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OBGYN.net Editorial Advisor
Women's Health Forum

NEENA AGARWALA, M.D., M.Sc., F.A.C.O.G
 

Office:

  Assistant Professor
  Laparoscopic Urogyn & Pelvic Surgery
  University of Nebraska Medical Center
  983255 Nebraska Medical Center
  Omaha, NE 68198-3255
  Tel: 402-559-6116

Professional Focus:

Providing comprehensive gynecological and urogynecological care with an emphasis on minimally invasive
surgery. Strong commitment to medical student and resident teaching, clinical research, and service.

Special Interests:

Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery including Robotic Surgery
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Myomectomy
Laparoscopic Management of Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis
Laparoscopic and Vaginal Urinary Incontinence Procedures
Laparoscopic and Vaginal Pelvic Prolapse Procedures
Laparoscopic Infertility Surgery
Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions
Interstim Therapy for Intractable urgency and frequency

Academic Appointments:

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology Oct 2002 to present
and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha

Other Appointments:

1. Consultant for Labor and Delivery, Eastridge Hospital, Chattanooga Aug 2001 to July 2002
2. Staff Physician at Nason Hospital, Roaring Springs, Pennsylvania July 2000 to June 2001
3. Research Scientist, Zetachron, Inc., State College, Pennsylvania Oct 1986 to Aug 1991

Memberships and Offices in Professional Societies:

1. The American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists, Member of 2004 to present
the Fellows Committee for AAGL
2. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1995 to present
3. American Medical Association 1991 to present
4. Alpha Omega Alpha 1994 to present
5. Pennsylvania Medical Society 1991 to present
6. American Association for Advancement of Science 1989 to present

Committee Assignments

1. Laparoscopic Task Force, Gynecology Representative at UNMC 2004 to present
2. Minimally Invasive Surgical Services, Gynecology Representative, UNMC 2004 to present
3. Women’s Health Elective Rotation Mentor/Faculty 2004 to present
4. Geriatrics Fellowship Preceptor 2005 to present
5. Video Review Committee for Annual Meeting of AAGL 2004 to present
6. AAGL Annual Meeting Session Co-moderator 2005 to present

Community service

1. Lecture series for teens and young girls to promote interest and education in 2006 to 2008 sciences at The Girls Incorporated of Omaha. Health and Nutrition, Career choices, The Human Body, Our five senses, The first gynecological exam, Healthy Habits.

2. Community lectures, workshops and medical advice at the 2003 to present Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition.

3. Lecture and Question -Answer Series for Minority Women, 2005 to 2007 Aging in Women, Sexual Function, Dealing with bleeding and Surgery Tips.

Education and Post-degree Training:

1. M.D., Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University Aug 1991 to May 1995
2. M.S., Molecular and Cell Biology, The Pennsylvania State University Aug 1989 to Dec 1990
3. B.Pharm., Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, India July 1982 to June 1986 Internship

Post-degree Training

1. Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic and Urogynecological Surgery July 2001 to July 2002

Sponsored by American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists (AAGL) and Society of
Reproductive Medicine (SRM), Preceptor : Dr. C.Y. Liu, M.D., Director, Chattanooga Women's
Laser Center. Extensive training in complex laparoscopic procedures with special emphasis on
Endometriosis, Pelvic Floor Reconstruction, Urogynecologic and Reproductive Surgery procedures.

2. PGY 4, Chief Resident, OB/GYN July 1999 to June 2000
Penn State Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania

3. PGY 2-3, Obstetrics and Gynecology June 1997 to June 1999
Penn State Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania

Excellent evaluations throughout the residency training. Developed strong interest in providing
most compassionate and humane care to a multicultural and diverse population. Actively involved in
resident and medical student teaching. Worked on clinical research topics such as evaluating the largest
vertical pocket of amniotic fluid as an indicator of Amniotic Fluid Index. Observational training in
advanced endoscopic surgery for one month with Drs. C.Y. Liu and C. Koh.

4. PGY-2, Obstetrics and Gynecology Aug 1996 to Nov 1996
University of California at Los Angeles

5. PGY-1, Obstetrics and Gynecology June 1995 to July 1996
University of California at San Francisco

Academic Appointments

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology Oct 2002 to present and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha

Licensure/Board Status:

1. American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) Oral Examination Dec 2004
2. Written examination for ABOG June 2001
3. Completed United States Medical Licensing Examinations Step - I. II, and III.
4. Licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Tennessee

Research Activities and Patents:

1. Randomized prospective comparison of two types of midurethral slings for urinary
incontinence in women – Clinical Efficacy and Follow up. Clinical Research Project.

