Stephen J. Kovach, III, MD

Papers

2017

Momeni A, Kovach SJ. Important considerations in chest wall reconstruction. J Surg Oncol. 2016 Jun;113(8):913-22.

Basta MN, Wu LC, Kanchwala SK, Serletti JM, Tchou JC, Kovach SJ, Fosnot J, Fischer JP. Reliable prediction of postmastectomy lymphedema: The Risk Assessment Tool Evaluating Lymphedema. Am J Surg. 2017 Jun;213(6):1125-1133.e1.

Etkin Y, Kanchwala SK, Low DW, Foley PJ, Jackson OA, Jackson BM. Creation of spliced vein conduit using microvascular anastomotic coupler. J Vasc Surg. 2017 Jun;65(6):1845-1847. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.01.047. Epub 2017 Apr 5.

Cho EH1, Bauder AR, Centkowski S, Shammas RL, Mundy L, Kovach SJ, Levin LS, Hollenbeck ST. Preoperative Platelet Count Predicts Lower Extremity Free Flap Thrombosis: A Multi-Institutional Experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Jan;139(1):220-230.

Zimmer ZR, Horneff JG 3rd, Taylor RM, Levin LS, Kovach S, Mehta S. Evaluation and Treatment of Open Distal Humerus Fractures. JBJS Rev. 2017 Jan 3;5(1).

2016

Bibbo C, Ehrlich D, Levin LS, Kovach SJ. Maintaining levels of lower extremity amputation. J Surg Orthop Adv. Fall 2016;25(3):137-148.

Basta MN, Bauder AR, Kovach SJ, Fischer JP. Assessing the Predictive Accuracy of the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator in Open Ventral Hernia Repair. Am J Surg. 2016 Aug;212(2):272-81.

Fischer JP, Basta MN, Mirzabeigi MN, Bauder AR, Fox JP, Drebin JA, Serletti JM, Kovach SJ. A Risk Model and Cost Analysis of Incisional Hernia After Elective, Abdominal Surgery Based Upon 12,373 Cases. Ann Surg. 2016 May;263(5):1010-7.

Shubinets V, Fox JP, Sarik JR, Kovach SJ, Fischer JP. Surgically treated hernia following abdominal based autologous breast reconstruction: Prevalence, outcomes, and expenditures. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Mar;137(3):749-57.

Fischer JP, Basta MN, Krishnan NM, Wink JD, Kovach SJ. A Cost-utility Assessment of Mesh Selection in Clean-Contaminated Ventral Hernia Repair (VHR). Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Feb;137(2):647-59.

Chung CU, Nelson JA, Fischer JP, Wink JD, Serletti JM, Kovach SJ. Acute kidney injury after open ventral hernia repair: An analysis of the 2005-2012 ACS-NSQIP datasets. Hernia. 2016 Feb;20(1):131-8.

Basta MN, Fox JP, Kanchwala SK, Wu LC, Serletti JM, Kovach SJ, Fosnot J, Fischer JP. Complicated breast cancer-related lymphedema: evaluating health care resource utilization and associated costs of management. Am J Surg. 2016 Jan;211(1):133-41.

2015

Bibbo C, Nelson J, Fischer JP, Wu LC, Low DW, Mehta S, Kovach SJ, Levin LS. Lower Extremity Limb Salvage After Trauma: Versatility of the Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap. J Orthop Trauma. 2015 Dec;29(12):563-8.

Bibbo C, Newman AS, Lackman RD, Levin LS, Kovach SJ. A Simplified Approach to Reconstruction of Hemipelvectomy Defects with Lower Extremity Fillet Free Flap that Minimizes Flap Ischemia Time. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015 Dec;68(12):1750-4.

Basta MN, Gerety PA, Serletti JM, Kovach SJ, Fischer JP. A Systematic Review and Head-to-Head Meta-Analysis of Outcomes following Direct-to-Implant versus Conventional Two-Stage Implant Reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Dec;136(6):1135-44.

Pannucci CJ, Basta MN, Kovach SJ, Kanchwala SK, Wu LC, Serletti JM. Loupes-Only Microsurgery is a Safe Alternative to the Operating Microscope: An Analysis of 1,649 Consecutive Free Flap Breast Reconstructions. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2015 Nov;31(9):636-42.

Pannucci CJ, Basta MN, Fischer JP, Kovach SJ. Creation and validation of a condition-specific venous thromboembolism risk assessment tool for ventral hernia repair. Surgery. 2015 Nov;158(5):1304-13.

