The Department is at the forefront of colorectal surgery research, with a strong focus on improving surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and quality of life. Our researchers are leading numerous clinical trials and studies on colorectal conditions and innovative surgical approaches.

A key area of investigation is the development and evaluation of new surgical techniques, such as Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) for rectal cancer. Our team is conducting a multicenter Phase II study comparing taTME with laparoscopic assistance to traditional surgical approaches. This groundbreaking technique aims to improve surgeon access to the lower rectum, potentially reducing complications and enhancing long-term outcomes. Additionally, our researchers are exploring novel devices like the Colovac Colorectal Anastomosis Protection Device, which could eliminate the need for temporary stomas in many patients, leading to faster recovery times.

Other significant research areas include the comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomoses in minimally invasive right colectomy, the development of new grading systems for anastomotic leaks, and the evaluation of robotic versus transanal total mesorectal excision. Our department also maintains comprehensive databases on inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer outcomes, enabling long-term analysis and improvement of patient care strategies.

Researchers in this area include:

• Alexander J. Greenstein, MD
• Sergey Khaitov, MD
• Randolph M. Steinhagen, MD
• Patricia Sylla, MD

Faculty in the Ruth J. and Maxwell Hauser and Harriet and Arthur H. Aufses, Jr., MD Department of Surgery conduct extensive research in general surgery, from surgical techniques and patient outcomes to medical education and health care disparities.

We are currently focused on geriatric surgery outcomes, palliative care in surgery, and the management of various gastrointestinal disorders. Our team is actively engaged in studying anastomotic leak prevention, hernia management, and the outcomes of neuroendocrine tumor resections. The Department is dedicated to improving pain management in surgical patients, with ongoing clinical trials examining the efficacy of transabdominal plane blocks for inguinal hernia repairs. Our researchers are also exploring the long-term gastrointestinal complications following cholecystectomy and utilizing advanced 3D visualization software for surgical education and planning.

Our team of researchers is committed to addressing broader health care issues, such as the factors affecting medical student education during the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid prescription practices after surgery, and disparities in surgical outcomes among general surgery patients. Additionally, we are involved in analyzing national databases to evaluate the management and outcomes of gastrointestinal diseases on a larger scale. The research efforts extend to improving operational efficiency in surgical settings, studying factors associated with operating room turnover time, and tracking surgeon preferences to enhance resident education. Collaborative efforts with other specialties, such as nephrology and bariatric surgery, further expand our research scope to include post-nephrectomy renal function and both short-term and long-term bariatric surgical outcomes.

Researchers in this area include:

• Edward Chin, MD
• Celia M. Divino, MD
• Scott Q. Nguyen, MD

In the field of endocrine surgery, our team has conducted extensive studies on adrenalectomy, hyperparathyroidism, and thyroid disorders. Notable projects include a three-decade analysis of adrenalectomy outcomes and investigations into the impact of molecular testing on the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules. Our researchers are also exploring innovative treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid nodules.

In the ever-evolving field of bariatric surgery, we are examining factors influencing surgical outcomes, comparing different surgical techniques, and studying unique post-operative effects such as changes in taste perception. Our team is actively involved in large-scale data analysis, utilizing databases to investigate outcomes based on payor status and predictors of post-operative complications.

We are also focusing on special populations, such as pediatric patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Additionally, our research extends to the application of cutting-edge technologies in surgical practice. This includes the development of machine learning algorithms for improving preoperative diagnosis of thyroid conditions and predicting papillary thyroid cancer recurrence. The Department is also exploring robotic approaches to hernia repairs, further expanding our expertise in minimally invasive techniques.

Researchers in this area include:

• Gustavo G. Fernandez-Ranvier, MD, PhD
• Subhash Kini, MD
• Mark Reiner, MD
• Aida Taye, MD
• Paul Thodiyil, MD
• Denise Lee, MD
• Randall Owen, MD

Younger patients offer a unique set of conditions and surgical challenges. Our research portfolio includes genetic analysis of chest wall anomalies, comprehensive assessments of complications following treatments for necrotizing enterocolitis and spontaneous intestinal perforation in neonates, and evaluations of tunneled central venous catheter complications in pediatric patients. The Department is also engaged in prospective studies testing innovative medical devices, such as the EVARREST® Fibrin Sealant Patch for controlling bleeding during various surgical procedures.

Other key areas of investigation include the relationship between childhood obesity and surgical outcomes, lung isolation techniques in infants, and the patterns of relapse in children with Ewing sarcoma presenting with pleural and pulmonary metastatic disease. Our researchers are also exploring novel approaches to enhance health literacy and medical comprehension among patients through digital drawing platforms. Additionally, the Department is focused on advancing knowledge in the treatment of rare pediatric renal tumors, further demonstrating our commitment to improving outcomes for even the most challenging pediatric surgical conditions.

