Chukwuemeka U Ihemelandu, MD| Surgical Oncology | MedStar Health
Chukwuemeka U Ihemelandu

Chukwuemeka U Ihemelandu, MD
Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

4.9 out of 5 (179 reviews)

Specialties: Surgical Oncology

Languages: Igbo, English

202-877-0448

About me

Chukwuemeka Ihemelandu, MD, is a board-certified surgical oncologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He is a Professor of Surgical Oncology at Georgetown University Medical School and is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) as well as the Society of Surgery for the Alimentary Tract (SSAT) and Association of Academic Surgeons.

Dr. Ihemelandu specializes in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis, or cancer of the abdomen, through the use of cytoreductive surgery and intraoperative chemotherapy. He also specializes in the treatment of gastric cancer, sarcoma and pancreatic cancer. His clinical interests include advanced abdominal cancers. His research interests include analyzing the use of near-infrared fluorescent technology to look for microscopic cancer during surgery to aid in the complete removal of a disease. He is also analyzing the molecular profile of unique tumors in the abdomen to understand how treatment can be personalized for each patient.

Dr. Ihemelandu received his medical degree from the University of Nigeria Medical School. He then completed his residency in general surgery at Howard University Hospital before completing a two-year fellowship in surgical oncology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center is the only center in Washington DC, and one of few facilities in the region, that performs cytoreductive surgery for patients with cancer of the abdomen. Dr. Ihemelandu is spearheading the use of near-infrared fluorescence in surgical procedures as well as the use of biomarkers to provide personalized cancer treatment for patients at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Outside of his time at the hospital, Dr. Ihemelandu enjoys spending time with his wife and his two daughters.

"I have a special responsibility to my patients. When a patient comes to see me, I treat them as a whole person, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I am very well trained and I work to achieve the best outcome for my patients, regardless of where they are in their treatment. I take the time to listen to my patients and identify with what they are going through. What gives me the greatest joy is when I'm able to help my patients achieve even the smallest of victories."

Conditions and procedures

Conditions I treat

  • Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
  • Adamantinoma
  • Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma
  • Anal Cancer
  • Angiosarcoma
  • Anorectal Cancer
  • Appendiceal Cancer
  • Benign Neoplasm Bone
  • Bile Duct Occlusion
  • Biliary Colic
  • Biliary Tract Disease
  • Bone Cyst
  • Bone Sarcoma
  • Bone Tumor
  • Brain Metastases
  • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
  • Carcinoid Of Stomach
  • Carcinoid Tumor
  • Carcinoid Tumor Of Pancreas
  • Cardiac Sarcoma
  • Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Cholelithiasis
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Colorectal Malignancy
  • Composite Hemangioendothelioma
  • Cutaneous B Cell Lymphoma
  • Cutaneous Lymphoma
  • Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma
  • Cystadenoma Of Pancreas
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma Protruberans
  • Endovascular Papillary Angioendothelioma
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Ewings Sarcoma
  • Family History Of Colon Cancer
  • Fibrosarcoma
  • Fibrosarcoma Of The Head & Neck
  • Gallbladder Cancer
  • Gastric Lymphoma
  • Gastrin Secreting Tumor Of Pancreas
  • Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) Stromal Tumors
  • Graft Versus Host Disease
  • Groin Mass
  • Head And Neck Melanoma
  • Head And Neck Sarcoma
  • Hemangioendothelioma
  • Hepatic Cyst
  • Hepatic Infarction
  • Hepatobiliary Malignancies
  • Hepatoblastoma
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer
  • Insulinoma
  • Intestinal Carcinoid Tumor
  • Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm
  • Invasive Breast Cancer
  • Islet Cell Tumor
  • Kaposi Sarcoma
  • Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma
  • Leiomyosarcoma
  • Liposarcoma
  • Liver Abscess
  • Liver Cancer
  • Liver Laceration
  • Liver Mass
  • Liver Metastases
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Lynch Syndrome
  • Malignant Carcinoid Tumor Of Colon
  • Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH)
  • Malignant Neoplasm Of Pancreatic Duct
  • Malignant Neoplasm Of Skin Appendages
  • Malignant Rectal Neoplasm
  • Malignant Tumor Of Extrahepatic Bile Duct
  • Mass On Trunk
  • Metastatic Colon Cancer
  • Myxofibrosarcoma
  • Neuroectodermal Tumor
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors
  • Neurofibrosarcoma
  • Obstructive Jaundice
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Pancreas Cancer
  • Pancreas Head Cancer
  • Pancreas Tail Cancer
  • Pancreatic Mass
  • Pancreaticobiliary Disease
  • Papillary Stenosis
  • Perforation Of Bile Duct
  • Perforation Of Gallbladder
  • Perianal Hematoma
  • Peritoneal Surface Malignancy
  • Pleomorphic Sarcoma
  • Postcholecystectomy Syndrome (PCS)
  • Pseudocyst
  • Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
  • Rectal Cancer
  • Rectal Carcinoma In Situ
  • Recurrent Colorectal Cancer
  • Retiform Hemangioendothelioma
  • Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma
  • Retroperitoneal Sarcoma
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Sarcoma Botryoides
  • Sarcoma Of The Lung
  • Sezary Syndrome
  • Small Bowel Cancer
  • Small Intestine Cancer
  • Spindle Cell Hemangioma
  • Stomach Cancer
  • Stromal Tumor Of Intestine
  • Sweat Gland Carcinoma
  • Synovial Sarcoma
  • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
  • Tufted Angioma
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Procedures I perform

