Jorge J. Zequeira, MD

Associate Professor

DR JORGE ZEQUEIRA

Contact Info

  • jorge.zequeira@upr.edu
  • Department of Surgery
    School of Medicine
    Medical Sciences Campus
    Office A-923
  • 787-763-2440

Education

  • BS: Biology Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, 2002
  • MD: University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, 2006
  • Research Fellowship: Trauma / Critical Care, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, 2009
  • Residency: General Surgery, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, 2012
  • Fellowship: Pediatric Surgery, McMaster University, McMaster Children’s Hospital, 2014

Personal Statement

Being a pediatric surgeon carries a special kind of responsibility as we not only care for our patient’s medical condition but also for their parent’s well-being. This is the only surgical sub-specialty where we focus in family centered care as opposed to disease-specific interventions. We take pride in the fact that we treat our patients’ physical ailments with compassion using a friendly and, when appropriate, playful approach. This surgical care perspective needs to be handled in a delicate, yet professional way so to meet the parents’ expectations and need for emotional support. This way we can develop a special connection with each of our patients and henceforth their parents. In addition to family centered care as my central approach towards caring for my pediatric patients, there are several areas within pediatric surgery that I am especially interested in. These are minimally invasive pediatric surgery, neonatal surgery for congenital malformations, pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, pediatric surgical oncology with a special interest in neuroblastoma, Wilm’s tumor, ovarian neoplasms and vascular access. I feel privileged for the opportunity to provide care for the pediatric population, the variety of diseases I can provide care for, and the fact that we treat the entire family not only the ill patient.

Positions and Honors

Member, Bylaws Revision Committee, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine; January 2021 – present

Member – Junta de Licenciamiento y Disciplina Medica de Puerto Rico; January 2021 – present

Member, Administration Committee, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine; 2018-present

Member, Revision of Adverse Decisions Committee, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine; 2018 – present

Member, Curriculum Committee, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine; 2018-2020

Executive Officer, American Academy of Pediatrics, Puerto Rico Chapter; 2017 – 2019

Scientific Program, Abstract Poster Session Co-Director, 68th, 69th, 70th, 71st Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Member, Wellness Committee, General Surgery Residency, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine; 2018 – 2020

Program Chair, American College of Surgeons Puerto Rico Chapter, 2022 Annual Meeting

Secretary, American College of Surgeons, Puerto Rico Chapter, 2018-2021.

2nd Prize Poster Session, 50th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, September 29, 2018. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy technique variation in a tertiary hospital post Hurricane Maria.

1st Prize Poster Presentation 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, Puerto Rico Chapter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 17-19, 2018.

3rd Place Poster Presentation 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, Puerto Rico Chapter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, May 17-19, 2018.

1st Prize Poster Presentation 65th Annual Congress of Excellence in Pediatrics, Puerto Rico Pediatric Society, February 15-18, 2018.

Buenavida Doctor’s Choice Award 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, Pediatric Surgery.

Buenavida Doctor’s Choice Award 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, Pediatric Surgical Oncology.

President, Program Evaluation Committee, General Surgery Residency, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine; 2016 – present

Member, Research Committee, General Surgery Residency, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine; 2016 – present.

Surgical RI Children’s Oncology Group (COG), University Pediatric Hospital and San Jorge Children & Women’s Hospital. 2016-present.

First place, Oral Abstract Presentation, F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum in the 67th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 24th, 2017.

McMaster Surgical Associates Clinical Research Competition Award (April 2014) – $30,000 grant for implementation of RCT pilot study.

McMaster International Surgery Desk Scholarship (2013-14) – received funding after writing a protocol to create a plan for recurring visits to an underserved medical community and establish an advanced pediatric surgical nursing teaching program in Georgetown, Guyana.

Med Achievement Awards – The Legacy: Doctor to Watch 2013. Men’s Health/Women’s Health/Buenhogar (Good Housekeeping). Award presented to a selected group of doctors in Puerto Rico expected to be a significant part of the development of their specialty in the commonwealth.

Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society inductee, March 2012

Magna cum laude, University of Puerto Rico School of medicine, M.D., May 2006

Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications

Rivera-Beltran S, Gonzalez-Montalvo A, Zequeira JJ, Ortiz V. Intrauterine left gastric artery infarct as the primary etiology for congenital nonsyndromic microgastria. J Pediatr Surg Case Reports 2019; 44:1- 4.

Diaz K, Marcano S, Ortiz V, Sanchez C, Santiago E, Zequeira JJ. Imaging-Associated Radiation Trends in a Puerto Rican Pediatric Surgical Population: Is Over-Radiation an Issue in Our Emergency Departments? Am Surg 2018; 84(8):1269-71

Rivera M, Lara J, Di-Pasquale L, Zequeira J. Silent Presentation of a Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas. Am J Case Rep 2017; 18(ahead of publication).

Livingston M, Zequeira J, Blinder H, Pemberton J, Williams C, Walton JM. Glycerin Suppositories used prophylactically in premature infants (SUPP) Trial: a study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Pilot and Feasability Studies 2015; 1(31):1-7.

Couto RA, Zequeira JJ, Lugo-Vicente H. Recalcitrant coloanal strictures in children managed by transanal circular stapled anastomosis. J Pediatr Surg 2014;49(11):1686-8.

Kittmer TC, Shawyer AC, Zequeira JJ, Bailey KA. GIST with a twist: An extra-luminal pedunculated gastric GIST presenting with tumor torsion and hemoperitoneum. J Ped Surg Case Reports 2013;1:270-2

Zequeira J, Rodriguez P. Non-operative management of pneumobilia following blunt abdominal trauma. IJCRI 2011;2(12):6-10

Vega Y, Zequeira J, Delgado A, Lugo-Vicente H. Spigelian hernias in the pediatric patient: a case report and Review of Literature. Bol Asoc Med PR 2010;102(4):62-64

Lugo-Vicente H, Zequeira JJ, Joalex A. Transanal circular stapled reanastomosis as a management alternative for colonic anastomotic strictures: a novel technique in the pediatric patient. Bol Asoc Med PR 2010;102(1):56-58

Research Support

Walton JM, Livingston M, Zequeira J, Pemberton J, Williams C. Do glycerin suppositories decrease the time to full enteral feeds in premature infants? A pilot study for a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial. McMaster Surgical Associates Clinical Research Competition. July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015. $30,000

As a fellow in pediatric surgery, I designed the RCT and collaborated in the preparation and submission of the grant application.

Abstract Presentations:

Beatriz Figueroa, Jorge Zequeira. Thoracoscopic assisted, retroscapular, chest wall excision for Ewing’s Sarcoma. Poster Presentation, 68th Annual Congress, Excellence in Pediatrics. Virtual, San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 20th, 2021.

Beatriz Figueroa, Jorge Zequeira. Management of Giant Omphalocele, Malrotation, and Duodenal Atresia in a Neonate. Poster Presentation, 68th Annual Congress, Excellence in Pediatrics. Virtual, San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 20th, 2021.

Beatriz Figueroa, Alanna Guzman, Jorge Zequeira. Thoracoscopic assisted, retroscapular, chest wall excision for Ewing’s Sarcoma. Oral Presentation, Interesting Cases Session, 70th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 20th, 2021.

Beatriz Figueroa, Jorge Zequeira. Management of Giant Omphalocele, Malrotation, and Duodenal Atresia in a Neonate. Oral Presentation, Interesting Cases Session, 70th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 20th, 2021.

Krystal Ortiz-Diaz, Antonio Del Valle, Jorge J. Zequeira. Severe failure to thrive in an infant with congenital hiatal hernia. Quickshot Oral Presentation at the 88th Annual Southeastern Surgical Congress. New Orleans, Louisiana. February 10, 2020.

