About

Keith E. Blackwell, MD, is a Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He graduated with distinction from Northwestern University Medical School in 1988 and completed his residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA in 1994. Following a one-year fellowship in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1995, he became a full-time faculty member at UCLA. His clinical practice is primarily devoted to the treatment of head and neck cancer and reconstruction, with a focus on head and neck reconstruction using free flaps. Dr. Blackwell has performed over 1,300 free flap cases, achieving a success rate exceeding 99%, which is among the highest reported in the field. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his work and was a founding member of the Microvascular Surgery Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. He directs a laboratory focused on developing novel microvascular surgical methods, including research into laryngeal transplantation for rehabilitating patients after total laryngectomy. As an educator, Dr. Blackwell has contributed significantly to training medical students and postgraduate physicians, organized and co-directed a postgraduate fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and received multiple teaching awards. His professional memberships include the American Head and Neck Society and the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Research topics

• Surgery
• Internal medicine
• Medicine
• Cardiology
• Anesthesia

Selected publications

• 79-OR: SEC31A: A Novel Regulator of Pancreatic Alpha-Cell Survival Identified via Genome-Wide CRISPR Screen

  Diabetes · 2025-06-13

  article

  Introduction and Objective: Glucagon is critical for glycemic control, yet its dysregulation contributes to type 1 (T1D) and advanced type 2 diabetes (T2D) progression. Although beta cell loss defines diabetes, alpha cells retain their mass despite stress. Mechanisms enabling alpha cell resilience in the diabetic milieu remain unclear. This study identified regulators of alpha cell survival during ER stress, integrating data from animal models and human tissues for translational insights. Methods: A genome-wide CRISPR screen in mouse alphaTC6 cells identified Sec31A, a key ER-Golgi transport regulator, as essential for alpha cell survival under ER stress. Sec31A knockdown models included C. elegans and alphaTC6 cells exposed to ER stress. Sec31A expression in human islets under cytokine stress was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to investigate how SEC31A expression in live T1D islets changes with ER stress induction and mitigation. Functional studies in human alpha pseudo-islets with SEC31A knockdown examined insulin signaling pathways. Results: Sec31A deficiency improved alpha cell survival under ER stress in mouse and C. elegans models. Human islets showed higher Sec31A expression in alpha versus beta cells during cytokine stress. RNA-seq of T1D islets confirmed stress-induced SEC31A upregulation, which diminished when stress was mitigated.SEC31A knockdown in human pseudo-islets revealed alpha cell-specific pathways linked to insulin receptor interactions, highlighting mechanistic differences from beta cells. Conclusion: This study identifies Sec31A as a key regulator of alpha cell resilience during ER stress. By integrating model and human data, these findings enhance our understanding of alpha cell biology and provide a foundation for targeted therapies to preserve alpha cell function. Such interventions have the potential to prevent severe hypoglycemia and enhance glucose homeostasis in diabetes. Disclosure K. Shibue: None. S. Kahraman: Employee; Boehringer-Ingelheim. J.I. Castillo-Quan: None. D.F. De Jesus: None. J. Hu: None. K. Blackwell: None. P. Yi: None. R. Kulkarni: Advisory Panel; Novo Nordisk, Biomea Fusion, REDD Pharma, Inversago Pharma. Research Support; Inversago Pharma. Stock/Shareholder; Biomea Fusion.

  PublisherDOI

• Impact of postoperative fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography on adjuvant head and neck cancer treatment

  JNCI Cancer Spectrum · 2025-07-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Residual or recurrent cancer after surgery but prior to adjuvant therapy occurs in a proportion of patients with head and neck cancer and may warrant treatment changes. 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) may help to identify residual or recurrent disease but is not routinely obtained. We evaluated the relevance of postoperative FDG-PET/CT in this clinical context. METHODS: This single-institution, retrospective study identified patients with head and neck cancer who underwent definitive surgery between January 1, 2013, and April 1, 2023, and received a postoperative FDG-PET/CT prior to adjuvant treatment. We measured the rates of management changes resulting from postoperative FDG-PET/CT findings and the association between having a postoperative FDG-PET/CT which resulted in a management change and oncologic outcomes with selected multivariable competing-risks and proportional hazards regressions. RESULTS: Of 150 patients, 66 (44.0%) had a management change because of the postoperative FDG-PET/CT findings; 62 (93.8%) had radiotherapy plan changes, 20 (30.3%) underwent additional diagnostic testing, 11 (16.7%) had systemic therapy added or changed, 3 (4.6%) underwent reresection, and 15 (10.0%) switched to palliative-intent treatment. Having a postoperative FDG-PET/CT that resulted in a management change was not significantly associated with cancer recurrence or overall survival (both P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with resected head and neck cancer, postoperative, pre-adjuvant therapy FDG-PET/CT can alter clinical management and may enable additional personalization of treatment. When practical to obtain without delaying treatment, postoperative FDG-PET/CT may have clinical utility though requires careful interpretation due to the risks of false positives.