• Shunpei Okochi, MD
• Bethany Slater, MD
• Linda T. Li, MD
• Peter S. Midulla, MD

The Ruth J. and Maxwell Hauser and Harriet and Arthur H. Aufses, Jr., MD Department of Surgery boasts a comprehensive and innovative research program in plastic surgery, addressing a wide range of clinical, surgical, and patient-centered topics. Our research portfolio spans from pediatric to adult populations, covering reconstructive, aesthetic, and gender-affirming procedures. Key research topics include breast reconstruction techniques and outcomes, with studies on implant-based reconstruction and clinical trials of new implant technologies. The Department is also at the forefront of craniofacial research, exploring topics such as craniosynostosis, facial trauma, and cleft lip and palate procedures.

Our faculty are actively engaged in improving surgical techniques and patient outcomes across various subspecialties. This includes studies on robotic-assisted procedures, the use of ultrasound in liposuction and fat grafting, and the application of proton radiation in breast reconstruction. The Department also focuses on patient safety and perioperative care, investigating topics such as surgical site infections, hematoma rates, and the impact of frailty on surgical outcomes. Additionally, we are committed to advancing medical education and professional development in plastic surgery, with studies on residency training, milestone assessments, and the impact of research fellowships on career outcomes. Our research efforts extend to emerging areas such as transgender medicine, with ongoing studies and a dedicated registry at the Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery.

Researchers in this area include:

• Marco A. Harmaty, MD
• Peter W. Henderson, MD, MBA, FACS
• Elan Horesh, MD, MPH
• Elie Levine, MD
• Elan B. Singer, MD
• Peter Taub, MD, MS, FACS, FAAP
• Jess Ting, MD
• Alice S. Yao, MD
• Joshua Safer, MD, FACP, FACE

Department researchers are investigating a variety of cancer types and innovative treatment approaches. Our research portfolio encompasses studies on hepatocellular carcinoma, peritoneal carcinomatosis, gastric cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, among others. The Department is investigating novel treatment modalities, such as neoadjuvant laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with chemoradiation for advanced gastric cancer. Additionally, our researchers are exploring the impact of patient factors such as frailty, depression, and anxiety on surgical outcomes in cancer patients.

A significant focus of our research is on improving surgical techniques and outcomes across various cancer types. This includes studies comparing open versus laparoscopic approaches in gallbladder cancer resection, benchmarking outcomes in hepatectomies, and evaluating the efficacy of hepatic artery infusion in liver malignancies. The Department is also investigating the natural history and long-term outcomes of conditions such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Furthermore, our team is engaged in developing comprehensive databases and registries for various cancer types, which will facilitate long-term analysis and improvement of patient care strategies. The research efforts extend to exploring the role of technology in surgical proficiency and enhancing patient understanding of complex oncologic surgeries, demonstrating our commitment to advancing both surgical techniques and patient-centered care in oncology.

Researchers in this area include:

• James O. Park, MD
• Camilo Correa-Gallego, MD
• Ganesh Gunasekaran, MD
• Spiros P. Hiotis, MD, PhD
• Joshua Leinwand, MD

The Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care is conducting a series of retrospective studies aimed at improving the evaluation and management of patients with traumatic injuries across multiple clinical scenarios. Their work focuses on assessing the clinical utility of advanced imaging in low-risk blunt trauma patients, analyzing long-term trends and outcomes in traumatic brain injury care, and evaluating protocol-driven approaches to optimize treatment for elderly patients with rib fractures. Collectively, these efforts aim to enhance evidence-based decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and increase the efficiency of trauma care delivery.

Researchers in this area include:

• Raymond Wedderburn, MD

The Department conducts extensive and innovative research in vascular surgery, addressing vascular conditions and treatment modalities. Our research portfolio encompasses studies on aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery disease, and venous disorders. Key areas of investigation include genetic determinants of aortic aneurysm disease, endovascular aneurysm repair techniques, and the development of advanced aortic technologies. The Department is at the forefront of evaluating novel endovascular devices, such as the GORE® EXCLUDER® Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis and the Zenith® Fenestrated AAA Endovascular Graft, for treating complex aortic aneurysms.

Our researchers are actively engaged in improving outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease, with studies on endovascular interventions, atherectomy techniques, and limb salvage procedures for diabetic patients. Additionally, the Department is investigating innovative treatments for venous disorders, including deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. Our research efforts extend to exploring the impact of patient characteristics, hospital factors, and emerging technologies on vascular surgery outcomes. This includes studies on the effects of gender on atherectomy outcomes, the role of artificial intelligence in aortic aneurysm diagnosis and treatment, and the influence of COVID-19 on vascular disease.

Researchers in this area include:

• Kelsey Berger, MD
• Alan Dardik, MD, PhD
• Michael Dudkiewicz, MD
• Peter Faries, MD
• Daniel K. Han, MD
• John C. Lantis, MD
• Michael L. Marin, MD
• James F. McKinsey, MD
• Grace H. Miner, PhD
• John Phair, MD
• Ajit Rao, MD
• Rami O. Tadros, MD
• Windsor Ting, MD
• Ageliki G. Vouyouka, MD
• Sung Yup Kim, MD