Weight loss surgery is part of a lifelong journey. Learn more about life after surgery.
Life After Bariatric Surgery
Author: Jesus
A Beautiful New Heart: Audrey’s Story
Audrey was born with a rare combination of heart conditions. Thanks to an organ donor and the St. Louis Children’s and Washington University Heart Center team, she celebrated her first birthday at home with a new heart.
Eberlein Delivers ASCRS Humanities in Surgery Lecture
Timothy Eberlein, MD, shares how the Department of Surgery has led in reducing health care disparities and improving health equity.
11 Things to Do Before Surgery
Follow these steps to get ready for your scheduled surgery.
Cardiothoracic Faculty and Trainees Attend American Association for Thoracic Surgery’s 102nd Annual Meeting
Several Washington University cardiothoracic surgery faculty members and trainees trekked to Boston to attend the American Association for Thoracic Surgery’s 102nd Annual Meeting.
Body Mass Index: Explained
Washington University bariatric surgeons use measures like body mass index (BMI) to determine whether their patients are eligible for weight loss surgery.
Urology Faculty, Trainees Present Research at the 2022 American Urological Association Annual Meeting
Washington University urologic surgery faculty members and trainees travelled to New Orleans, LA, to attend the 2022 American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting.
Asbun Delivers 19th Annual Bricker Lecture
Washington University welcomes Horacio Asbun, MD, for the 19th Annual Eugene M. Bricker Visiting Lecture in Surgery.
The connection between prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction
Prostate cancer is among the most common types of cancer. Learn more about the connection between prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.
High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction
Both high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are common among older men. Understanding the relationship between these conditions could help men find the treatment that’s right for them.
Research to Improve Breast Cancer Screening Indicates High Interest from Patients
Breast cancer screening is necessary to detect this condition early enough to have an effective treatment program. Research by investigators at Washington University indicate that patients who hear conflicting information about screening are still interested in attending screening.
Vicky Peck, RN, and Erica Traxel, MD, Receive Barnes-Jewish Hospital Team Award for Quality Improvement
Vicky Peck, RN, Patient Safety and Quality Coordinator, and Erica Traxel, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, helped create a culture of safety in the Division of Urologic Surgery by developing a program to track ureteral stents.
Demystifying the Circulatory System
The Department of Surgery explains terminology and components of the circulatory system. We use plain language to explain to describe what arteries, vessels, and related structures are, how they are different and some common conditions that affect them.
Four-Year Grant Awarded to Acute and Critical Care Research Project
Dr. Isaiah Turnbull, a researcher and surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, has received a four-year $1.5 million grant for his research on immunosuppression induced by burn injuries. This work is in partnership with the Military Burn Research Program.
A Durable Treatment for Recurrent Hernias
Research by Washington University hernia surgeons finds a durable solution for treating complex recurrent ventral hernias. The findings are published in the journal Surgery.
Neurogenic bladder: Common causes
Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which the nerves signaling to the bladder have been damaged, resulting in dysfunction of the bladder muscles and function. Common causes include genetic nerve problems, birth defects, injury, stroke, diabetes, infection, brain or spinal cord tumors. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicinal treatments and surgery.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome are two different gastrointestinal conditions. Learn more about each, and how Washington University Colon & Rectal Surgery provides team-based care for inflammatory bowel disease.
Surgeon-scientist Olson named head of surgery (Links to an external site)
Recognized for expertise in endocrine tumor development.
Frye Wins Top Gun at SAGES 2022
General surgery resident Corbin Frye, MD, won the SAGES Top Gun competition for the second year in a row. Frye and his fellow residents hone laparoscopic skills at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education.
Surgeons Study Outcomes of Cardiac Surgery Technique Developed at Washington University
Washington University School of Medicine cardiac surgeons review the long-term outcomes and durability of the Cox-Maze IV procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of this procedure in patients with life-threatening heart arrhythmia.
Introduction to Robotic Surgery Training at WISE
General surgery residents at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education get hands-on experience with the latest innovations in surgical technology during an introduction to robotic surgery training course.
Kristin Geile, RN, MSN, CCRC, Named Finalist for St. Louis Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Awards
The Department of Surgery’s Kristin Geile, RN, MSN, CCRC, was recently named a finalist for St. Louis Magazine’s 2022 Excellence in Nursing Awards.
Pediatric CT Surgeons Utilize New Tools to Combat Complex Heart Defects
Washington University pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons and fellows tackle rare heart defects in virtual simulation program.
Kachroo Named Surgical Director of Center for Diseases of the Thoracic Aorta
Puja Kachroo, MD, has been named surgical director of the Center for Diseases of the Thoracic Aorta at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Kachroo is a leading expert in aortic disease and cardiac surgery.
Identifying Causes of Vascular Damage in Lung Transplantation
Investigators from the Thoracic Immunology Laboratory have identified pathways leading to ischemia-reperfusion injury after lung transplantation. Their findings are published in the journal PNAS.
Department of Surgery Educators Recognized by Medical Student Awards
At the 2020-2021 Distinguished Service Teaching Awards, three members of the department were recognized for their contributions to medical student education.
7 Things to Know About Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a blockage or damage to the lymphatic system. Most cases of lymphedema in the United States happen after cancer or cancer treatment. Understanding this condition can help with lymphedema prevention, management and treatment.
Robotic-assisted Urologic Surgery Advances Clinical Care
Washington University urologic surgeons embrace leading-edge robotic techniques to advance clinical care.