  PublisherDOI

• Mucosal emphysematous head and neck infections: Scoping review and a case of emphysematous tonsillitis

  Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology · 2024-05-27 · 1 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior author

  Objective: This scoping review seeks to understand the existing research in otolaryngological mucosal emphysematous infections and to elucidate gaps in knowledge in the field. We also present a case of bilateral necrotizing tonsillitis in an immunocompromised patient with the first reported imaging findings of emphysematous abscess of the tonsils. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science. Review Methods: We conducted our review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews. Patient presentation, management, and outcomes were summarized. We also describe the case of a patient with aplastic anemia found to have emphysematous tonsillitis, managed with intubation, broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics and bilateral tonsillectomy. Results: We identified seven case reports or series, involving nine total patients, who presented with emphysematous epiglottitis, supraglottitis, or tonsillitis. The hallmark imaging characteristic was submucosal "gas bubble" on computed tomography. Presenting symptoms included dysphagia, odynophagia, dysphonia, cough, and fever. Both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients were affected. All patients were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, and most with steroids. Patients at risk of airway compromise also underwent intubation and surgical drainage or debridement of the emphysematous infection. Conclusion: Emphysematous pharyngeal infections are rare but potentially life-threatening infections that can progress rapidly, resulting in airway compromise and sepsis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. We highlight the importance of swift intervention, with intubation and surgical intervention often required for severe cases. More research is needed on common pathogens and patient risk factors to guide future medical and surgical management.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Ultrasonic Shears Decrease Postoperative Hematomas in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction

  Otolaryngology · 2024-04-28

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative hematoma and takeback rates in a large series of microvascular reconstructions. We sought to determine whether the use of ultrasonic shears reduced these rates. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: A total of 2288 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects between 1995 and 2022 were reviewed. Patients undergoing dissection with and without ultrasonic shears were compared to determine postoperative hematoma and takeback rates. RESULTS: The overall hematoma rate was 1.3% (29/2288) for the entire cohort. The postoperative hematoma rates with and without ultrasonic shears were 0.63% (9/1418) and 2.3% (20/870), relative risk = 0.28, P = .0015. Of 870 patients undergoing surgery without ultrasonic shears, 14 (1.61%) were taken back to the operating room for control of bleeding compared to 8 of 1418 (0.56%) in the ultrasonic shears cohort. CONCLUSION: Our large series of patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction shows a decrease in postoperative hematoma rate and takeback for bleeding with the adoption of ultrasonic shears. Ultrasonic shears are an effective tool that can help decrease perioperative morbidity secondary to hematoma after head and neck tumor resection and microvascular reconstruction.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Free Flap Outcomes for Head and Neck Surgery in Patients with <scp>COVID</scp>‐19

  The Laryngoscope · 2023-11-08 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the vascular system, subjecting patients to a hypercoagulable state. This is of particular concern for the success of microvascular free flap reconstruction. This study aims to report head and neck free flap complications in patients with COVID-19 during the perioperative period. We believe these patients are more likely to experience flap complications given the hypercoagulable state. METHODS: This is a multi-institutional retrospective case series of patients infected with COVID-19 during the perioperative period for head and neck free flap reconstruction from March 2020 to January 2022. RESULTS: Data was collected on 40 patients from 14 institutions. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had a positive COVID-19 test within 10 days before surgery and 7 days after surgery. The remaining patients had a positive test earlier than 10 days before surgery. A positive test caused a delay in surgery for 16 patients (40.0%) with an average delay of 44.7 days (9-198 days). Two free flap complications (5.0%) occurred with no free flap deaths. Four patients (10.0%) had surgical complications and 10 patients had medical complications (25.0%). Five patients (12.5%) suffered from postoperative COVID-19 pneumonia. Three deaths were COVID-19-related and one from cancer recurrence during the study period. CONCLUSION: Despite the heightened risk of coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients, head and neck free flap reconstructions in patients with COVID-19 are not at higher risk for free flap complications. However, these patients are at increased risk of medical complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4521-4526, 2024.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Implant-borne Articulation Splint in Fibula Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction: A Technical Note

