Geoffrey L. Robb, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Division of Surgery
About Dr. Robb
Dr. Geoffrey Robb is currently Professor and former Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles with the focus on breast reconstruction. He has made significant contributions to text book publications through chapter participation and more notably as Co-Editor for five highly published books. Dr. Robb has provided numerous lectures both nationally and internationally through scientific meetings and visiting professorships. Dr. Robb is an active member of a number of Societies, specific to the specialty of plastic surgery and has made significant contribution through committee membership and having served as Program Chairman. Dr. Robb’s primary research interests focuses on breast reconstruction and quality of life outcomes.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1974 | University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, MD, Medicine |
| 1970 | University of Miami, Rosentiel Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Miami, FL, USA, PHD, Physical Oceanography |
| 1969 | University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA, BS, Mathematics |
Postgraduate Training
| 1985-1985 | Microsurgical and Hand Surgery Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA |
| 1983-1985 | Plastic Surgery Residency, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA |
Experience & Service
Academic Appointments
Clinical Professor, Department of Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2002 - Present
Chairman, Department of Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1998 - 2013
Adjunct Professor, Division of Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, 1997 - Present
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Deputy Division Head, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1996 - 2013
Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Patient Safety Committee, 2002 - Present
Member, Clinical Revenue Cycle Advisory Committee, 2001 - 2012
Chairman, Operating Room Committee, 1997 - 2013
Honors & Awards
| 2018 | America's Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry |
| 2018 | America's Most Honored Professionals - Top 1%, American Registry |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Mericli AF, Szpalski C, Schaverien MV, Selber JC, Adelman DM, Garvey PB, Villa MT, Robb G, Baumann DP. The Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Is a Safe and Effective Method of Partial Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Breast Conserving Therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 143(5):927e-935e, 2019. PMID: 31033814.
- Lewis CM, Aloia TA, Shi W, Martin I, Lai SY, Selber JC, Hessel AC, Hanasono MM, Hutcheson KA, Robb GL, Weber RS. Development and Feasibility of a Specialty-Specific National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP): The Head and Neck-Reconstructive Surgery NSQIP. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 142(4):321-7, 2016. PMID: 26892756.
- Zhang Q, Johnson JA, Dunne LW, Chen Y, Iyyanki T, Wu Y, Chang EI, Branch-Brooks CD, Robb GL, Butler CE. Decellularized skin/adipose tissue flap matrix for engineering vascularized composite soft tissue flaps. Acta Biomater 35:166-84, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 26876876.
- Tong WM, Baumann DP, Villa MT, Mittendorf EA, Liu J, Robb GL, Kronowitz SJ, Garvey PB. Obese Women Experience Fewer Complications after Oncoplastic Breast Repair following Partial Mastectomy Than after Immediate Total Breast Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 137(3):777-91, 2016. PMID: 26910658.
- Chang EI, Chang EI, Soto-Miranda MA, Zhang H, Nosrati N, Crosby MA, Reece GP, Robb GL, Chang DW. Comprehensive evaluation of risk factors and management of impending flap loss in 2138 breast free flaps. Ann Plast Surg 77(1):67-71, 2016. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25003429.
- Chang EI, Selber JC, Chang EI, Nosrati N, Zhang H, Robb GL, Chang DW. Choosing the optimal timing for contralateral symmetry procedures after unilateral free flap breast reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 74(1):12-16, 2015. PMID: 23759969.
- Tong W, Baumann DP, Villa MT, Mittendorf EA, Crosby MA, Liu J, Robb GL, Garvey PB. Obese women experience fewer complications after oncoplastic breast reconstruction following segmental mastectomy versus immediate breast reconstruction following skin-sparking mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 134(4 Suppl 1):78-79, 2014.
- Chang EI, Chang EI, Soto-Miranda MA, Zhang H, Nosrati N, Robb GL, Chang DW. Comprehensive analysis of donor site morbidity in abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 132(6):1383-1391, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 24005365.
- Chang EI, Chang EI, Soto-Miranda MA, Nosrati N, Robb GL, Chang DW. Demystifying the use of internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels in free flaps breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 132(4):763-768, 2013.
- Garvey PB, Villa MT, Rozanski AT, Liu J, Robb GL, Beahm EK. The advantages of free abdominal-based flaps over implants for breast reconstruction in obese patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 130(5):991-1000, 2012. PMID: 23096600.
- Selber JC, Soto-Miranda MA, Liu J, Robb GL. The survival curve: factors impacting the outcome of free flap take-backs. Plast Reconstr Surg 130(1):105-113, 2012.
- 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):376-381, 2011. PMID: 21587052.
