Sunishka M Wimalawansa, MD, MBA

Department:
Orthopedic Surgery
Title:
Assistant Professor, Orthopedic & Plastic Surgery,
Address:
Miami Valley Hospital, 30 E Apple St Ste 2200, Dayton, OH 45409-2939
Phone:
937-208-3999
Email:
sunishka.wimalawansa@wright.edu

Education

  • M.D.:  Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • M.B.A.:  Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Management, Houston, Texas
  • Residency (Plastic Surgery):  Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio
  • Fellowship (Hand and Microsurgery):  Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery; University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Clinical Expertise AND INTERESTS

  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Hand Surgery
  • Microsurgery
    • Free tissue transfer
    • Mangled limb salvage reconstruction
    • Peripheral nerve surgery
    • Nerve grafting and nerve transfer
    • Brachial plexus
    • Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR)
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Skin Cancer

 

Professional Affiliations

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American Association for Hand Surgery
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • The Gold Humanism Honor Society

 

Selected Publications

  1. Guest Journal Editors:  Kadakia SP, Wimalawansa SM.  Special Edition:  Complications in Head and Neck Reconstruction. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. February 9, 2023; 37(1):1-82.  PMID: 36776803.
  2. Pak K, Anderson SR, Langenfeld T, Tan K, Slijepcevic A, Wimalawansa SM, Ducic Y, Wax M, Kadakia SP.  Microvascular head and neck reconstruction with an autologous arteriovenous loop:  multicenter series of 36 patients.  Head & Neck.  Accepted for Publication:  February 22, 2023.  PMID: pending.
  3. Anderson SR, Spitz HC, Williams MK, Wimalawansa SM.  Reconstructing a chronic, malunited Galeazzi fracture with distal radial ulnar joint instability: a simple, modified technique.  BMJ Case Reports.  Accepted for Publication:  September 28, 2022.  PMID:  36323448.
  4. Anderson SR, Wimalawans SM, Lans J, Eberlin KR, Valerio IL.  Targeted muscle reinnervation of the brachial plexus region:  a cadaveric and clinical study.  Orthoplastic Surgery.  Accepted for Publication:  August 4, 2022.  PMID: pending.
  5. Anderson SR, Vincent JA, Wimalawansa SM.  Multi-staged management of a mangled, exploded-hand crush injury with long-term outcome:  the critical link between surgery and therapy.  BMJ Case Reports.  May 20, 2022; 15(5):e248429.  PMID: 35606023.
  6. Bashorun OH, Anderson SR, Mulenga CM, Wimalawansa SM.  Multiple simultaneous venous flow-through free flap salvage for multi-finger revascularizations. BMJ Case Reports. March 4, 2022; 15(3):e247413.  PMID:  35246436.
  7. Anderson SR, Harrison LM, Wimalawansa SM.  Treatment of painful snapping extensor pollicis longus tendon subluxation: description of technique. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Case Connector. March 25, 2021.
  8. Parrish AJ, Anderson SR, Mulenga MA, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP.  Revisiting the cervicodeltopectoral flap for reconstruction of cutaneous head & neck defects: technique description and case correlates. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Accepted for publication (pending press): February 21, 2021.
  9. Wimalwansa SM, Lygrisse D, Anderson SR, Eberlin KR, Westenberg R, Schultz S, West J, Valerio IL. Targeted muscle reinnervation in partial hand amputations. Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Online. Accepted for publication (pending press): February 17, 2021.
  10. Anderson SR, Harrison LM, Garret CC, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP.  Potential Complications with Cryo-Preserved Cadaveric Veins in Arteriovenous Loop Formation for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Jan 7, 2021. 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007413. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33427784.
  11. Anderson SR, Rako KM, Wimalawansa SM. Reconstructing complex open back wounds with a modified minimal-access keystone flap. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Case Connector. December 24, 2020; 10(4):e20.00128.  PMID: 33449550.
  12. Journal Editors:  Kadakia SP, Wimalawansa SM.  Special Edition:  Technological advances in head and neck reconstruction. Facial Plastic Surgery. December 24, 2020; 36(6):679-680.  PMID: 33368120.
  13. Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM, Roubaud MS, Mericli AF, Horne BR, Valerio IL.  Targeted muscle reinnervation following external hemipelvectomy or hip disarticulation: an anatomic description of technique and clinical case correlates. Journal of Surgical Oncology. Sept 3, 2020.  DOI: 10.1002/jso.26189. Online ahead of print.  PMID: 32885434.
