section, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Board Certification : American Board of Anesthesiology
Care Center : Perioperative Enterprise Center, Main Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Clinical Interests and Expertise :
I have been on faculty at MD Anderson since 2004. As an anesthesiologist my professional interests are centered on clinical care of oncologic patients in the operating rooms as well as out-of-OR locations for various invasive procedures requiring different levels of anesthesia. By providing specialized anesthetic care of the oncologic surgical patient, I contribute in a facilitating manner to the MD Anderson's mission. My academic interests include neuroanesthesia for brain and complex spine surgery, and ultrasound guided regional anesthesia and acute pain management for orthopedic, breast, thoracic and abdominal surgery. I am specialized in the anesthetic care and cognitive monitoring for awake craniotomy cases in the operating room and the Brain Suite. I am actively involved with the Enhanced Recovery after Spine Surgery Program at MD Anderson which aims at speeding up the functional recovery of patients and decrease length of stay after complex spine cancer surgery. Other interests include difficult airway management and pediatric anesthesia.
I have a strong interest in medical education having participated and organized USGRA workshops at MD Anderson, UT Houston Medical School, TSA and internationally. Often these educational activities included anatomy laboratory dissections of brachial or lumbosacral plexuses and didactic sessions for faculty, anesthesia residents and medical students. I have presented at local, state, national and international Airway Management, Neuroanesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pediatric Anesthesia conferences and workshops. I am mentoring junior faculty, anesthesia residents, fellows and medical and undergraduate students rotating through our department, neuroanesthesia or acute pain medicine sections, and cancer anesthesia fellowship program. I have contributed several neuroanesthesia book chapters, most recently "Craniotomy" in "Acute Pain Medicine", Oxford University Press: New York, 2019.
As one of the members of the Neuroanesthesia Research Group founded in 2016 to advance clinical research collaboration and utilization of our newly created and maintained neurosurgical database, we published 8 peer-reviewed manuscripts in the last two years. As an anesthesia team lead for spine surgery, I am involved in implementing and advancing the ERSS Program and increasing our group's clinical and research collaboration with the spine neurosurgeons.
On an institutional level, I am participating (seventh year) in the Scientific Review Committee (formerly CRC) to oversee and advance excellence in clinical research in our institution. I am frequently asked as a clinical reviewer for departmental and division protocols before submission to CRC. I am also active in the ASA, TSA and several professional societies. On a national stage, I have served on the ASA Educational Track Subcommittee for Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain.
Residency : Anesthesiology, UT Houston Medical School
Medical School : University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa, Faculty of Medicine, Iasi, Romania
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1989 | Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Gr. T. Popa, Romania, Iasi, RO, MD |
Postgraduate Training
| 2021-2023 | Graduate School, Functional Medicine, Institute of Functional Medicine, Federal Way, Washington |
| 2019-2019 | Leading at MD Anderson: Leading Others, Leadership Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston |
| 2018-2018 | Faculty Supervision and Management Course, Faculty Leadership Academy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2000-2003 | Anesthesiology Residency, University of Texas - Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas |
| 1999-2000 | Internal Medicine Internship, University of Texas - Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas |
| 1999-1999 | Clinical Fellowship, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas |
| 1998-1999 | Research Fellowship, Cardiology Research Associate, University of Texas Medical School and St. Luke's Episcopal Texas Heart Institute Hospital, Houston, Texas |
| 1998-1998 | Clinical Observership, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School of Houston, Houston, Texas |
| 1992-1995 | Family Practice Residency, St. Spiridon University Hospital, Piatra Neamt |
| 1989-1991 | Clinical Internship, General Surgery and Internal Medicine, Piatra Neamt General Hospital, Piatra Neamt |
Board Certifications
| 2005 | American Board of Anesthesiology |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2019
