Atrial Fibrillation at a Glance

A healthy heart is essential to overall health and wellbeing, and an irregular heartbeat can be an early warning sign of complications down the line.

The truth about hernia mesh

Surgical mesh plays an important role in most abdominal wall hernia surgeries.

Embracing Life With an Ostomy Bag

Ostomy surgery can be life altering – but for many patients, it can uncover a newfound sense of freedom and a new outlook on life.

Five things to know about vasectomy

Vasectomy is a safe, simple and common procedure which blocks sperm from reaching semen as a form of birth control.

Understanding ECMO

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation helps the body recover during heart or lung failure.

What is DIEP Flap Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Rachel Anolik, MD, in white coat with teal background

State-of-the-art breast reconstruction provides natural results after mastectomy.

Lung Cancer – The Basics

Learn more about lung cancer types, symptoms and treatment from Washington University surgeons at Siteman Cancer Center.

Sarcoma – What It Is and How It’s Treated

Sarcomas are a cancerous condition that manifests in different types of tissue. Symptoms include progressively enlarged or painful lumps that are superficial, deep or in the joints. There are many options for diagnosing sarcomas, and their progress or stage determines treatment options. Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that often doesn’t cause symptoms, which makes screenings vitally important if you develop any new and unidentified lumps.

Life After Bariatric Surgery: Activities & Diet

Making the decision to undergo weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, can be difficult. They may have questions about their life after their procedure, wonder what sort of diet restrictions they will have, and question who will be there to support them before and after surgery. Washington University bariatric surgeons are partners in their patient’s […]

Department of Surgery New Faculty: July 2022

The Department of Surgery welcomes new Chair, John Olson, MD, and the Divisions of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Public Health Sciences and Urologic Surgery welcome new faculty.

Are Hernia Belts Effective?

Illustration of abdominal wall muscles on human skeleton

A hernia belt can provide temporary relief, but surgery is the only way to fix a hernia.

Blood Donation: What, How and Why

Washington University patients benefit from blood donations during surgery and in critical care situations. Learn about the “what, how, and why” of blood donation.