  14. Anderson SR, Scott BA, Harrison LM, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP.  Common carotid-to-internal jugular arteriovenous loop for single-stage microsurgical reconstruction in the vessel-depleted neck: description of technique and clinical case correlates. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Aug 28, 2020. DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006953. Online ahead of print.  PMID: 32868729.
  15. Book chapter:  Parrish AJ, Scott BA, Wimalawansa SM, Kadakia SP.  Management of deep soft tissue injuries of the face. Medical and Surgical Management of Facial, Orbital, and Eyelid Trauma.  Publisher: Springer.  Accepted for publication (pending press):  July 26, 2020.
  16. Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM, Markov NP, Fox JP. Cannabis abuse or dependence and post-operative outcomes after appendectomy and cholecystectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis. Journal of Surgical Research. 2020; 255:233-239.
  17. Metoyer GT, Anderson SR, Horne BR, Mancho SN, Wimalawansa SM.  Preserving the knee in the setting of high segmental tibial bone and massive soft tissue loss using vascularized distal tibial bone docking and a foot fillet flap: a case report. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Case Connector. 2020;10(2):e0496.
  18. Harrison LM, Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM.  Case Report: Outcome of Early Motion Protocol for Total Hand Replantation, One and Two Year Postoperative Results. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery. 2019; 00:1-5.
  19. Schneider A, Srinivas M, Hijji F, Jerkins D, Wimalawansa SM. Anatomic Considerations and Reconstruction of the Thumb Flexor Pulley System. Techniques in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. 2019;23(4):191-195.
  20. Sharma P, Wimalawansa S, Gould G, Johnson R, Excoffon K. Adeno-associated virus 5 transduces adipose-derived stem cells with greater efficiency than other adeno-associated viral serotypes. Human Gene Therapy. 2016;27(6):219-27.
  21. Wimalawansa S, Rodriguez Lopez R, Garcia de Lucas F, De Smet L, Dorweiller M, Boin M, Degreef I. Salvage of the failed Achilles tendon interposition arthroplasty for DRUJ instability after ulnar head resection. Hand. 2016.  http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1558944716676251
  22. Warren W, Droz N, Wimalawansa SM, Mancho S, Bernstein J. It’s not always what it seems: necrotizing fasciitis mimicking angioedema. Skinmed. 2016;14(1):45-6.
  23. Wimalawansa SM, Fox JP, Johnson RM. The measurable cost of complications for outpatient cosmetic surgery in patients with mental health diagnoses. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2014;34(2):306-16.
  24. Bates B, Wimalawansa SM, Monson B, Rymer MC, Shapiro R, Johnson RM. A simple cost-effective method of microsurgical simulation training: the turkey wing model. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2013;29(9):615-8.
  25. Wimalawansa SM, AlSamkari R. Unusual presentation of hemochromatosis as isolated metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a case report. Hand. 2011;6(3):329-32.
  26. Wimalawansa S, McKnight A, Bullocks JM. Socioeconomic impact of ethnic cosmetic surgery: trends and potential financial impact the African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern communities have on cosmetic surgery. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2009;23(3):159-62.
  27. Wimalawansa SM, Shankar VS, Simmins DJ, Wimalawansa SJ. The mechanism of bone resorption by cyclosporin: involvement of the NO-cGMP pathway. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2000;1(2):141-3.
  28. Wimalawansa SM, Wimalawansa SJ. A novel pharmacological approach to prevention of musculoskeletal losses associated with simulated microgravity. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions. 2000;1(1):35-41.
  29. Wimalawansa SM, Chapa T, Fang L, Yallampalli C, Simmons D, Wimalawansa SJ. Frequency-dependent effect of nitric oxide donor nitroglycerin on bone. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2000;15(6):1119-25.
  30. Wimalawansa SM, Wimalawansa SJ. Simulated weightlessness-induced attenuation of testosterone production may be responsible for bone loss. Endocrine. 1999;10(3):253-260.
  31. Wimalawansa SM, Chapa MT, Wei Jingna N, Westlund Karin N, Quast MJ, Wimalawansa SJ. Reversal of weightlessness-induced musculoskeletal losses with androgens: quantification by MRI. Journal of Applied Physiology. 1999;86(6):1841-6.