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2005 - 2012
Instructor, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2003 - 2005
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Team Lead Neuroanesthesia for spine surgery, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2016 - 2023
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Member of Departmental Non-clinical Time Assessment Committee (NTAC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018 - 2022
Acute Pain Medicine Faculty, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2017 - 2019
Member of ERAS Spine Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2015 - 2023
Member ASA Educational Track Subcommittee for Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Educational Track Subcommittee for Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain, N/A, 2014 - 2016
Member of the Policy & Procedures Departmental Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2019
Member of the Peer Review Departmental Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2008
Clinical Anesthesia Research Fellow, University of Texas- Houston Medical School, Houston, TX, 1999 - 1999
Cardiology Research Associate, University of Texas- Houston Medical School and Texas Heart Institute/ St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, TX, 1998 - 1999
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Awareness Subcommittee (Diversity Council), 2016 - 2018
Member, Clinical Research Committee (CRC) 4, 2015 - 2023
Member, Diversity Council, 2015 - 2018
Member, Institutional Policy and Procedures Subcommittee (Diversity Council), 2015 - 2016
Member, Clinical Research Committee (CRC) 1, 2011 - 2012
Member, Clinical Research Committee (CRC) 3, 2010 - 2011
Honors & Awards
| 2015 | Excellence in Teaching, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, India |
| 2013 | Excellence in Teaching, Royal Perth Hospital, Department of Health South Metropolitan Area Health Service Government of Western Australia |
| 2010 | Dedication and Commitment Award for Teaching, UT Houston Medical School |
| 1992 | Outstanding Junior Resident, Universitatea de Med. si Farm. Gr. T. Popa, Romania |
| 1988 | Student Scholarship, Universitatea de Med. si Farm. Gr. T. Popa, Romania |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Knoll KR, Asman P, Tasnim I, Hall M, Connelly K, Swamy C, Ene C, Tummala S, Grasu R, Liu H, Kumar VA, Muir M, Prinsloo S, Michener H, Wefel JS, Ince NF, Prabhu SS. Intraoperative language mapping guided by real-time visualization of gamma band modulation electrocorticograms: Case report and proof of concept. Neuro-oncology Practice, 2023. e-Pub 2023.
- Grasu RM, Cata JP, Dang AQ, Tatsui CE, Rhines LD, Hagan KB, Bhavsar S, Raty SR, Arunkumar R, Potylchansky Y, Lipski I, Arnold BA, McHugh TM, Bird JE, Rodriguez-Restrepo A, Hernandez M, Popat KU. Implementation of an enhanced recovery after spine surgery program at a large cancer center: a preliminary analysis. J Neurosurg Spine 29(5):1-11, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30117797.
- Cata JP, Bhavsar S, Hagan KB, Arunkumar R, Shi T, Grasu R, Dang A, Carlson R, Arnold B, Popat K, Potylchansky Y, Lipski I, Raty S, Nguyen AT, McHugh TM, Feng L, Rahlfs TF. Scalp blocks for brain tumor craniotomies: A retrospective survival analysis of a propensity match cohort of patients. J Clin Neurosci 51:46-51, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29514747.
- Moussazadeh N, Evans LT, Grasu R, Rhines LD, Tatsui CE. Laser interstitial thermal therapy of the spine: technical aspects. Neurosurg Focus 44(VideoSuppl2):V3, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29570390.
- Cata JP, Bhavsar S, Hagan KB, Arunkumar R, Grasu R, Dang A, Carlson R, Arnold B, Popat K, Rao G, Potylchansky Y, Lipski I, Ratty S, Nguyen AT, McHugh T, Feng L, Rahlfs TF. Intraoperative serum lactate is not a predictor of survival after glioblastoma surgery. J Clin Neurosci 43:224-228, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28601568.
- Hagan K, Bhavsar S, Arunkumar R, Grasu R, Dang A, Carlson R, Cowles C, Arnold B, Potylchansky Y, Rahlfs TF, Lipski I, Walsh C, Jimenez F, Nguyen AT, Feng L, Cata JP. Association between perioperative hyperglycemia and survival in patients with glioblastoma. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 29(1):21-29, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27438798.
- Cata JP, Hagan KB, Bhavsar SD, Arunkumar R, Grasu R, Dang A, Carlson R, Arnold B, Potylchansky Y, Lipski I, McHugh T, Jimenez F, Nguyen AT, Feng L, Rahlfs TF. The use of isoflurane and desflurane as inhalational agents for glioblastoma surgery. A survival analysis. J Clin Neurosci 35:82-87, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 27765559.