What is HIPEC surgery?
Learn about the benefits of HIPEC surgery for people in St. Louis with abdominal cancer.
LaSalle Leffall, Jr., MD, FACS: A Champion for Health Equity
LaSalle Leffall, Jr., MD, FACS, one of Homer G. Phillips Hospital’s most notable alumni, had an immeasurable impact on surgical oncology and health equity.
Coaching After Amputation: Sam’s Story
Sam Schaefer suffered from constant pain after an injury left him with a rare neurological condition. After a below-the-knee amputation at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, he is back to playing hockey, breaking world records and coaching at a local gym.
Cancer Staging: What, Why and How?
Cancer staging is an essential step in the cancer treatment process. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, staging tests indicate the extent and progress of cancer. Knowing this information assists physicians in deciding treatment options and can also predict health outcomes for the patient.
Virtual Reality Laparoscopic Skills Training at WISE
Washington University surgery faculty and trainees are evaluating a new virtual reality laparoscopic skills simulator at the WISE Center.
Understanding Innate Immunity in Lung Transplantation
Washington University General Surgery residents and leaders of the Thoracic Immunobiology Laboratory collaborated to discuss the body’s innate immune responses that could lead to lung injury and allograft failure.
The Impact of Persistent Smoking on Outcomes After Lung Cancer Surgery
Researchers from Washington University and Siteman Cancer Center conduct research on patient health outcomes after surgery for stage I non-small cell lung cancer to understand if persistent smoking after surgery is associated with worse survival. They conclude that persistent smoking after surgery decreases the survival rates of patients.
From Fellow to Faculty: Jacob Miller, MD
Washington University pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Jacob Miller, MD, specializes in the surgical treatment of congenital heart and lung conditions at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Miller joins the faculty after completing world-class surgical training at the School of Medicine.
2021 Annual Report for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery does essential, life-saving work for our patients at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where surgeons are shaping the future of surgery. To highlight the year’s accomplishments among our surgeons, are proud to share the 2021 Annual Report for the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, which is now available online.
Department of Surgery 2021 Annual Report
With another year in the books, we are proud to share the Department of Surgery 2021 Annual Report, demonstrating our mission in action. You can read the Annual Report online to learn how the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has continued its leadership in patient care, research, education and health equity in a year of challenges and successes.
Gayle Harvey Retires After 39 Years with the Department of Surgery
Financial accounting assistant Gayle Harvey retires after nearly 40 years at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Pawale Named Surgical Director of Heart Transplantation
Amit Pawale, MD, joins the department as surgical director of heart transplantation, ventricular assist devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Beth Jurgensen Retires After 35 Years of Service
Ambulatory coder Beth Jurgensen retires after 35 years at Washington University. She reflects on the many fond memories from throughout her career while looking forward to giving back during retirement.
Ask the Research Director: Research During Residency with Ryan C. Fields, MD
Residency applicants need to know the fit of a program’s research education to their interests and needs. Ryan C. Fields, MD, the Director of Resident Research for the General Surgery Residency Program at Washington University, explains why WashU is an ideal location for research in surgery.
A Milestone to Remember: 500th Robotic Thoracic Surgery Occurs at Christian Hospital
Washington University thoracic surgeons at Christian Hospital recently accomplished a major milestone in its pursuit of offering precise, leading-edge medical care. On Dec. 1, 2021, thoracic surgeons Varun Puri, MD, MSCI, Nabil Munfakh, MD, and their operative staff carried out Christian Hospital’s 500th robotic thoracic surgery. “I am proud that Christian was the first hospital […]
Ask the Doctor: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). An enlarged prostate is not a medical problem, but it is a condition patients should understand.
Ask The Residents: Advice to Applicants
General Surgery residents give their “best advice” to current or future applications to hospital residencies. Their insight and recommendations reflect their trials, successes, and learning experiences within the application process. They also emphasize how applying to programs like the General Surgery Residency is a major decision that cultivates professional and personal growth as a physician.
Disparities After Surgery: Readmission from Complications More Common for People of Color
Physicians at Washington University School of Medicine conducted a research study on the disparities of post-surgery complications and readmission, visualizing differences of readmission between white and non-white patients. Patients of color are more likely to require readmission after surgery, which may be related to other lived disparities, such as barriers to accessing equal healthcare to their white counterparts.
Meet the Heart Valve Disease Team
A team of cardiac surgeons, general and interventional cardiologists, cardiac nurses and sonographers work together within the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital Heart & Vascular Center.
Ask the Doctor: Heart Failure with Dr. Moon
Heart failure is a chronic and progressive condition in which the muscle tissue of the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply oxygen and circulation throughout the body. It results in symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath but can cause other complications. Multiple types of HF exist and are treated differently depending on the stage.
Ask the Doctor: Colorectal Cancer with the Colorectal Team
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lower intestine, either the colon or rectum, and causes symptoms such as bowel movement changes, pain and weight loss as it progresses. It is a common cancer that is often detected through regular screening and requires physician diagnosis from specific tests. Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and curable through surgical and radiation treatments. Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center provide patients with screening, diagnoses and treatment options.
Meet the Residents: Brendan Heiden and Jason Gauthier, Thoracic Surgeons
Get to know residents Brendan Heiden and Jason Gauthier in the General Surgery residency program, why they chose Washington University School of Medicine for their surgical training and what it’s like to be a resident in St. Louis.