Bibbo C, Ehrlich DA, Kovach SJ 3rd. Reconstruction of the Pediatric Lateral Malleolus and Physis by Free Microvascular Transfer of the Proximal Fibular Physis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2015 Sep-Oct;54(5):994-1000.

Pannucci CJ, Kovach SJ, Cuker A. Microsurgery and the hypercoagulable state: A hematologist’s perspective. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Oct;136(4):545e-52e.

Fischer JP, Fox JP, Nelson JA, Kovach SJ, Serletti JM. A Longitudinal Assessment of Outcomes and Healthcare Resource Utilization After Immediate Breast Reconstruction-Comparing Implant- and Autologous-based Breast Reconstruction. Ann Surg. 2015 Oct;262(4):692-9.

Fox JP, Bauder AR, Gross CP, Killelea B, Butler PD, Kovach SJ. The Relationship Between Geographic Access to Plastic Surgeons and Immediate Breast Reconstruction Rates Among Women Undergoing Mastectomy for Cancer. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Oct;136(4 Suppl):91-2.

Bauder AR, Sarik JR, Butler PD, Noone RB, Fischer JP, Serletti JM, Kanchwala SK, Kovach SJ, Fox JP. Geographic Variation in Access to Plastic Surgeons. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Oct;136(4 Suppl):53. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000472343.36900.8e.

Basta MN, Fischer JP, Kanchwala SK, Silvestre J, Wu LC, Serletti JM, Tchou JC, Kovach SJ, Fosnot J. A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the Influence of Breast Reconstruction on Subsequent Development of Lymphedema. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Aug;136(2):134e-143e.

Fischer JP, Basta MN, Wink JD, Krishnan NM, Kovach SJ. Cost-utility analysis of the use of prophylactic mesh augmentation compared with primary fascial suture repair in patients at high risk for incisional hernia. Surgery. 2015 Sep;158(3):700-11. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2015.02.030. Epub 2015 Jul 15.

Wes AM, Wink JD, Kovach SJ, Fischer JP. Venous thromboembolism in body contouring: An analysis of 17774 patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) databases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Jun;135(6):972e-980e.

Nelson JA, Fischer JP, Grover R, Kovach SJ, Low DW, Kanchwala SK, Levin LS, Serletti JM, Wu LC. Vein grafting your way out of trouble: Examining the utility and efficacy of vein grafts in microsurgery. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015 Jun;68(6):830-6.

Nelson JA, Fischer JP, Haddock NT, Mackay D, Wink JD, Newman AS, Levin LS, Kovach SJ. Striving for Normalcy after Lower Extremity Reconstruction with Free Tissue: The Role of Secondary Esthetic Refinements. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2016 Feb;32(2):101-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1558986. Epub 2015 Aug 10.

Mirzabeigi MN, Nelson JA, Fischer JP, Kovach SJ, Serletti JM, Wu LC, Kanchwala S. Tamoxifen (selective estrogen-receptor modulators) and aromatase inhibitors as potential perioperative thrombotic risk factors in free flap breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Apr;135(4):670e-9e.

Wink JD, Wes AM, Fischer JP, Nelson JA, Stranksy C, Kovach SJ 3rd. Risk factors associated with early failure in complex abdominal wall reconstruction: a 5 year single surgeon experience. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2015 Apr;49(2):77-82.

Pannucci CJ, Gerety PA, Nelson JA, Fischer JP, Kovach SJ. Use of intercostal perforating veins and long arterial grafts for latissimus myocutaneous free flap reconstruction of radiated low back wounds. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2015 Jun;31(5):396-400. Epub 2015 Mar 13.

Mirzabeigi MN, Wilson AJ, Fischer JP, Basta M, Kanchwala S, Kovach SJ, Serletti JM, Wu LC. Predicting and managing donor-site wound complications in abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction: improved outcomes with early reoperative closure. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Jan;135(1):14-23.