  Journal of Craniofacial Surgery · 2023-10-06

  article

  Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing and digitally simulated surgeries have revolutionized maxillomandibular reconstruction. In particular, this technology has increased the accuracy and facilitated the process of dental implantation in fibula free flaps. Despite the efficacy of virtual planning, there is a minor degree of translational difference between digital and intraoperative measurements, which may affect the precision of implant and fibula orientations. This is especially concerning during the last stage of fibula insetting, where the graft segments have the potential to roll, yaw, or pitch. The objective of this study is to describe an advanced prosthodontic technique that ensures the fibula grafts and implants remain in a restorable position during final insetting. We describe the technique and workflow of the implant-borne articulation splint through a case presentation and demonstrate results at 4 months postoperative and postradiotherapy. Given the degree of investment placed in virtual planning, free flap reconstruction, and endosteal implants, a technique that ensures optimal restorability of each implant is pivotal. Larger studies are still required to fully elucidate the cost-effectiveness and long-term results of the implant-borne articulation splint.

  PublisherDOI

• Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap: A Middle Ground Between Anterolateral Thigh and Radial Forearm Flaps

  Otolaryngology · 2023-04-13 · 9 citations

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has gained popularity in head and neck reconstruction primarily as a less morbid alternative to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). However, no direct comparison of thickness exists among the MSAP, RFFF, and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, which together represent the commonly utilized nonosseus-free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Thus, this study aimed to compare these flap sites and identify predictors of thickness that will aid in reconstructive surgical planning. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue at the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT donor sites were measured in 54 adult patients using Doppler ultrasound. General linear models were generated to identify predictors of flap thickness. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT flaps was 3.8 ± 2.2 mm, 7.4 ± 3.8 mm, and 9.6 ± 4.7 mm. Body mass index (BMI) was the only statistically significant contributing factor (p < .0001, coefficient: 0.15) for the RFFF. MSAP was affected by age (p = .006, coefficient = 0.06), female gender (p < .0001, coefficient = 3.2), and BMI (p < .001, coefficient = 0.25), while the ALT was affected by female gender (p = .0005, coefficient = 3.3) and BMI (p < .0001, coefficient = 0.35). Thus, the ratio of increase for flap thickness with respect to BMI is 3:5:7 for the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT flaps, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MSAP is about twice the thickness of the RFFF and 2 mm thinner than the ALT; however, 22% of patients had thicker MSAP than ALT flaps. As the strongest predictors of flap thickness, female gender, and BMI may be taken into consideration during surgical planning for reconstruction.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

  The Laryngoscope · 2022-12-19 · 6 citations

  review

  Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is an exceptionally rare malignant odontogenic neoplasm with a significant potential for aggressive growth. Although the literature on this tumor is limited, its high recurrence rates suggest that early and multimodal intervention may be beneficial. This study reports a case of GCOC of the mandible that was successfully treated with surgical resection, reconstruction, and radiation. A comprehensive literature review was performed, and the relevant genomic and histopathological characteristics of this malignancy were determined. Laryngoscope , 133:830–833, 2023

  PublisherDOI

• Modified vestibuloplasty of the zygomaticoalveolar crest to gain intradefect support for an obturator prosthesis

  Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry · 2021-12-29 · 2 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• P-092: Multiple Myeloma cells depend on the DDI2/NRF1-mediated proteasome stress response for survival

  Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma & Leukemia · 2021-10-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Joel A. Sercarz

  University of California, Los Angeles

  44 shared

• Vishad Nabili

  University of California, Los Angeles

  38 shared

• Elliot Abemayor

  28 shared

• Thomas C. Calcaterra

  University of California, Los Angeles

  25 shared

• Maie A. St. John

  University of California, Los Angeles

  21 shared

• Gerald S. Berke

  University of California, Los Angeles

  17 shared

• Jeffrey D. Suh

  University of California, Los Angeles

  15 shared

• Jeffrey Rawnsley

  14 shared

Education

• M.D.

  Northwestern University Medical School

  1988

• Other, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

  University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine

Awards & honors

• Head and Neck Surgery Faculty Teaching Award (1996, 1999, 20…
• UCLA School of Medicine Outstanding Physician Award (1997)
• Super doctors, Southern California (2026)
• Super Doctors® Southern California (2022 - 2026)
• Top Doctors, Los Angeles Magazine (2018, 2021)