- Kronowitz SJ, Lam C, Terefe W, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, Valero V, Lance S, Robb GL, Feng L, Buchholz TA. A multidisciplinary protocol for planned skin-preserving delayed breast reconstruction for patients with locally advanced breast cancer requiring postmastectomy radiation therapy: 3-year follow-up. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(6):2154-2166, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21311392.
- Sharma R, Rourke LL, Kronowitz SJ, Oh JL, Lucci A, Litton JK, Robb GL, Babiera GV, Mittendorf EA, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM. Management of local-regional recurrence following immediate breast reconstruction in patients with early breast cancer treated without postmastectomy radiotherapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(5):1763-1772, 2011. PMID: 21532405.
- Huang W, Liu D, Robb GL, Zhang Q. Distally based dorsal pedal neurocutaneous flap for forefoot coverage. Ann Plast Surg 66(3):235-240, 2011. PMID: 21042173.
- Baumann DP, Crosby MA, Selber JC, Garvey PB, Sacks JM, Adelman DM, Villa MT, Feng L, Robb GL. Optimal timing of delayed free lower abdominal flap breast reconstruction after post-mastectomy radiation therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 127(3):1100-1106, 2011. PMID: 21364413.
- Hanasono MM, Jacob RF, Bidaut L, Robb GL, Skoracki RJ. Midfacial reconstruction using virtual planning, rapid prototype modeling, and stereotactic navigation. Plast Reconstr Surg 126(6):2002-2006, 2010. PMID: 21124139.
- Zhang Q, Qiao Q, Zhou G, Robb GL. Anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for correction of facial contour deformities and micromastia. J Reconstr Microsurg 26(5):341-345, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20183785.
- Yu P, Hanasono MM, Skoracki RJ, Baumann DP, Lewin JS, Weber RS, Robb GL. Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap after total laryngopharyngectomy. Cancer 116(7):1718-1724, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20120029.
- Selber JC, Robb GL, Serletti JM, Weinstein G, Weber R, Holsinger FC. Transoral robotic free flap reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects: a preclinical investigation. Plast Reconstr Surg 125(3):896-900, 2010. PMID: 20195117.
- Zhang Q, Qiao Q, Yang X, Wang H, Robb GL, Zhou G. Clinical application of the anterolateral thigh flap for soft tissue reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg 26(2):87-94, 2010. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 20013586.
- 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):1289-1296, 2009. PMID: 19373778.
- Kronowitz SJ, Robb GL. Radiation therapy and breast reconstruction: a critical review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 124(2):395-408, 2009. PMID: 19644254.
- Yu P, Chang DW, Miller MJ, Reece G, Robb GL. Analysis of 49 cases of flap compromise in 1310 free flaps for head and neck reconstruction. Head Neck 31(1):45-51, 2009. e-Pub 2008. PMID: 18972428.
- Robb GL. Breast reconstruction after therapy for early breast cancer. Clin Adv Hematol Oncol 6(5):341-344, 2008.
- Crosby MA, Martin JW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap. Head Neck 30(3):311-9, 2008. PMID: 17685454.
- Kronowitz SJ, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, Strom EA, Buchholz TA, Youssef A, Koutz CA, Robb GL. Practical guidelines for repair of partial mastectomy defects using the breast reduction technique in patients undergoing breast conservation therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg 120(7):1755-1768, 2007.
- 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.
- Moore BA, DeMonte F, Robb GL, Chang DW. Reconstruction of ablative skull base defects in the pediatric population. Plast Reconstr Surg 120:719-727, 2007.
- 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 1483 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg 119(7):1993-2000, 2007.
- Miller RB, Reece GP, Kroll SS, Chang DW, Langstein HN, Ziogras A, Robb GL, Evans GRD. Microvascular breast reconstruction in the diabetic patient. Plast Reconst Surg 119(1):38-45, 2007.
- Parker PA, Youssef A, Walker S, Basen-Engquist K, Cohen L, Gritz ER, Wei QX, Robb GL. Short-term and Long-term psychosocial adjustment and quality of life in women undergoing different surgical procedures for breast cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 14:3078-3089, 2007.
- Kronowitz SJ, Kuerer HM, Hunt KK, Ross MI, Massey PR, Ensor JE, Robb GL. Impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the evolution of breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(5):1089-1099, 2006. PMID: 17016172.
- Kronowitz SJ, Feledy JA, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, Youssef A, Koutz CA, Robb GL. Determining the optimal approach to breast reconstruction after partial mastectomy: reply. Plast Reconstr Surg 118(3):814-815, 2006. PMID: 16932209.