Abstracts

2017

Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Free Flaps in Lower Extremity Traumatic Reconstruction: A Multi-Institutional Experience. Eugenia H. Cho, BS, Andrew R. Bauder, M1, Ronnie L. Shammas, BS, Stephen J. Kovach, III, MD, Scott T. Hollenbeck, MD, FACS, L. Scott Levin, MD, FACS. American Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, March 2017

Should Nerve Coaptation Be Routine? Breast Sensation Following Mastectomy +/- Reconstruction. Peter F. Koltz, M.D., Jason M. Weissler, M.D., Martin J. Carney, B.S., Isabella Guajardo, B.S., Stephen J. Kovach, M.D., Alexander Au, M.D., Joshua Fosnot, M.D., Suhail K. Kanchwala, M.D., Liza C. Wu, M.D., Joseph M. Serletti, M.D. American Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, March 2017

The evolving role of microsurgery in living donor liver transplantation. Cassandra A. Ligh MD, Ari M. Wes BA, Kim M. Olthoff MD, Abraham Shaked MD, PhD, Peter L. Abt MD, L. Scott Levin MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting, Waikoloa Village, HI, January 2017, Abstract # 134

Soft tissue reconstruction in the salvage of total knee arthroplasty: Earlier is better. David L. Colen MD, Tiffany C. Liu BA, Michael Lanni BS, Valeriy Shubinets MD, Gwo Lee MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting, Waikoloa Village, HI, January 2017, Abstract # 93

2016

Concurrent panniculectomy in the obese ventral hernia patient: Assessment of short-term complications, hernia recurrence, and healthcare utilization. Valery Shubinets MD, Justin P. Fox MD, Michael N. Mirzabeigi MD, Michael G. Tecce DO, Michael A. Lanni BS, Rachel R. Kelz MD, Kristoffel R. Dumon MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, John P. Fischer MD. American Association of Plastic Surgeons, Abstract #58, New York, NY, May 2016

Cost-utility analysis of ventral hernia repair with bridging biologic mesh.   Lin Lin Gao MD, Marten N. Basta MD, Liza Wu MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, John P. Fischer MD. American Association of Plastic Surgeons, Abstract #58, New York, NY, May 2016

Should hernia repair and panniculectomy be performed concomitantly? A systematic meta-analysis of outcomes performed at a single institution. Michael Tecce, Marten Basta, Valeriy Shubinets, Michael Lanni, Stephen Kovach, John P. Fischer. Abstract P-483, Hernia 20 (Suppl 1), S125, March 2016

A risk model and cost analysis of post operative incisional hernia following 4608 open hysterectomies: Defining indications and opportunities for risk reduction.  Michael Tecce, Marten Basta, Valeriy Shubinets, Michael Mirzabeigi, Michael Lanni, Stephen Kovach, John P. Fischer. Abstract FP-498, Hernia 20 (Suppl 1), S30, March 2016

Contribution of Reconstructive and microvascular surgery to hospital based care in the United States.  Justin P. Fox MD, Andrew R. Bauder BA, Jonathan R. Sarik MD, Michael G. Tecce DO, Michael A Lanni BS, Joseph M. Serletti MD, and Stephen J. Kovach MD. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Scottsdale, AZ January 2016

Surgically treated hernia following abdominal based autologous breast reconstruction: Prevalence, outcomes, and expenditures. Valeriy Shubinets MD, Justin P Fox MD, Jonathan R. Sarik MD, Stephen J. Kovach, John P. Fischer MD. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Scottsdale, AZ January 2016

2015

The relationship between geographic access to plastic surgeons and immediate breast reconstruction rates among women undergoing mastectomy for cancer. Andrew M. Bauder MD, Cary P. Gross MD, Brigid Killelea MD, MPH, Paris D. Butler MD, MPH, Stephen J. Kovach MD, Justin P. Fox MD. Abstract #20, p. 109. 32nd Annual Meeting of Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA, September 18-20, 2015

A systematic meta-analysis of outcomes following direct to implant versus conventional two stage implant breast reconstruction. Marten N. Basta MD, Patrick A. Gerety MD, Naveen M. Krishnan MD, MPhil, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Stephen J. Kovach III, MD, John P. Fischer MD. Abstract #56, p. 230, 32nd Annual Meeting of Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA, September 18-20, 2015

Reliable prediction of post-mastectomy lymphedema: The risk assessment tool evaluating lymphedema (RATE-L). Marten N. Basta MD, Liza C. Wu MD, FACS, Suhail K. Kanchwala MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD, FACS, Julia C. Tchou MD, PhD, Stephen J. Kovach III, MD, Joshua Fosnot MD, John P. Fischer MD. Abstract #63, p. 250, 32nd Annual Meeting of Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA, September 18-20, 2015

Cost utility analysis of ventral hernia repair with a bridging biologic mesh. Marten N. Basta MD, Lin Lin Gao MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, John P. Fischer MD. Abstract #82, p. 296, 32nd Annual Meeting of Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA, September 18-20, 2015