2. Comparison of Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Patient Satisfaction of Ondansetron or
Granisetron plus Dexamethasone or Dexamethasone alone in Preventing Post-Operative
Nausea and Vomiting- PONV Study. Secondary Investigator and Primary surgeon. IRB approval
# 156-03 FB. Study Completed, Paper to be submitted.

3. Urethral Retro-Resistance Pressure correlation with Urodynamic Measurements in normal Females
using Gynecare Monitorr Device – Residency Program Education.

4. Laparoscopic Surgical and Urogynecological minimally invasive surgical evaluations.

5. Research Scientist, Zetachron, Inc., State College, Pennsylvania Oct 1986 to Aug 1991
Designed and developed dosage forms for controlled-release oral and buccal delivery systems
for drugs under these categories: analgesics, antihypertensives, CNS stimulants,
bronchodilators, antiemetics, antihistamines, antibiotics, hormones, and vitamins. Worked on
stability and kinetics of new dosage forms using dissolution apparatus, spectrometry,
chromatography, and pH meters.

6. M.S. Thesis on Parathyroid Hormone receptors on osteoclasts. June 1989 to Dec1990
Used gel chromatography, iso-electric focusing, advanced light and fluorescence microscopy.
Presented a poster and a seminar on this research work at a graduate research exhibition and at
the American Society for Cell Biology meeting. Graduate coursework: Neurophysiology,
Evaluation of Cell Functions, Molecular Biology and Cell Regulation, Tumor Virology and
Oncology, Carbohydrates, and Mathematical Methods.

Patents

1. Co-Inventor - Pharmaceutical Composition for drugs subject to supercooling - United States
    Patent 5082655, Jan 21, 1992.
2. Co-Inventor - Erodible matrix for enteric acting dosage forms. United States Patent
    5082655, DE3586823T T2 , May 13, 1993.
3. NIN Submission for Graft Interposition Colpocleisis, May 2008.

Consulting Positions:

1. Reviewer for Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology January 2005 to present
2. Reviewer for International Brazilian Journal of Urology January 2007 to present
3. Reviewer for Journal of Gynecological Surgery January 2008 to present
4. Reviewer for Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics January 2008 to present
5. Educational Speaker for Pfizer, Watson, Wyeth, Odyssey Allergan and Yamanouchi. January 2003 to present
6. Speaker’s Bureau Meeting on Sanctura XR for Allergan, Los Angeles January 2008
7. Speaker’s Bureau Meeting for Watson, Dallas October 2005
8. Speaker’s Bureau Meeting for Odyssey, Scottsdale February 2005
9. Cook Stratasis Mentor and Consultant, Atlanta June 2003 to present

Honors and Awards:

1. Earned academic grade of honors and excellent evaluations in all clerkships during the third and
fourth year of medical school.
2. High scores on all National Board Subject Examinations for clerkships (93rd-100th percentile).
3. Consistently achieved honors grade and top rank in almost all courses, both basic science and
clinical, during the first two years of medical school.

Awards

1. Best Teacher Award – for 2006 by Residents at the UNMC Residency program.
2. Jerome J Hoffman “Postgraduate Prize Paper” at the AAGL 33rd Annual Meeting, San
Francisco, November 2004.
3. Best Fellow Award -2002 at The Chattanooga Women’s Laser Center by Hospital and OR
Staff.
4. Best Resident Teaching Award for 1999-00 at PSGHS by Thomas Jefferson Medical Student
Committee.
5. Selected for the 1999 ACOG Wyeth-Ayerst Resident Reporter Program for ACOG.
6. Berlex Laboratories PGY-2 Best Teaching Resident Award for 1997-98 at PSGHS.
7. Selected for the 1998 CREOG/Wyeth-Ayerst Educational Resident Reporter Program.
8. Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, elected during the junior year of medical school.
9. Hammond Award for outstanding academic performance in the first, second, and third year of
medical school. Only student in medical school class to win the award for three consecutive years.
10. Virchow Prize for excellence in Pathology from the Department of Pathology in 1993.
11. First Rank holder in the 1986 batch of B.Pharm students and University-wide gold medalist.
12. G.P. Nair Award from the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association in 1986.