  • Anastomosis Of Pancreatic Duct
  • Bile Duct Biopsy
  • Bile Duct Repair
  • Breast Cancer Surgery
  • Cancer Risk Reduction Surgery
  • Cancer Surgery
  • Cholecystenterostomy
  • Cholecystogastrostomy
  • Choledochoenterostomy
  • Choledochoplasty
  • Closure Of Biliary Fistula
  • Common Duct Exploration
  • Cytoreduction Surgery
  • Destruction Of Liver Lesions
  • Excision Of Ampulla Of Vater
  • Excision Of Choledochal Cyst
  • Excision Of Pancreatic Lesions
  • Extracorporeal Circulation For Hepatic Assistance
  • Internal Drainage Of Pancreatic Cyst
  • Intestinal Cancer Surgery
  • Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemoperfusion
  • Islet Cell Tumor Resection
  • Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy
  • Laparoscopic Liver Resection
  • Laparoscopic Resection Head Of Pancreas
  • Laparoscopic Whipple Procedure
  • Limb Sparing Surgery
  • Localized Perfusion Of Liver
  • Minimally Invasive Lymph Node Dissection
  • Oncologic Reconstruction
  • Open Biopsy Of Pancreas
  • Pancreatectomy
  • Pancreatic Debridement
  • Pancreatic Surgery
  • Pancreaticojejunostomy
  • Proximal Pancreatectomy
  • Radical Subtotal Pancreatectomy
  • Repair Of Laceration Of Gallbladder
  • Repair Of Liver Laceration
  • Repair Of Pancreas
  • Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Resection
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
  • Staging Laparotomy
  • Stomach Tumor Surgery
  • Surgical Management Of Advanced Hepato Biliary Cancer
  • Transduodenal Sphincterotomy
  • Transhepatic Biliary Catheter
  • Transhepatic Biliary Stent Placement
  • Transhepatic Biliary Stone Removal
  • Transhepatic Biliary Stricture Dilation
  • Whipple Procedure
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Practice locations

Distance from Change LocationEnter your Location

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Pasquerilla Healthcare Center 4th Fl
Washington, DC, 20007

202-877-4599

Fax 202-877-0448

Get Directions

miles away

Fax 202-877-0448

110 Irving Street Northwest
Floor 2
Washington, DC, 20010

202-877-4599

Fax 202-877-0448

Get Directions

miles away

Fax 202-877-0448

Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.

