David Vargas graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, Virginia and stayed there to obtain his medical degree from the UVA School of Medicine. He completed a residency in General Surgery and served as Chief Surgical Resident at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Vargas then pursued fellowship training in the specialty of Colon Rectal Surgery at the Ochsner Clinic. He became board-certified (and has been re-certified) by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon Rectal Surgery. Of note, Dr. Vargas achieved the distinction of attaining the highest score on the written examination administered by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

After leaving fellowship training in New Orleans, Dr. Vargas gained extensive clinical experience in both private practice and academic surgery all the while remaining committed to teaching both medical students and training surgical residents. He has been active in local, regional and national professional organizations and has held numerous positions of leadership both in medical staff capacities as well as in professional organizations. He has authored multiple book chapters as well as scientific articles published in peer-reviewed surgical journals.

Dr. Vargas gained recognition for expertise in laparoscopic colorectal surgery techniques which led to his recruitment in 2007 to the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Surgery as Head of the Section of Colon Rectal Surgery. He rose to the rank of Associate Professor of Surgery and received multiple honors and awards including the Ward O. Griffen MD Surgery Teaching Award recognizing his commitment to education of medical students and surgery residents, as well as the Chief Resident’s Award given to the surgical staff member who “best imparts operative skill and surgical judgment to the residents.” After five years at UK, Dr. Vargas was recruited back to the Ochsner Clinic in 2012 and served as the Program Director of the Colon Rectal Surgery Fellowship stepping down August 2020. In addition, he served as the Ochsner Medical Center Medical Staff as the Medical Director of Endoscopy Services, Medical Director of Postoperative Surgical Services Unit, and as well participated as a member on the Physician Excellence Committee. Currently, Dr. Vargas is Vice Chair and Senior Staff Surgeon of the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He continues to participate in activities of the American Board of Colon Rectal Surgery where he serves as Senior Examiner for the Certifying Examination or Oral Boards.

Dr. Vargas maintains a full-time clinical practice and offers the breadth of services to patients suffering from colorectal diseases including: expertise in the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer with a focus on sphincter-preserving surgery (avoidance of colostomy); inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis (J pouch surgery) and Crohn’s Disease; diverticulitis and its complications; functional disorders such as fecal incontinence, constipation, and rectal prolapse; anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures with an emphasis on non-operative therapies and office based procedures; and abscess/fistula in ano disease including a special interest in complex rectovaginal and rectourethral fistulae. He performs screening and diagnostic colonoscopy as well as advanced polypectomy for his patients.

Dr. Vargas has gained extensive experience especially in low pelvic surgery and is dedicated to the range of techniques for sphincter-preserving surgery (avoidance of permanent colostomy) especially hand-sewn anal anastomoses. He continues to dedicate himself to minimally invasive surgery for abdominal and pelvic operations utilizing both laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques for his patients resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and return to regular activities. Lastly, Dr. Vargas’ surgical experience enables him to serve the special group of patients with complex colorectal problems following previously performed operations who experience postoperative challenges that require consideration for re-operative, reparative surgery.

To refer a patient or to speak with our Colon Rectal Surgery Staff, please call 504-842-4060.

*Appointment times and availability for established patients may vary within the MyOchsner portal.

Medical Education

University of Virginia Medical Center

University of Virginia School of Medicine
Field of Study: MD

Internship

Shadyside Hospital

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Shadyside Hospital
Field of Study: Family Medicine

Residency

Lehigh Valley Hospital Center
Field of Study: General Surgery

Ochsner Clinic Foundation - GME Office
Field of Study: Colon and Rectal Surgery

University of Pittsburg Medical Center - GME
Field of Study: 1 yr Family Medicine

Fellowship

Shady Hospital
Field of Study: Gastroenterology Fellowship

Ochsner Clinic Foundation - GME Office
Field of Study: Colon and Rectal Surgery