- Yu P, Lewin JS, Reece GP, Robb GL. Comparison of clinical and functional outcomes and hospital costs following pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh free flap versus the jejunal flap. Plast Reconstr Surg 117(3):968-974, 2006. PMID: 16525294.
- Kronowitz SJ, Feledy JA, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, Youssef A, Koutz CA, Robb GL. Determining the optimal approach to breast reconstruction after partial mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 117(1):1-11; discussion 12-4, 2006. PMID: 16404237.
- Kronowitz SJ, Feledy JA, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, Youssef A, Koutz CA, Robb GL. Determining the optimal approach to breast reconstruction after partial mastectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 117:1-11; discussion 12-4, 2006. PMID: 16404237.
- Yu P, Robb GL. Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap: a clinical and functional outcomes study. Plast Reconstr Surg 116(7):1845-1855, 2005. PMID: 16327594.
- Langstein HN, Robb GL. Lip and perioral reconstruction. Clin Plast Surg 32(3):431-445, 2005. PMID: 15979481.
- Yu P, Robb GL. Reconstruction for total and near-total glossectomy defects. Clin Plast Surg 32(3):411-419, 2005. PMID: 15979479.
- Kim JY, Youssef A, Subramanian V, Rogers BA, Pollock RE, Robb GL, Chang DW. Upper extremity reconstruction following resection of soft tissue sarcomas: a functional outcomes analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 11(10):921-927, 2004. PMID: 15466352.
- Tseng JF, Kronowitz SJ, Sun CC, Perry AC, Hunt KK, Babiera GV, Newman LA, Singletary SE, Mirza NQ, Ames FC, Meric-Bernstam F, Ross MI, Feig BW, Robb GL, Kuerer HM. The effect of ethnicity on immediate reconstruction rates after mastectomy for breast cancer. Cancer 101(7):1514-23, 2004. PMID: 15378473.
- Kronowitz SJ, Robb GL. Breast reconstruction with postmastectomy radiation therapy: current issues. Plast Reconstr Surg 114(4):950-960, 2004. PMID: 15468404.
- Kim JY, Subramanian V, Yousef A, Rogers BA, Robb GL, Chang DW. Upper extremity limb salvage with microvascular reconstruction in patients with advanced sarcoma. Plast Reconstr Surg 114(2):400-408; discussion 409-410, 2004. PMID: 15277806.
- Kronowitz SJ, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, Babiera G, McNeese MD, Buchholz TA, Strom EA, Robb GL. Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 113(6):1617-1628, 2004. PMID: 15114121.
- Kim JY, Chang DW, Temple C, Beahm EK, Robb GL. Free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction in patients with prior abdominal suction-assisted lipectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 113(3):28e-31e, 2004. PMID: 15536307.
- Kronowitz SJ, Robb GL, Youssef A, Reece G, Chang SH, Koutz CA, Ng RL, Lipa JE, Miller MJ. Optimizing autologous breast reconstruction in thin patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 112(7):1768-1778, 2003. PMID: 14663219.
- Lipa JE, Youssef AA, Kuerer HM, Robb GL, Chang DW. Breast reconstruction in older women: advantages of autogenous tissue. Plast Reconstr Surg 111(3):1110-1121, 2003. PMID: 12621181.
- Robb GL, Lewin JS, Deschler DG, Haughey BH, Brown DH, Langmore SE, Lewin JS. Speech and swallowing outcomes in reconstructions of the pharynx and cervical esophagus. Head Neck 25(3):232-244, 2003. PMID: 12599291.
- Singletary SE, Robb GL. Oncologic safety of skin-sparing mastectomy. Ann Surg Oncol 10(2):95-97, 2003. PMID: 12620899.
- Langstein HN, Cheng MH, Singletary SE, Robb GL, Hoy E, Smith TL, Kroll SS. Breast cancer recurrence after immediate reconstruction: patterns and significance. Plast Reconstr Surg 111(2):712-720; discussion 721-722, 2003. PMID: 12560692.
- Crosby MA, Martin JW, Robb GL, Chang DW. Pediatric mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap. Head and Neck. e-Pub 2007.
Invited Articles
- Adelman DM, Hanasono MM, Robb GL. Mandibular Osteoradionecrosis in Free Flap Reconstruction Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Medical Modeling. Plastic Surgery Hyperguide, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Robb GL. Invited discussion: management of salivary fistulas after microvascular head and neck reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg 57(3):274, 2006. PMID: 16929193.
- Kronowitz SJ, Robb GL. Breast Reconstruction and Adjuvant Therapies. Seminars in Plastic Surgery 18(2):105-116, 2004.