Sofia Marcano-Bonilla, Texell Longoria Dubocq, Jorge J. Zequeira. Ovarian lesions in pediatric patients: A Hispanic Perspective. Quickshot Oral Presentation at the 88th Annual Southeastern Surgical Congress. New Orleans, Louisiana. February 10, 2020.

Jorge J. Zequeira, Krystal Ortiz-Diaz. Infant thoracic cystic lesions. Not always a straight shot: Interesting case. Quickshot Oral Presentation at the 88th Annual Southeastern Surgical Congress. New Orleans, Louisiana. February 10, 2020.

Zequeira J, Diaz K. Laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) of pediatric inguinal hernia. Plenary session, Oral/Video Presentation at the 87th Annual Southeastern Surgical Congress. Charlotte, North Carolina. February 23-26, 2019.

Katherine Quinones, Alejandro Ruberte, Jorge Zequeira, Gilberto Puig, Edwin Rodriguez. ASD and Right Ventricular Compression due to Anterior Diaphragmatic Hernia Mimicking Cyanotic Heart Disease. Poster Presentation at the 48th Critical Care Congress of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. San Diego, California, February 17-20, 2019.

Keila Diaz, Jorge Cabrera, Carlos Sanchez-Glanville, Jorge Zequeira. Laparoscopic Assisted Enteroscopy: A Favorable Technique to Treat Complex Small Bowel Pathology. Accepted for Oral presentation at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Surgeons to be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from Sept 26-29, 2018.

Natalia Velez, Carlos Sanchez-Glanville, Jorge Zequeira. Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy Technique Variation in a Low Resource Pediatric Tertiary Hospital Post Hurricane Maria. Accepted for Oral presentation at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Surgeons to be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from Sept 26-29, 2018.

Cesar A. Castillo-Alicea, Gustavo Rivera, Maria Lozada, Marcia Alayon, Paola Cruz, Humberto LugoVicente, Victor Ortiz, Carlos Sanchez-Glanville, Jorge Zequeira. Transumbilical Laparoscopic Appendectomy (TULAA) vs. Standard three-trocar laparoscopic Appendectomy (3TA) for non-ruptured appendicitis in the pediatric population. Oral presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum in the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18th, 2018.

Aixa Dones, Kelvin Rivera, Cid Quintana, Ruth Santos, Jorge Zequeira. Pediatric endobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma requiring bilobectomy. Poster presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18th, 2018.

Charlene Fernandez, Carlos Camacho, Simón Carlo, Antonio Del Valle, Jorge Zequeira. Chronic multifocal symptomatic nonobstructive small bowel intussusceptions and history of adenomatous polyps in a teenager with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Poster presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18th, 2018.

Keila Diaz, Zurisadai Rivera Acosta, Cristina Ramos, Jorge Zequeira. Medical Management of Intussusception in a Pediatric Patient with Hereditary Angioedema. Poster presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18th, 2018.

Keila Diaz, Jorge Cabrera, Alvaro Gracia, Carlos Sanchez-Glanville, Jorge Zequeira. Laparoscopic Assisted Enteroscopy: A Favorable Technique To Treat Complex Small Bowel Pathology. Poster presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18th, 2018.

Jorge Zequeira, Keila Diaz, Sofia Marcano, Carlos Sanchez. Imaging-associated radiation trends in a Puerto Rican pediatric surgical population. Is radiation an issue in our emergency departments? Oral Presentation at the 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Southeastern Surgical Congress. Tampa, Florida. February 10-13, 2018.

Ramos, Zurisadai Rivera, Keila Diaz, Jorge Zequeira. Management of Intussusception in a Pediatric Patient with Hereditary Angioedema. Poster presentation at the 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Boston, Massachussetts. October 26-30, 2017.

Jorge Zequeira, Keila Diaz, Carlos F. Sanchez. Imaging associated radiation trends in our pediatric surgical population. Oral presentation at the 37th Annual Research and Education Forum. University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. San Juan, Puerto Rico. April 20th, 2017.