 

SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACT & PODIUM PRESENTATIONS

  1. Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM, Johnson RM.  Plastic surgery – a transverse service line:  Targeted muscle reinnervation.  Wright State University, Department of General Surgery City-Wide Grand Rounds; October 28, 2020, Kettering, OH.  Live-streamed meeting.
  2. Metoyer GT, Anderson SR, Horne BR, Mancho SN, Wimalawansa SM.  Preserving the knee in the setting of high segmental tibial bone and massive soft tissue loss using vascularized distal tibial bone docking and a foot fillet flap: a case report.  Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; June 5, 2020, Live Streamed meeting.
  3. Wimalawansa SM.  Microsurgery, replantation, and limb salvage.  Wright State University, Department of General Surgery City-Wide Grand Rounds; January 22, 2020, Kettering, OH.
  4. Eberlin KR, Valerio IL, Souza JM, Wimalawansa SM, Chepla KJ, Kleiber G, Dumanian GA. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) cadaver lecture and lab.  American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Plastic Surgery The Meeting (2019); September 19, 2019, San Diego, CA.
  5. Wimalawansa SM.  Adjunctive Wound VAC Use in Major Trauma, Limb Salvage, and Complex Wounds.  KCI Wound V.A.C. regional meeting; July 17, 2019, Dayton, OH. (podium)
  6. Harrison LM, Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM.  Outcome of early motion protocol for total hand replantation, one and two year postoperative results.  Wright State University Boonshoft SOM Central Research Forum; October 20, 2018, Dayton, OH.
  7. Spitz H, Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM.  Complex reduction and repair of a chronic Galeazzi malunion with distal radioulnar joint instability.  Wright State University Boonshoft SOM Central Research Forum; October 20, 2018, Dayton, OH.
  8. Rako KM, Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM.  Reconstructing complex open back wounds with a modified minimal access Keystone flap.  Eastern Great Lakes Burn Conference; September 20, 2018, Ann Arbor, MI.  (podium)
  9. Wimalawansa SM.  Plastic surgery, limb salvage, and cosmetic surgery.  American Academy of Professional Coders, Dayton, OH chapter meeting; July 10, 2018, Dayton, OH.  (podium)
  10. Wimalawansa SM, Rymer MC.  Mangled Upper Extremity and Replantation.  Trauma and Critical Care Update 2018; May 17, 2018, Dayton, OH.  (podium presentation)
  11. McMellan CJ, Anderson SR, Wimalawansa SM.  Treating painful snapping EPL tendon subluxation – 3-pronged approach to centralizing the EPL with sheath reconstruction using a hemi-ECRL tendon graft, 1-2 intermetacarpal ligament reconstruction, and sagittal band tightening. (Case Report).  Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine 10th annual research symposium; April 11, 2018.
  12. Northern N, Excoffon K, Johnson RM, Sharma P, Niyogi U, Gould G, Northern I, Wimalawansa SM.  Creation of a Novel Human Wound Model to Test Novel Wound Healing Approaches.  Wright State 2017:  Celebration of Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities; Dayton, OH, 2017.
  13. Wimalawansa SM.  Surgical approaches to the distal radius and carpus.  Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; Dayton, OH, 2016.  (podium presentation)
  14. Niyogi U, Sharma P, Gould GC, Wimalawansa SM, Johnson RM, and Excoffon KJDA. AAV-VEGF mediated ASC transduction promotes wound healing. American Society for Virology 35th Annual Meeting; June 18-22, 2016, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