  • List of insurance plans we accept
    • Innovation Health: Open POS II
    • Innovation Health: Network Only Plus
    • Cigna TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
    • Beech Street PPO
    • WellPoint Maryland - Maryland Health Choice
    • CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO
    • United Choice Plus
    • I-SNP
    • Private Health Care Systems (PHCS) (PPO)
    • United MD IPA (HMO)
    • Kaiser Select-Added Choice
    • Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
    • Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
    • Carefirst BlueChoice Open Access
    • United Student Resources
    • CareFirst Administrators
    • Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)
    • Aetna Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
    • United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose
    • Innovation Health: Indemnity
    • Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
    • Cigna POS/Network POS
    • Cigna True Choice Medicare (PPO)
    • Kaiser Select
    • Cigna Network Open Access
    • CareFirst MedStar PPO
    • Cigna HMO & Network (HMO)
    • Tricare for Life East
    • Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus
    • Carefirst BlueChoice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
    • United Select Plus (POS)
    • United Choice
    • Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS)
    • Medicaid - District of Columbia
    • Innovation Health: PPO
    • Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
    • Medicaid - Maryland
    • Aetna Choice POS & Choice POS II
    • Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA
    • Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP)
    • Aetna HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
    • Aetna Open HMO/Open HMO Option/Open EPO Plus
    • MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
    • HealthyBlue PPO
    • Innovation Health: POS Plus
    • Kaiser Medicare Advantage Signature and Select
    • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
    • Cigna Alliance Medicare (HMO) |
    • Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)
    • Cigna Choice Fund PPO
    • Tricare East Prime
    • United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP
    • Virginia Premier
    • CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage
    • Cigna Achieve Medicare (HMO C-SNP)
    • Carefirst BlueChoice Opt Out Open Access
    • Cigna EPO
    • Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)
    • Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA
    • Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice
    • Cigna HMO Open Access
    • United Medicare Advantage DSNP District of Columbia
    • Cigna POS Open Access & Open Access Plus
    • WellPoint Maryland
    • United Mamsi Life & Health
    • United Group Medicare Advantage Plans
    • United Core Essential (HMO)
    • CareFirst NASCO
    • Aetna HMO
    • CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans)
    • United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)
    • HumanaChoice Honor’s plan PPO
    • United Golden Rule
    • MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
    • UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
    • Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
    • Carefirst BlueChoice HMO
    • Kaiser HMO Plus and DHMO Plus Member
    • Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus
    • United Navigate
    • United AARP Medicare Complete
    • CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity
    • Cigna True Choice Plus Medicare (PPO)
    • Aetna Student Health Insurance
    • Carefirst EPO
    • United Select HMO - EPO/NPP
    • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
    • United MD IPA Preferred (POS)
    • Kaiser Permanente Signature-Added Choice
    • Employee Health Plan (EHP)
    • Kaiser Medicare Plus
    • Kaiser Signature
    • Tricare East Select
    • Police and Fire Clinic
    • Kaiser Flexible Choice
    • CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
    • Cigna Preferred Medicare
    • Innovation Health: POS
    • Cigna PPO and PPO Plus
    • Medicaid - Virginia
    • Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
    • United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program
    • HumanaChoice PPO
    • CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefit (PPO)
    • Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO
    • Cigna Indemnity
    • United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO)
    • D-SNP)
    • United Erickson Advantage Plans
    • Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
    • Tricare Reserve Select
    • CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced
    • Innovation Health: Open POS Plus
    • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA CCN)
    • Traditional Medicare Fee for Service
    • United Optimum Choice
    • Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
    • MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
    • First Health PPO
    • Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
    • Coventry Health Care of Virginia
    • Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA

Videos

Education

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Surgery

Fellowship Program: Wake Forest University School of Medicine (2012)

Residency Program: Howard University Hospital (2010)

Medical School: University of Nigeria Medical School (1995)

Ratings and reviews

  • Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

    4.9
  • Extent to which the care provider listened to you

    4.9
  • Care provider’s discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

    4.8
  • Care provider’s efforts to include you in decisions about your care

    4.8
  • Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

    4.9
  • Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

    4.9
  • Jun 23, 2024

    Dr. Ihemelandu has been extremely helpful explaining the issues and treatment(s), as well as responding to e-mail follow up questions and concerns.

  • May 21, 2024

    This was my first visit with Dr. I. I am in the every 2 year visit after my Cancer surgery. Dr. I was very professional and patient. I will enjoy having him as my new oncologist.

  • May 13, 2024

    Dr. Ihemelandu is thorough, I've had every test you can think of, this way Dr. I will know how to diagnose my problem and come up with a solution. Also, he will be discussing my medical situation with the surgical team to get their opinion as well. I'm very grateful to have a doctor like Dr. I.