Jorge Zequeira, Keila Diaz, Carlos F. Sanchez, Elvis Santiago. Imaging associated radiation trends in our pediatric surgical population. Oral presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum in the 67th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 24th, 2017.

Jorge Zequeira, Keila Diaz, Carlos F. Sanchez. Imaging associated radiation trends in our pediatric surgical population. Are we choosing the appropriate imaging modalities in our non-tertiary emergency department? Poster Presentation at the 15th Annual Colegio de Médicos Cirujanos de Puerto Rico Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico. December 10, 2017.

Lisa T. VanHouwelingen, Jorge Zequeira, Ceciliy Bos, Helene Flageole, Brian Cameron. Unusual microtrauma causing chylothorax managed with VATS. Oral Presentation, 2 minutes/2 slides, at the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgery (CAPS) Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec. September 19, 2014.

Juan L. Velázquez, MD, Jorge Zequeira, MD, A Pascual Marrero, MD, MPH, Natalia Vidal MD, Pablo Rodriguez, MD. Surgical Experience of Emergent Cricothyroidotomies and Timeframe for Tracheostomy Conversion in the Puerto Rico Trauma Center.  Oral Presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum, 63rd Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 22, 2013.

Rafael A. Couto, BA, Jorge J. Zequeira, MD, Joalex Antongiorgi, MD, Humberto Lugo-Vicente, MD. Transanal Circular Stapled Reanastomosis: Alternative Management for Recalcitrant Rectal Strictures in the Pediatric Population. Oral Presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum, 63rd Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 22, 2013.

Zequeira J, Vega Y, Sanchez C, Abdul A, Mojica C, Lugo H. Spigelian Hernias in the Pediatric Population: A thorough analysis of the existing literature. Oral Presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum, 62nd Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 24, 2012.

Zequeira J, Sanchez C, Mas M, Lojo J. Intraoperative Gastric Explosion in a Patient with Gastric Outlet Obstruction due to a Recurrent Pancreatic Pseudocyst. Poster Presentation at the 62nd Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 24, 2012.

Zequeira J, Rivera G, Abdul-Hadi A, Sanchez C, Rodriguez L, Joglar F. Colonic Obstruction due to Transverse Colon Volvulus: A report of three cases and review of literature. Poster Presentation at the 62nd Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 24, 2012.

Abdul-Hadi A, Zequeira J, Lopez N, Sanchez C, Rodriguez F, Joglar F. Ligation as a Viable Management Alternative for Infected Arterial Pseudoaneurysms in Extremities. Poster Presentation at the 62nd Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 24, 2012.

Luque C, Zequeira J, Rivera E, Mendez W. Blood Pressure Outcomes after Adrenalectomy in Patients with Functional Adrenal Tumors. Oral Presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum, 61st Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 25, 2011.

Zequeira J, Mendez W, Ramos C. Pediatric Thyroid Disease of Surgical Significance. Oral Presentation at the

F.L. Fafucci Surgical Research Forum, 61st Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 25, 2011.

Zequeira J, Rodriguez P. Pneumobilia following blunt abdominal trauma: case report and review of literature. Oral Presentation at the F.L. Rafucci Surgical Research Forum, 59th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 19, 2009

Video Abstract Presentations

Zequeira J, De Ayala R, Dorna L, Gomez M. Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy in a patient with episodic anxiety, hypertension and a left adrenal mass with surprising pathology. Video Presentation at the 87th Annual Southeastern Surgical Congress. Charlotte, North Carolina. February 23-26, 2019.

Zequeira J, Ruiz K, Echeverria K. Umbilical flap closure of gastroschisis, dressing changes and results. Video Presentation at the 87th Annual Southeastern Surgical Congress. Charlotte, North Carolina. February 23-26, 2019. Quintero E, Pedraza G,

Zequeira J. Modified single lung ventilation for pediatric thoracic surgery in a low resource setting. Video presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18, 2018.

Zequeira J, Sanchez C, Velez N. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy technique in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Video presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18, 2018.