  15. Niyogi U, Sharma, P, Gould GC, Wimalawansa SM, Johnson RM, and Excoffon KJDA. Genetic modification of adipose derived stem cells to enhance wound healing. The 59th Annual Meeting of the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; June 3-5, 2016, Dayton, OH.
  16. Wimalawansa, SM, Rymer MC. Upper Extremity Replantation.  Trauma and Critical Care Update 2016; Dayton, OH, 2016.  (podium presentation)
  17. Sharma P, Wimalawansa SM, Gould GC, Johnson RJ, and Excoffon KJDA. Serotype Comparison of AAV Transduction in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy 19th Annual Meeting; May 4-7, 2016, Washington, DC.
  18. Niyogi U, Sharma P, Gould G, Wimalawansa S, Johnson RM, Excoffon KJDA. Genetically modified adipose derived stem cells stimulate chronic wound healing. Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016. Wright State University, Dayton, OH.
  19. Northern N, Niyogi U, Sharma P, Gould G, Wimalawansa S, Johnson RM, Excoffon KJDA. Characterization of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities; April 15, 2016. Wright State University, Dayton, OH.
  20. Niyogi U, Sharma P, Gould G, Wimalawansa S, Johnson RM, Excoffon KJDA. Adeno-associated virus-VEGF-165 mediated modification of adipose derived stem cells for cell therapy. The Ohio Branch for the American Society for Microbiology; April 8-9 2016, Proctor and Gamble Mason Business Center, Mason, OH.
  21. Niyogi U, Sharma P, Gould G, Wimalawansa S, Johnson RM, Excoffon KJDA. Modification of Adipose Derived Stem Cells for Cell Therapy. 2015 Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities; April 17, 2015, Wright State University, Dayton, OH.
  22. Niyogi U, Sharma P, Gould G, Wimalawansa S, Johnson RM, Excoffon KJDA. Modification of adipose derived stem cells for cell therapy. Buckeye Cell Biology – Around the Cell in One Day. ASCB at The Ohio State University; April 24, 2015, Columbus, OH.
  23. Jergens S, Sharma P, Gould G, Wimalawansa S, Johnson RM, and Excoffon KJDA. Transduction of adipose derived stem cells with adeno-associated virus. Ohio Branch American Society for Microbiology Meeting; April 11-12, 2014, Columbus, OH.
  24. Wimalawansa S, Rigano W, Johnson RM. Oncoplastic breast surgery: a systematic review of 2,512 patient outcomes. 55th annual meeting of the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; Indianapolis, IN, 2013. (podium presentation)
  25. Wimalawansa S, Fox J, Johnson RM. Aesthetic surgery in patients with mental health conditions: results of a large statewide database. The Aesthetics Meeting, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, ASAPS Residents and Fellows Forum; New York, NY, 2013. (podium presentation)
  26. Wimalawansa S, Johnson R. Laboratory start-up costs for plastic surgery translational researchers. Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; Cleveland, OH, 2012.
  27. Monson B, Shapiro R, Wimalawansa S, Rymer M, Johnson R. A simple cost-effective method of microsurgical simulation training: the turkey wing model. Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons; Cleveland, OH, 2012.
  28. Wimalawansa S, Hoffman A, Perry T. Inhalation injury: a focus on inhaled anhydrous ammonia burns. Eastern Great Lakes Burn Conference; Cincinnati, OH, 2010. (podium presentation)
  29. Wimalawansa SM, Quast M, Westlund K, Wimalawansa SJ. Prevention of simulated weightlessness-induced musculoskeletal losses with a combination therapy. 7th International Workshop for Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions; Cologne, Germany, 2010.
  30. Wimalawansa SM, Wimalawansa SJ. Complete cessation of musculoskeletal losses in hind limb suspended rats (a model for microgravity), using the combination of an androgen and a bisphosphonate. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; Phoenix, AZ, 2001.