- Bhavsar S, Hagan K, Arunkumar R, Potylchansky Y, Grasu R, Dang A, Carlson R, Cowels C, Arnold B, Rahlfs TF, Lipski I, Walsh C, Nguyen AT, Feng L, Cata JP. Preoperative statin use is not associated with improvement in survival after glioblastoma surgery. J Clin Neurosci 31(JOCN-D-16-00368):176-80, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27396375.
- Popat K, Ferson DZ, Galle B, Grasu R, Sanchez G, Tatsui C, Rhines L. “Positioning and Anesthesia Challenges In a Morbidly Obese Patient Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery. Anesthesiology Open J 1(1):15-18, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Popat K, Grasu R, Tatsui C, Bird J, Cahoun J, Cata J, Bhavsar S, Rhines L. Implementation of an enhanced recovery programme in spine surgery. Clin Nutr ESPEN 12:e47, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 28531717.
- Owusu-Agyemang P, Williams UU, Van Meter AK, Popovich SM, Cowles CE, Holmes AA, Grasu RM, Casarez VQ, Arunkumar R, Porche V, Zavala AM. Multiple anesthetics for proton-radiotherapy in a child with Costello Syndrome. Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports 1(9):1-6, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Grasu RM, Costelloe CM, Boddu K. Revisiting Anatomic Landmarks: Lateral Popliteal Approach for Sciatic Nerve Block Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Reg Anesth Pain Med 35(3):227-230, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20921831.
- Owusu PA, Gottumukkala VR, Ruiz JR, Ting JC, Grasu RM. Seizure and Tachycardia after Neurolytic Nerve Block with Phenol. Proceedings of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) Annual Meeting 2010, Honolulu, HI, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Naghavi M, John R, Naguib S, Siadaty MS, Grasu R, Kurian KC, Van Winkle WB, Soller B, Litovsky S, Madjid M, Willerson JT, Casscells W. pH Heterogeneity of human and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques; a new insight into detection of vulnerable plaque. Atherosclerosis 164(1):27-35, 2002. e-Pub 2002. PMID: 12119190.
- Grasu R, Kurian KC, van Winkle B, Snuggs MB, Siadaty S, John R, Naghavi M, Willerson JT, Casscells W. pH Heterogeneity of human and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques. Circulation 100(18):542-542, 1999. e-Pub 1999.
Manuals, Teaching Aids, Other Teaching Publications
- Arunkumar R, Grasu R, Nguyen AT, Dang AQ, Bhavsar S, Raty S. Awake Craniotomy Primer.
Other Articles
- Noll KR, Asman P, Tasnim I, Hall M, Connelly K, Swamy C, Ene C, Tummala S, Grasu RM, Liu HL, Kumar VA, Muir M, Prinsloo S, Michener H, Wefel JS, Ince NF, Prabhu SS Intraoperative language mapping guided by real-time visualization of gamma band modulation electrocorticograms: Case report and proof of concept. Neurooncol Pract 11(1):92-100, 2024. PMID: 38222047.
Abstracts
- Ravish K, Tsai J, Grasu R, Zavala AM, Williams UU, Van Meter A, Bui T, Kwater P, Holmes A, Arunkumar R, Owusu-Agyemang P. Survey of Anesthesia and Sedation Practices for Children undergoing Repetitive Cranial or Cranio-spinal Radiotherapy. SPA/AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology 2021 Virtual Meeting, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
Book Chapters
- Grasu R, Raty S. Craniotomy. In: Acute Pain Medicine. 1st. Oxford University Press, 221-245, 2019.
- Grasu R, et al. Basic Craniotomy for Tumor: Frontal, Parietal, Temporal. In: NeuRecipes. 1st. Author House, 15, 2008.
- Grasu R. Posterior Fossa/Occipital Craniotomy. In: NeuRecipes. 1st. AuthorHouse, 38, 2008.
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2024. Gastric PoCUS in MRI anesthesia patients - a QI project. Faculty meeting. Houston, Texas, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2020. Intrathecal Morphine for Acute Pain Management in Spine Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Conference. Intrathecal Morphine for Acute Pain Management in Spine Surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, US.
- 2019. Faculty Promotions: Insight from CFRC Leadership and Recently Promoted Faculty. Conference. Faculty Promotions: Insight from CFRC Leadership and Recently Promoted Faculty. Houston, US.