Publications:

Journal Articles

1. Agarwala, N, Hasiak, N, Shade, M. Graft Interposition colpocleisis, perineorrhaphy,
and tension free sling for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in
elderly patients. The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Nov 2007, 14:6; 740-745.
2. Agarwala, N, Hasiak, N, Shade, M. Laparoscopic Sacral colpopexy with Gynemesh as
graft material- Experience and results. The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology,
Sept 2007, 14:5; 577-583.
3. Agarwala, N., Cohen, A. Experiences with a xenograft (acellular bovine collagen
matrix) in gynecologic fistula repairs. The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology,
Sept 2006, 13:5; 483-485
4. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Safe entry Techniques During Laparoscopy: Left Upper quadrant
Entry Technique Using the Ninth Intercostal Space – A Review of 918 Cases. The Journal
of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Vol 12, No 1, 55-61.
5. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Laparoscopic Appendectomy The Journal of the American
Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 10(2), 166-168, 2003.
6. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Laparoscopic Uterosacral Vault or Uterine suspension: Our
experience. The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Vol. 10,
No. 3 Supplement, Aug 2003.
7. Agarwala, N., Liu, C.Y. Minimally Invasive Management of Urinary Incontinence. Current
Opinions in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 14(4):429-433, August 2002.
8. Agarwala, N and Gay, C.V. Specific Binding of Parathyroid Hormone to Living 0steoclasts.
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 1992; vol. 7; 9: 531-539.

Books Published

1. Snipes, W and Agarwala, N. The Molecular Basis of Human Disease and approaches to its
treatment. Science and People - The Woodburn Press, 1993. ISBN 0-9612798-5-0. This book
was intended for youngsters to motivate them to study life sciences, and for a large adult population
that had little knowledge of human diseases.

Chapters in Books

1. Agarwala, N. Laparoscopic Uterosacral Vault Suspension for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
In N. Jain (ed). Advanced Laparoscopic Techniques for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Submitted
2. Agarwala, N. Robotic Surgery in Gynecology. Chapter for Gynecology Textbook.
In S. Salhan (ed). In press.
3. Agarwala, N., Liu, C. Y. Urinary Incontinence in Women and Current Treatments. A
Practical Manuel of Gynecology and Laparoscopy: A Clinical Cookbook. N. Busso (ed), Atheneu
Company, Argentina, 2001

Abstracts

1. Agarwala, N., Griffin, J. A Randomized comparison of Gynecare TVT and Boston
Scientific Lynx midurethral slings. Obstet. Gynecol., Apr 2006; 107: 46S - 47S.
2. Agarwala, N., Cohen, A. Urethral Diverticulum, Vesicovaginal and Rectovaginal
Fistula repairs using a Zenograft. Obstet. Gynecol., Apr 2006; 107: 46S.
3. Agarwala, N. Laparoscopic hysterectomy for morbidly obese patients, 41, The Journal
of Minimally Invasive Gynecology October 2005 (Vol. 12, Issue 5, Page 18)
4. Agarwala, N., Cohen, A. Review of Complications of Laparoscopic Hysterectomies in
a teaching University Hospital. 240: The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology
October 2005 (Vol. 12, Issue 5, Pages 97-98)
5. Agarwala, N. Laparoscopic bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension for vaginal
prolapse. 171, The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology October 2005 (Vol. 12, Issue
5, Page 71)
6. Left Upper Quadrant Called Safe Alternative for Umbilicus Entry
Robert Finn , Ob.Gyn. News, 1 February 2005 (Vol. 40, Issue 3, Page 20)
7. N Agarwala, CY Liu . Laparoscopic uterosacral vault or uterine suspension: Our
experience, Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
August 2003 (Vol. 10, Issue 3, Page S37)
8. N Agarwala, CY Liu Laparoscopic appendectomy. Journal of the American Association
of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, August 2002 (Vol. 9, Issue 3, Page S4)
9. Agarwala, N., Nair, S.G., Ghosh, T.K. Experience with Neoadjuvant Methotrexate,
Vincristine, Adriamycin, Cisplatin (MVAC) in Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma
Proceedings of American Society of Clinical Oncology 2000; vol.19; 9: 1569.