- Patel P, Robb GL, Patrick CW. Soft Tissue Restoration Using Tissue Engineering. Seminars in Plastic Surgery 17(1):99-105, 2003.
Other Articles
- Robb GL Review - Radiotherapy and Immediate Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction: Should Reconstruction be Delayed?. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 23(1):96, 2012.
- Robb GL, Hanasono MM, Selber JC, Skoracki RJ Panel Discussion - Innovative Techniques in Head and Neck Reconstruction. Maxillofacial News - American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons:3, 13-17, 2012.
- Robb GL Review - Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi Flap and Implant: Audit of Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction Survey. Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 21(3):278-9, 2010.
- Robb GL Commentary - "Perfusion Zones of the DIEP Flap Revisited: A Clinical Study". Breast Diseases: A Year Book Quarterly 17(3), 2006.
- Pierre Delaere Review - Reconstruction of the Cervical Aerodigestive Tract. Leuven University Press:160, 2006.
Abstracts
- Chang EI, Chang EI, Robb GL, Chang DW. Demystifying the Internal Mammary Vessels as Recipient Sites in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction. American Association of Plastic Surgeons 92nd Annual Meeting Program Book. New Orleans, LA:104-5, 2013.
- Chang EI, Chang EI, Selber JC, Robb GL, Chang DW. Timing of Contralateral Procedures after Unilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstruction. American Association of Plastic Surgeons 92nd Annual Meeting Program Book. New Orleans, LA:182, 2013.
- Chang EI, Chang EI, Babiera GV, Lucci A, Buchholz TA, Ueno NT, Hunt KK, Robb GL, Chang DW. Autologous Free Flap Reconstruction for Inflammatory Breast Cancer: 10 Year Experience. American Association of Plastic Surgeons 92nd Annual Meeting Program Book. New Orleans, LA:188-9, 2013.
- Garvey PB, Rozinsky AT, Villa MT, Liu J, Robb GL, Beahm EK. Differences in Clinical Outcomes for Implant Versus Free DIEP/TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction in Obese Patients: a Study of 700 Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 130(1S):39, 2012.
Book Chapters
- Yu P, Robb GL. Reconstruction of the Hypopharynx and Cervical Esophagus. In: Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Head and Neck. Quality Medical Publishing: St. Louis, 645-678, 2010.
- Kronowitz S, Robb GL. Skin-preserving Delayed Immediate Breast Reconstruction. In: Surgery of the Breast: Principles and Art. 3rd. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, 438-449, 2010.
- Chevray P, Robb RL. Breast Reconstruction. In: MD Anderson Cancer Care Series, Breast Cancer, Second Edition. Springer: New York, 235-270, 2007.
- Chang DW, Robb GL. Principles of Microvascular Surgery. In: Maxillofacial Surgery. 2nd. Churchill Livingstone: St. Louis, 549-58, 2007.
- Kronowitz SJ Robb GL. Breast Reconstruction and Radiation Therapy. Chapter 42. In: Advanced Therapy of Breast Disease (Second Edition). B.C. Decker Inc, 2003.
- Yu P Robb GL. Extended Flaps for Chest Wall Reconstruction. In press. In: Reconstructive Surgery of the Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis. Marcel Dekker, Inc, 2003.
Books (edited and written)
- Anastasatos JM. Clinical Procedures. In: Medial Pedicle and Mastopexy Breast Reduction. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2012.
- Nahabedian MY. Plastic Surgery. In: Free Tissue Transfer Flaps. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2012.
- Moufarrege RJ. Clinical Procedures. In: Moufarrege Total Posterior Pedicle Breast Reduction. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2012.
- Janz BA, Yang JC. Clinical Procedures. In: Principles of Microsurgery. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2011.
- Liu PH, Chiu ES. Clinical Procedures. In: Muscle and Musculocutaneous Flaps. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2011.
- Chrysopoulo MT. Plastic Surgery. In: Tissue Flap Classification. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2011.
- Nesbit RD, Laub DR. Clinical Procedures. In: Random Skin Flaps. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2011.
- Robertson KM. Clinical Procedures. In: Fasciocutaneous Flaps. Ed(s) Robb GL. eMedicine, 2011.
- Robb, GL (co-editor). Surgery of the Breast, Principles and Art, Third Edition. Ed(s) Scott Spear, MD. Third. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, 2010.
- Hunt KK, Robb GL, Strom EA, Ueno NT. MD Anderson Cancer Care Series, Breast Cancer, Second Edition. Springer: New York, 2007.
- Robb, GL (co-editor). Surgery of the Breast, Principles and Art, Second Edition. Ed(s) Scott Spear, MD. Second. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, 2006.