- 2018. Ultrasound Guided Rectus sheath, Transversus Abdominis Plane, Quadratus Lumborum blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Ultrasound Guided Rectus sheath, Transversus Abdominis Plane, Quadratus Lumborum blocks on Human Volunteers. Austin, TX, US.
- 2017. Supraglottic Airways. Conference. Supraglottic Airways. San Antonio, US.
- 2016. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2015. Upper Extremity Blocks - Multimedia Presentation. Conference. Upper Extremity Blocks - Multimedia Presentation. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2014. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Austin, TX, US.
- 2012. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2011. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2010. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2010. Perioperative Glycemic Control: Un Update. Conference. Perioperative Glycemic Control: Un Update. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2009. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. Conference. Upper Extremity Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks on Human Volunteers. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2008. Live Demonstration of Ultrasound Guided Regional Blocks of the Upper Extremity. Conference. Live Demonstration of Ultrasound Guided Regional Blocks of the Upper Extremity. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2008. Review of Upper and Lower Extremity Anatomy. Conference. Review of Upper and Lower Extremity Anatomy. Dallas, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2022. Intraoperative language mapping guided by gamma-band modulations of electrocorticogram (ECoG). Conference. Society of NeuroOncology (SNO) 27th Annual Meeting. Tampa, FL, US.
- 2022. Intraoperative cognitive-linguistic mapping guided visualization of gamma band modulation electrocorticograms: Proof of concept in a patient with left temporal and occipital low-grade astrocytoma. Conference. Society of NeuroOncology (SNO) 27th Annual Meeting. Tampa, FL, US.
- 2021. Survey of Anesthesia and Sedation Practices for Children undergoing Repetitive Cranial or Cranio-spinal Radiotherapy. Conference. Pediatric Anesthesiology 2021 Meeting. Virtual, US.
- 2018. Non-clinical time distribution within an academic anesthesiology department. Conference. New York Society of Anesthesiologists. New York City, NY, US.
- 2016. Use of scalp block in patients undergoing craniotomy: a retrospective review of patients at a large cancer center. Conference. New York Society of Anesthesiologists. New York City, NY, US.
- 2012. Emergent Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in a Patient with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer and Critical Airway Obstruction. Conference. Global Conference on Perioperative Medicine, Care of the Elderly and the Cancer Patient. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Seizure and Tachycardia after Neurolytic Nerve Block with Phenol. Conference. New York State Society of Anesthesiologists (NYSSA). New York, NY, US.
- 2010. Emergent Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in a Patient with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer and Critical Airway Obstruction. Conference. Society of Airway Management (SAM). Chicago, IL, US.
- 2008. Revisiting Anatomic Landmarks: Lateral Popliteal approach for Sciatic Nerve Block Based on MRI. Conference. American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA). Huntington Beach, CA, US.
- 1999. pH Heterogeneity of human and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques; a new insight into detection of vulnerable plaque. Conference. American Heart Association (AHA). Atlanta, GA, US.
- 1999. pH Heterogeneity of human and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques; a new insight into detection of vulnerable plaque. Conference. pH Heterogeneity of human and rabbit atherosclerotic plaques; a new insight into detection of vulnerable plaque. Washington, US.
International Presentations
- 2018. Enhanced Recovery after Spine Surgery (ERSS) The Pathway to Improve Patient's Care. Conference. MDACC. Ho Chi Minh City, VN.
- 2018. Nerve Blocks for Suboccipital Craniotomy. Conference. MDACC. Lima, PE.
- 2018. ERAS: Optimization for Postoperative Recovery after Spine Surgery. Conference. MDACC. Lima, PE.
- 2015. Multimedia Presentation for Upper Limb Anatomy, Surface Landmarks and Ultrasound GuidedTechnique and Images of Nerves on Human Volunteers. Conference. Global Medicine Inc. USA, Global Medicine Ltd. Australia. Hyderabad, IN.
- 2013. Multimedia Presentation for Upper Limb Anatomy, Surface Landmarks and Ultrasound Guided Technique and Images of Nerves on Human Volunteers. Conference. Government of Western Australia Department of Health South Metropolitan Area Health Service, Global Medicine Inc, Allied Medical, Mayo Health Care. Perth, AU.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 03, 2025