Zequeira J, De Ayala R. Laparoscopic left adrenal surprise, an extrathoracic bronchogenic cyst. Video presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18, 2018.

Zequeira J, Diaz K. Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) of inguinal hernias. Video presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18, 2018.

Zequeira J, Ruiz K, Echeverria K. Umbilical flap closure of gastroschisis defect. Video presentation at the 68th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. May 18, 2018.

Zequeira J, Echeverria K. Transumbilical laparoscopic assisted appendectomy. Video presentation at the 66th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 19, 2016.

Zequeira J, Alayon M. VATS repair of neonatal H-type tracheo-esophageal fistula. Video presentation at the 66th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 19, 2016.

Zequeira J, Pascual A. Laparoscopic repair of infant right inguinal hernia. Video presentation at the 66th Annual American College of Surgeons, PR Chapter Meeting. San Juan, Puerto Rico. February 19, 2016.

Guest Lecturer

Update in the management of pediatric and adolescent ovarian tumors.

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics and Gynecology Grand Rounds November 6, 2020 Jorge J. Zequeira, MD

Clinical Practice Guidelines: Maintenance Intravenous Fluids in Children

San Jorge Children & Women’s Hospital Faculty Meeting March 28, 2019; Serafina Beach Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Approaches to Appendicitis: Surgical and Non-Surgical Management.

66th Annual Congress: Excellence in Pediatrics Puerto Rico Pediatric Society February 15, 2019; Sheraton Convention Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Port Insertion and Perioperative Care

Programa de Adiestramiento del Curso de Oncologia November 12, 2018; San Jorge Children’s Hospital, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Minimally Invasive Surgery, is there a role for it in Pediatrics?

2nd Annual Symposium: Best Practices in Clinical Care November 9, 2018; Ponce Plaza Hotel, Ponce, Puerto Rico

Damage Control Resuscitation in the Pediatric Population.

2nd Annual Trauma Surgery Symposium. August 24, 2018; Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología del Caribe, Caguas, Puerto Rico

¿Y qué de cirugía?

8vo Simposio FEAT, Viviendo con Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa: De todo un poco en el Oeste August 18, 2018; Universidad Metropolitana, Recinto de Aguadilla, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Imaging related radiation exposure in our Puerto Rican pediatric population

San Jorge Children’s Hospital, Faculty Meeting.

May 3, 2018; Meson Gallego, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Imaging related radiation exposure in our pediatric population San Jorge Children’s Hospital, Continued Education Lecture Series February 13, 2018; Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Imaging related radiation exposure in our pediatric population

American College of Emergency Physicians, Puerto Rico Chapter, 2017 Annual Congress

June 10, 2017; Intercontinental Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Umbilical Oddities and Perianal “Poo-Pourri”

Puerto Rico Pediatric Society, 64th Annual Congress: “Excellence in Pediatrics”

February 18, 2017; Sheraton Convention Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Maintaining academic relevance in treatment strategies for complicated necrotizing enterocolitis. Puerto Rico Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology – 1st Annual Symposium on Infant to Adolescent GI Disorders: Nutritional and Medical Approaches.

September 17, 2016; Marriot Hotel Condando, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pediatric Surgical Disorders. Hospital Auxilio Mutuo – 39th Annual General Pediatrics Course September 6, 2016; Hospital Auxilio Mutuo, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Advances in Pediatric Surgery for the general practice pediatrician.

Asociación de Médicos Pediatras Región Este (AMPRE) – 11th Annual Meeting

November 7, 2015; Embassy Suites Isla Verde, San Juan, Puerto Rico

What’s new in pediatric GI and abdominal surgery? For the general practice pediatrician…

Puerto Rico Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology – 5th Annual Symposium for Primary Care Physicians and Health Professionals

August 8, 2015; Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Intra-abdominal Hypertension: The Pediatric Perspective

Society of Critical Care Medicine – Puerto Rico Chapter 22nd Annual Meeting

April 30, 2015; Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.