  31. Wimalawansa SM, Surendran S, Thota C, Wimalawansa SJ. Vitamin E prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss. First International Conference on Bone and Mineral Research; Beijing, China, 2001.
  32. Wimalawansa SM, Vijai S, Simmons DJ, Wimalawansa SJ. Nitric oxide is essential for the cyclosporin A-induced bone resorption. 22nd American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; Toronto, Canada, 2000.
  33. Wimalawansa SJ, Shankar VJ, Wimalawansa SM, Simmons DJ. The involvement of nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in cyclosporin A-induced dentin resorption: mechanistic insight. Transplant Bone Disease; Barcelona, Spain, 2000.
  34. Wimalawansa SJ, Surendran S, Wimalawansa SM, Thota C, Recinos A. Prevention of ovariectomy-induced bone loss with alpha-tocopherol in rats. Bone and Tooth Society; Cambridge, UK, 2000.
  35. Wimalawansa SM, Yallampalli C, Simmons DJ, Wimalawansa SJ. In vitro (osteoblast) and in vivo (bone mineral density) dose-dependent effects of nitric oxide. First International Symposium on Musculoskeletal Interaction; Santorini, Greece, 1999.
  36. Wimalawansa SM, Shankar VS, Yang S, Yang J, Simmons DJ, Wimalawansa SJ. The involvement of nitric oxide pathway in the mechanism of bone resorption secondary to cyclosporin A. First International Symposium on Musculoskeletal Interaction; Santorini, Greece 1999.
  37. Wimalawansa SM, Shankar VS, Yang J, Simmons DJ, Wimalawansa SJ. Is the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway involved in resorption of bone by cyclosporin A? Women’s Health Forum – Annual Scientific Meeting, University of Texas, Medical Branch; Galveston, TX, 1999.
  38. Wimalawansa SM, Chapa T, Shankar V, Yang S, Simmons D, Wimalawansa SJ. The mechanisms of bone resorption by cyclosporin A: involvement of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in osteoblast-osteoclast co-cultures. Annual Scientific sessions, Sealy Center for Aging; Galveston, TX, 1998.
  39. Wimalawansa SM, Simmons DJ, Quest M, Westlund KN, Wei J, Wimalawansa SJ. Testosterone anabolic steroids alleviate weightlessness-induced musculoskeletal losses. American Space Research Meeting (Gravitational and Space Biology Bulletin); Houston, TX, 1998.
  40. Wimalawansa DR, Senaratna NA, Wimalawansa SM, Wimalawansa SJ. Combining nitric oxide and bisphosphonates further enhances increments in bone mineral density. Second Joint Meeting of the American Society for Bone & Mineral Research and the International Bone & Mineral Society; San Francisco, CA, 1998.
  41. Wimalawansa SM, Chapa MT, Simmons DJ, Yallampalli C, Wimalawansa, SJ. Biphasic dose-dependent effects of nitric oxide on osteoblasts and bone mineral density. Second Joint Meeting of the American Society for Bone & Mineral Research and the International Bone & Mineral Society; San Francisco, CA, 1998.
  42. Wimalawansa SM, Quast M, Westlund KN, Wei J, Wimalawansa SJ. An efficacious method of preventing weightlessness-induced musculoskeletal losses. 9th Annual Meeting: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; Cincinnati, OH, 1997.
  43. Wimalawansa SJ, Chapa T, Wimalawansa SM, Fang L, Yallampalli C. Dose- and frequency-dependent effect of the nitric oxide donor, nitroglycerin, on bone. 79th Annual Meeting: The Endocrine Society; Minneapolis, MN, 1997.
  44. Wimalawansa SM, Quast M, Westlund KN, Wei JN, Wimalawansa SJ. Androgen anabolic steroids can alleviate microgravity-induced loss of muscle mass. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; Seattle, WA, 1996.
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