A propensity matched analysis of the influence of breast reconstruction upon the subsequent development of lymphedema. Marten N. Basta BS, John P. Fischer MD, Suhail K. Kanchwala MD, Liza C. Wu MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Julia C. Tchou MD, PhD, Yun R. Li BS, Stephen J. Kovach MD, Joshua Fosnot MD. American Association of Plastic Surgeons, 94th Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ, April 11-14, 2015

A cost-utility assessment of mesh selection in clean contaminated ventral hernia repair (VHR). John P. Fischer MD, Marten N. Basta BS, Naveen M. Krishnan MD, MPhil, Jason D. Wink MD, MTR, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD. American Association of Plastic Surgeons, 94th Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, AZ, April 11-14, 2015

Free flap take-backs following microvascular thrombosis: Updated findings and review of revised floor monitoring protocol. Michael N. Mirzabeigi MD, Suhail K. Kanchwala MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, Liza C. Wu MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD. World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Abstract FP A4-001, Mumbai, India, March 2015

The effectiveness of free vascularized fibular grafts in osteonecrosis of the femoral head and neck: A systematic review. Jonas Nelson, Cassandra Ligh, John Fischer, Stephen Kovach, L. Scott Levin. World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Abstract FP B3-009, Mumbai, India, March 2015

Risk of readmission following immediate breast reconstruction: Results from the 2011 ACS-NSQIP datasets. Jonas Nelson, Cyndi Chung, John Fischer, Liza Wu, Stephen Kovach. World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Abstract FP B5-005, Mumbai, India, March 2015

Cost utility of prophylactic mesh relative to primary suture repair for high risk laparotomies. JP Fischer, MN Basta, N Krishnan, JD Wink, SJ Kovach. Abstract 36.01, p.53. Academic Surgical Congress, Las  Vegas, February, 2015

Cost utility assessment of mesh selection in clean and clean contaminated ventral hernia repair (VHR). JP Fischer, MN Basta, N Krishnan, JD Wink, SJ Kovach. Abstract 36.03, p.53. Academic Surgical Congress, Las Vegas, February, 2015

Readmission following ventral hernia repair: A model derived from the ACS-NSQIP datasets. Jonas A. Nelson MD, John P. Fischer MD, Cyndi U. Chung MS, Jason D. Wink MD, Ari Wes MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Nassau, Bahamas, 2015

Free flap take-backs following microvascular thrombosis: Updated findings and review of revised floor monitoring. Michael N. Mirzabeigi MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, Liza C. Wu MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Suhail K. Kanchwala MD. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Nassau, Bahamas, 2015

The effectiveness of free vascularized fibular grafts in osteonecrosis of the femoral head and neck: A systematic review. Cassandra A. Ligh MD, Jonas A. Nelson MD, John P. Fischer MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, L. Scott Levin MD, FACS. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Nassau, Bahamas, 2015

A propensity matched analysis of the influence of breast reconstruction on subsequent development of lymphedema. Marten N. Basta BA, John P. Fischer MD, Joshua Fosnot MD, Liza C. Wu MD, Joseph M. Serletti MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD, Julia C. Tchou MD PhD, Yun Li BS, Suhail K. Kanchwala MD. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Nassau, Bahamas, 2015

Books

Chapters

2016

Arash Momeni, Stephen J. Kovach and L. Scott Levin. “Skeletal Reconstruction” in Plastic Surgery 4th edition, Elsevier, Ltd., editors: Peter Nelligan, David Song. 2016

Christopher Bibbo DO, David J. Polga MD, Samir Mehta MD, Stephen J. Kovach MD. General principles of limb salvage versus amputation in adults. Atlas of amputations and limb deficiencies. Krajbich JI, Pinzur MS, Potter BJ, Stevens PM, editors. 2016, p. 41-60.

2015

Christopher Bibbo DO, Stephen J. Kovach MD, and L. Scott Levin “Limb salvage techniques following failed total ankle replacement” in Primary and revision total ankle replacement. Springer, 2015,  p. Pages 407-413.