Presentations

1. Common Medical Conditions of Aging: Changing the Face of Medicine: Honoring
Women Physicians, Invited Speaker at Council Bluffs Library, Omaha, January 2008
2. Robotic Surgery in Gynecology – All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,
India, December 2007
3. Robotic Surgery - Safdarjung Vardhman Mahavir Medical Center, New Delhi, India,
December 2007
4. Graft use in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery- Safdarjung Vardhman Mahavir Medical
Center, New Delhi, India, December 2007
5. Menopause and Perimenopause- Guest Speaker for Heatland Women of Today,
November 2007.
6. Incontinence and Surgery- Women’s health Symposium, St. Lukes Hospital, May 2007.
7. Common Medical Conditions of Aging – Spirit of Women’s Spring Program, Sioux City,
April 2007.
8. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy, AAGL 35th Annual Meeting, Chicago,
November, 2006 Plenary session speaker: A randomized comparison of Gynecare and
Boston Scientific mid urethral tension free slings .
9. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy, AAGL 35th Annual Meeting, Chicago,
November, 2006 Plenary session speaker: Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy using
GynemeshTM as Graft Material - Experience and Results.
10. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 54th Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2006.
Urogynecology Session speaker: Vesicovaginal and Rectovaginal Fistula repairs using
a Zenograft : Experience.
11. SIS Summit Invited Speaker on SIS sling experience in Gynecology–
2nd Multidisciplinary conference for biomaterials, Cook Biotech., Chicago, August 2006.
12. Ethicon Female Surgeon’s Summit- Invited Presentation on Female hand ergonomics for
laparoscopic instruments. New York, April 2006.
13. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2005.
Urogynecology Session speaker: To compare synthetic and biologic materials for
tension free sling in women with stress incontinence.
14. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2005.
Urogynecology Session speaker: Colpocleisis and tension-free vaginal sling for pelvic
prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
15. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 53rd Annual Clinical Meeting, May
2005. Urogynecology Session speaker: To identify urodynamic characteristics of
long term Burch colposuspension failures.
16. Update on Incontinence– Nurse Practitioners Journal Club of Lincoln, November 2005.
17. Valda’s Place Invitation presentations on Laparoscopic hysterectomy, Incontinence and
Anticipating Surgery – April –July 2005.
18. Laparoscopic procedures – A coding perspective – Coders conference, UNMC, September
2005
19. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – Wyeth Representatives Conference, June 2005
20. KMTV-CBS Invitation presentations- MIS Hysterectomy July 2005, Essure Sterilization
April 2005.
21. Women’s Watch Program – Invited Speaker on Urinary Incontinence in Women, May
2005.
22. Management of Overactive Bladder- Trospium as a new medication– Speaker at
Urology and Family Practice Groups, Sioux Falls, March, 2005.
23. SIS Summit Invited Speaker on SIS technology- Preliminary Results– Multidisciplinary
conference for biomaterials, Cook Biotech., Santa Fe, March 2005.
24. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy, AAGL 34th Annual Meeting, Chicago,
November, 2005 Plenary session speaker: Laparoscopic hysterectomy in morbidly obese
patients.
25. Laparoscopic Hysterectomy – Wyeth Representative Teaching Program, March 2004.
26. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 52nd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2004.
To evaluate biomaterials for mid-urethral sling procedures.
27. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ 52nd Annual Clinical Meeting, May 2004.
Simple technique for reduction of post-operative gas pain after Laparoscopy.
28. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy, AAGL 33rd Annual Meeting, November
2004 - Plenary speaker: Long term results of Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension.
29. There is help for Incontinence – Speaker at the Spring Women’s Conference, Renew,
Refresh, Revive: A Day of Women’s Wellness, Omaha, March 2003.
30. Common Medical Conditions of Aging – Speaker at the 6th Annual Omaha Women’s
Health and Wellness Conference, October 2003.
31. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy, AAGL 32nd Annual Meeting, Las Vegas,
November, 2003. Plenary session speaker: Laparoscopic Uterosacral Vault or Uterine
Suspension.
32. International Congress of Gynecologic Endoscopy, AAGL 31st Annual Meeting, Miami,
November, 2002. Plenary session speaker: Laparoscopic Appendectomy Experience.
33. Surgical principles of Incontinence Surgery – Women’s Lecture Series at the Eastridge
Hospital, Chattanooga, April 2002.

Audiovisual Materials

1. Agarwala, N., Cohn, A. Laparoscopic suturing techniques Via 5 mm ports. Video
Session 1- Endoscopic Techniques, 357, Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2006),
Vol 13, No 5, September/October S157.
2. Agarwala, N.. Robotic Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Video Session 8-
Urogynecology II -415, Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2006), Vol 13, No 5,
September/October S177.
3. Agarwala, N, Briggs, A. Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy for recurrent vault prolapse,
Video presentation -298, October 2005 (Vol. 12, Issue 5, Page 117)
4. Common Medical Conditions of Aging – Olson Center Video Library
5. What are fibroids and what to do with them? Olson Center Video Library
6. It happens to the best of us. Olson Center Video Library
7. Treatments for Urinary Incontinence – Perioperative Services Video Library
8. Laparosocpic Hysterectomy - Perioperative Services Video Library

Published Continuing Education Materials

1. Women’s Health Outlook – Laparoscopic Hysterectomy : A new option for a
common procedure, Issue 1, 2005
2. Women’s Health Outlook – Urinary Incontinence- What can be done?, Issue 6, 2006.
3. Family Physician – Urinary Incontinence and its impact.
4. Advancing Women’s Health Magazine- Hormone Replacement Therapy