Urologists Bhayani and Figenshau complete landmark operation using advanced surgical technology.
Pioneers in Robotic Surgery Reach Milestone 5000th Case
Category: Patient Care
Stories about conditions, procedures, techniques and advancements in patient care from the Department of Surgery.
Injectable Cosmetic Services at the Center for Advanced Medicine: Offering Convenience Through Collaboration
Nurse practitioner Carrie Bettlach discusses cosmetic services available at the Center for Advanced Medicine.
Care at the Highest Caliber: Transplant Team Celebrates 2000th Lung Transplant
Washington University Lung Transplant Program reaches an impressive milestone at the start of 2023.
A New Lease on Life: Scott’s Story
After a shocking diagnosis, Scott Pulley was told a heart transplant was his only option. The Washington University heart team came together to find another way – and save his life in the process.
Researchers Seek to Improve How Patients and Care Teams Make Decisions
Center for Collaborative Care Decisions’ inaugural bootcamp attracts international audience to address shared decision making.
A Helping Hand: Carmen’s Story
A rare disease nearly cost Carmen her hands, until she met microvascular surgeon Mitchell Pet, MD.
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.
What to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness or weakness in the hand – but what causes the condition and what can be done about it?
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.
Expert Care at Your Fingertips – Washington University Hand Surgery
Hand surgeons ease the pain and inconvenience of hand, wrist and finger conditions.
Who is Eligible for Colorectal Cancer Screening in 2022?
Learn more about the up-to-date screening guidelines and tests for eligible patients at risk of colorectal cancer.
A Parent’s Guide to Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common conditions that develop before birth.
Breast Reconstruction in Virtual Reality: Innovations in Plastic Surgery
Surgeons use virtual reality headsets for intraoperative planning of DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Understanding ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation helps the body recover during heart or lung failure.
What is DIEP Flap Surgery?
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.
What You Need to Know about Lung Cancer Screening in 2022
Screening guidelines updated in 2021 nearly double the number of eligible individuals.
A Look Into Hepatitis and Liver Transplant
Hepatitis can cause damage to the liver and, in some cases, a need for a liver transplant.
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.
Are Pelvic Floor Disorders a Normal Part of Aging?
Although these pelvic floor disorders become more common as women age, they do not have to be a normal part of aging.
Are Hernia Belts Effective?
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.
Men’s Health: Starting the Conversation & Getting Screened
Washington University surgeons highlight the importance of speaking openly about men’s health with your doctors and learning about screening guidelines.
The Perfect Repair: Vojin’s Hernia Story
Dr. Blatnik fixed the complex hernias that caused Vojin pain for years.
Learning More About Weight Loss Surgery: Easy as 1-2-3
Starting your weight loss surgery journey with Washington University bariatric surgeons is as simple as 1-2-3.
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.
11 Things to Do Before Surgery
Follow these steps to get ready for your scheduled 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ask the Doctor: Diverticulitis with Dr. Kerri Ohman
Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of diverticula, small pouches commonly occurring in the colon. The presence of diverticula is known as diverticulosis. If one or several diverticula become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis develops. Diverticulitis causes abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a changes in bowel habits. Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in diet and use of antibiotics, but severe or persistent attacks of diverticulitis requires surgery.
Meet the Pancreatic Cancer Team
Meet the Pancreatic Cancer Team Washington University hepatobiliary-pancreatic & gastrointestinal (HPB-GI) surgeons, along with the multidisciplinary team of specialists at Siteman Cancer Center, are nationally recognized for their screening, diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women and the tenth most […]
Meet the Lung Cancer Team
Washington University thoracic surgeons provide the highest level of care for patients with lung cancer.
Washington University’s Surgical Prehabilitation and Readiness (SPAR) Program
Prehabilitation (or rehabilitation before surgery) helps patients be healthy and strong before surgery and has been shown to improve recovery and health outcomes. The Surgical Prehabilitation and Readiness (SPAR) program at Washington University guides patients for the weeks before a procedure by providing strategies and goals to prepare their body and mind.
The Essentials of Biological Tissue Grafts, Donation and Research at Washington University
There are several sources for biological tissue grafts used for reconstructive, reparative or replacement surgery. Allografts are obtained from tissue donors and transplanted into recipients through the tissue donation process. The decision to donate involves registration as a donor and is an important conversation to have with family. Ongoing surgery and research at Washington University benefits from the donation of tissue grafts or specimens from consented donors.
Health Literacy Month – October 2021
Celebrating health literacy this October comes with two initiatives: to increase personal literacy and improve organizational literacy. Patient health literacy and education are important goals for those seeking medical treatment, and hospital programs can encourage the familiarity of patients with the language of health. Organizations are also responsible for providing accessible, understandable information to their patients.
Breast Cancer Care
Washington University surgical oncologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons provide the highest level of care for people with breast cancer.
Pediatric Colorectal Center Provides Comprehensive Care
The Pediatric Colorectal Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides top care for children with complex colorectal issues.
Surgeons Begin Lung and Esophageal Cancer Clinic at Siteman Cancer Center in Shiloh
Washington University cardiothoracic surgeons, in partnership with Siteman Cancer Center, have expanded their services to patients living in Illinois.
Growing the Peritoneal Disease Program
Beth Helmink, MD, PhD, and Sean Glasgow, MD, discuss the peritoneal disease program at Washington University School of Medicine.
Ask the Doctors: Adult Liver Transplant
Washington University transplant surgeon Majella Doyle, MD, MBA, answers patient questions about adult liver transplants.