Christopher Bibbo DO, and Stephen J. Kovach MD. “Management of infected total ankle replacement” in Primary and revision total ankle replacement. Springer, 2015, p. Pages 283-294



Christopher Bibbo DO and Stephen J. Kovach. “Managing wound healing complications after total ankle replacement” in Primary and revision total ankle replacement. Springer, 2015,  p. 153-167

2014

Stephen J. Kovach and David Low. “Major Tissue Flaps” in Intensive Care Unit Manual 2nd edition, Elsevier, Ltd., editor: Lanken

2013

Hani Sbitany, Alexander Au, Stephen J. Kovach, L. Scott Levin. “Orthoplastic Approach to Composite Tissue Loss” in Reconstructive Surgery of the Lower Extremity, Quality Medical Publishing, editors: Jamie Levine, Fu-Chan Wei, 2013, p 1025-1045

2012

Stephen J. Kovach and L. Scott Levin. “Skeletal Reconstruction” in Plastic Surgery 3rd edition, Elsevier, Ltd., editors: Peter Nelligan, David Song. 2012.

2007

Stephen J. Kovach, and L. Scott Levin. “Treatment of Venous and Combined Ulcers with Free Tissue Transfer for Limb Salvage “ in Venous Ulcers, Elsevier, Ltd., editors: Cynthia Shortell, John Bergan. 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0-12-373565-2

Posters and Presentations

2017

Kovach SJ. Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: AKA Ventral Hernia Repair. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting, Master Series, Waikoloa Village, HI, January 2017

Kovach SJ. The importance of soft tissue coverage in lower extremity trauma.  American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting, Microsurgical Reconstruction of Lower Extremity Trauma, Waikoloa Village, HI, January 2017

2016

Kovach SJ. Flaps over Hardware: A Problem in Soft Tissue Reconstruction.  Symposium on Orthoplastic Lower Extremity Reconstruction, UPenn, Asan-Medical Center-University of Florence. Seoul, South Korea, December 15 -17th, 2016

Kovach SJ. Revisional Surgery and Salvaging the Flap. Symposium on Orthoplastic Lower Extremity Reconstruction, UPenn, Asan-Medical Center-University of Florence.  Seoul, South Korea, December 15 -17th, 2016

Kovach SJ. Trauma Reconstruction. Symposium on Orthoplastic Lower Extremity Reconstruction, UPenn, Asan-Medical Center-University of Florence.  Seoul, South Korea, December 15 -17th, 2016

Kovach SJ. Lower Extremity Reconstruction outside the Referral Center.  American Society for Plastic Surgery (ASPS), September 23-27, 2016

Kovach SJ. The Future of the Academic Practice Model: A Question of Balance. Super Tuesday AAPS/ASPS, Los Angeles, CA, 2016

Kovach SJ. Current State of Hand Transplantation. Congress of the German Society for Surgery of the Hand. Frankfurt, Germany, September 22-24, 2016

Kovach SJ. Essential Principles to Optimize Surgical Outcomes of the Foot. American College of Mohs Surgery Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL. April 28 – May 1, 2016.

Kovach SJ. Orthoplastic approach to lower extremity trauma: The current state of plastic surgical care. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Scottsdale, AZ. January 18, 2016

Kovach SJ. Critical update on complex abdominal wall reconstruction-What really works. Refinements in component separation. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Scottsdale, AZ. January 18, 2016

Kovach SJ. Vascularized composite allotransplantation: The shift from reconstruction to restoration. Philadelphia Academy of Surgeons, Philadelphia, PA. January 11, 2016

2015

Kovach SJ. Lower Extremity Salvage Surgery Options: Reconstructive Microsurgery: The Future is Today. NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, November 20-21, 2015

Kovach SJ. Microsurgery in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Reconstructive Microsurgery: The Future is Today. NYU School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, November 20-21, 2015

Kovach SJ. Options for functional restoration of upper limb amputees: The role of transplantation. Skills for Life Bilateral Upper Extremity Amputee Group, Houston, TX, October 22-24, 2105

Kovach SJ. Management of soft tissue defects in the mangled extremity: A primer for the orthopaedic surgeon. Orthopaedic Trauma Association Mini Symposia, San Diego, CA. October 10, 2015

Kovach SJ. International Hand and Composite Tissue Allotransplantation Society (IHCTAS): Oral Communication Moderator. Philadelphia, PA, April 16-18, 2015

Kovach SJ. Lower extremity reconstruction made easy (easier). American Association of Plastic Surgeons. Reconstructive symposium, Scottsdale, AZ, April 2015

Kovach SJ. Ortho-plastics approach to extremity trauma: A multi-disciplinary road to excellence. American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, Nassau, Bahamas, 2015