RESEARCHER(S) / TITLE / SUMMARY

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ALLEN, Derron E. (See also FROLOV, Andrey)

Genetic Analysis May Help Physicians Individualize Treatment of Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Researchers from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, are working to determine if marker genes may help determine the possible effect-tiveness of GIST-targeted molecular treatment. The researchers believe that, ultimately, examination of genetic markers could lead to a better determination of best treatment options.

Research Abstract (55K PDF)

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BEDROSIAN, Isabelle

Surgeons Identify a Panel of Genes that May Determine if Some Patients Can Avoid Surgical Treatment for Rectal Cancer

Surgeons at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, are investigating the possibility that a specific set of genes may reveal which advanced rectal cancer patients can be successfully treated without a surgical procedure. Such DNA profiling may be able to help determine when the combination of chemotherapy and radio-therapy has effectively eradicated rectal disease.

Research Abstract (65K PDF)

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BINGENER, Juliane (See also MORAN, Erica Ann)

Operation Without Incisions for Patching Stomach Ulcers May Soon Move Into Human Trials

Research conducted at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, shows prom-ising results for the use of an incisionless operation to treat stomach ulcers and other digestive tract perforations. The study highlights the use of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and describes the approach’s effects on postoperative complications.

Research Abstract (65K PDF)

CEDERNA, Paul S.

Bioengineered Nerve-Muscle Interface Could Improve Prosthetic Use for Wounded Soldiers

Findings from tissue engineering research done at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, may one day lead to the restoration of the sense of touch to patients fitted with prosthetic hands, in addition to improving the function of the devices. Based on work with troops wounded in the Middle East, the resulting interface is one step in overcoming the limitations of existing robotic prosthetics.

Research Abstract (60K PDF)

CONRAD, Claudius

New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Patients: Bioengineered Stem Cells—A Novel Treatment Strategy with Little Side Effects

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, are study-ing the effects of a bioengineered treatment used to target pancreatic cancer without damaging non-cancerous cells. Using a “Trojan Horse” methodology, the investigators developed a concept that could prolong and improve the quality of life for patients.

Research Abstract (65K PDF)

DOSSETT, Lesly A.

Surgeons Discover That Common Anti-Clotting Drug May Cause Problems for Some Trauma Patients

Investigators from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, have found that a com-monly used blood-thinning drug may have previously unknown side effects for some trauma patients. With data generated from the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Databank, the find-ings could impact the way that physicians prescribe blood thinners.

Research Abstract (60K PDF)

FROLOV, Andrey (See also ALLEN, Derron E.)

Genetic Analysis May Help Physicians Individualize Treatment of Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Researchers from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, are working to determine if marker genes may help determine the possible effect-tiveness of GIST-targeted molecular treatment. The researchers believe that, ultimately, examination of genetic markers could lead to a better determination of best treatment options.

Research Abstract (55K PDF)

GREENBLATT, David Yu

Surgeons Find Readmission Mortality Rates Are Surprisingly Higher Than Expected in Elderly Patients After Colectomy

Research conducted at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, has found that hospital readmission following surgery for colon cancer is more common than previously realized, and may have serious implications for mortality of patients. The study results show a link that, in the researchers’ opinion, should be studied further.

Research Abstract (60K PDF)

GROSSMAN, Rafael

Telemedicine May Help Rural Trauma Surgeons Avoid Medical Errors and Unnecessary Patient Transfers

Used to connect surgeons in far-flung locations, telemedicine may assist in the provision of trauma care in rural areas. Researchers from Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, have shown that telemedicine consultations can expedite emergency care and impact the rate of surgical errors.

Research Abstract (10K PDF)

GUNDETI, Mohan

Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery Lessens the Pain of Reconstructing A Dysfunctional Bladder in Children with Spina Bifida

Surgeons from the University of Chicago Medical Center Comer Children’s Hospital have used robotic surgery to reduce both post-operative pain and recovery time following an operation to correct spina bifida-related bladder dysfunction in children. The results of this first-time application of minimally invasive robotic surgery for the affected patient population may lead to more common usage of this method.

Research Abstract (50K PDF)

KASHUK, Jeffry

Increasing Severity of Bicycle Injuries Leads to Concerns About Cycling Infrastructure

Research conducted at Denver Health Medical Center and the University of Colorado, Denver, shows that although bicycling as a mode of transportation has increased, cyclists have a heightened propensity for serious injury due to a lack of both awareness and action related to urban planning. The increased severity of the injuries and the resulting increased hospital length-of-stay could be indicative of an injury epidemic.

Research Abstract (15K PDF)

KING, Jonathan C.

Surgeons Identify Molecular Pathway That May Help Target Future Therapies Against Tumor Angiogenesis

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles are study ing the role of certain molecules in the treatment of angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. The findings could have implications for halting the development of malignancy-nourishing blood vessels and for creating a new approach to targeting angiogenesis in a more powerful way.

Research Abstract (60K PDF)

LEE, Bernard T. (See also Preminger, Beth Aviva)

Two New Strategies Help Women Consider Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery

Surgical investigators conducting research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard University, Boston, MA, found that a computer-based learning tool may enable women to choose the best breast reconstruction option following surgical treatment for breast cancer. Use of the aid may encourage women to be more involved in the decision-making process for breast reconstruction.

In a separate study, referral to a plastic surgeon following surgical treatment for breast cancer plays a large role in a woman’s decision to seek breast reconstruction. Researchers from New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, found a direct correlation between patients who are referred, by their breast surgeon, and those who ultimately decide to undergo reconstruction surgery.

Research Abstract (65K PDF)

MCNALLY, Michael Morgan

Surgeons Find that Statin Drugs Lower Costs in Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Researchers from the East Carolina Heart Institute of the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, have found that the outcome of surgical repair of aortic aneurysm may be positively impacted by the use of statin drugs. Postoperative complication and mortality rates were among the risks evaluated.

Research Abstract (60K PDF)

MCPHAIL, Lindsee E.

Quicker Referral for Gallbladder Operation Could Save 50 Percent of Preoperative Treatment Charges

Surgical treatment of gallstones, when rendered shortly after initial diagnosis, could yield reduced hospital charges, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The results of the study could impact treatment as given by surgeons and primary care physicians.

Research Abstract (10K PDF)

MORAN, Erica Ann (See also BINGENER, Juliane)

Operation Without Incisions for Patching Stomach Ulcers May Soon Move Into Human Trials

Research conducted at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, shows promising results for the use of an incisionless operation to treat stomach ulcers and other digestive tract perforations. The study highlights the use of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and describes the approach’s effects on postoperative complications.

Research Abstract (65K PDF)

PAQUETTE, Ian

Higher Rates of Perforated Appendix In Rural Areas May Be Linked to Shortage of General Surgeons

The impact of surgical workforce shortages could mean increased risk for complications from appendix rupture and perforation when these conditions occur in rural areas, according to surgeon researchers at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH. The research results show that timely health care can be provided with an adequate number of surgeons practicing in rural locations.

Research Abstract (55K PDF)

PREMINGER, Beth Aviva (See also LEE, Bernard T.)

Two New Strategies Help Women Consider Breast Reconstruction After Cancer Surgery

Referral to a plastic surgeon following surgical treatment for breast cancer plays a large role in a woman’s decision to seek breast reconstruction, according to researchers from New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City. The study results show a direct correlation between patients who are referred, by their breast surgeon, and those who ultimately decide to undergo reconstruction surgery.

In a separate study, surgical investigators conducting research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard University, Boston, MA, found that a computer-based learning tool may enable women to choose the best breast reconstruction option following surgical treat-ment for breast cancer. Use of the aid may encourage women to be more involved in the decision-making process for breast reconstruction.

Research Abstract (55K PDF)

SMITH, Angela B

Anticancer Drug Improves Survival and Treatment For Patients With Advanced Bladder Cancer

Researchers from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, are studying results from the application of an anticancer drug commonly used for treating lung and colon cancer in the treatment of invasive bladder cancer. The survival statistics revealed by the study may eventually lead to changes in the standard treatment options.

Research Abstract (80K PDF)

VERMA, Subodh

Common Genetic Mutation In Breast Cancer May Point To New Treatment For Heart Disease

A study conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, the University of Toronto, and Imperial College London, Toronto, shows that a link between a breast cancer gene mutation and heart disease could be a key in the creation of new heart disease treatments and in the treatment of patients currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Research Abstract (65K PDF)

VERMA, Subodh

Surgeons Discover a Visceral Fat Hormone That Could Protect Against Life-Threatening Sepsis

Surgeons from St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, and the University of Toronto have observed that sepsis and sepsis-related mortality are linked to a naturally occurring hormone found in visceral adipose tissue. The implications of the study results may assist in develop ing methods of both predicting and decreasing sepsis and sepsis-related complications.

Research Abstract (10K PDF)

TITLE/SUMMARY

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Bernard Fisher, MD, FACS, is Recipient of the 2009 Jacobson Innovation Award

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ACS Board of Regents Honors F. Dean Griffen, MD, FACS, with 2009 Distinguished Service Award

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Honorary Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons is Awarded to Five Prominent Surgeons

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Lamar S. McGinnis, Jr., MD, FACS, Installed as 90th President of the American College of Surgeons

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