Kelly Currie, MD, and McKenna Buchheit (Roberts), PA, participated in Christian Hospital’s women’s health seminar.
Plastic Surgery Team Participates in Women’s Health Seminar
Category: Patient Care
Stories about conditions, procedures, techniques and advancements in patient care from the Department of Surgery.
Are Hernia Belts Effective?
A hernia belt can provide temporary relief, but surgery is the only way to fix a hernia.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Named Blue Distinction Center in Bariatric Surgery
This distinction recognizes the Weight Loss Surgery Program as expert providers in delivering specialty care.
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.
Kimberly Berni, MD, and Jeffrey Glaser, MD, Join Washington University Urology
Kimberly Berni, MD, and Jeffrey Glaser, MD, join Washington University Urology at Progress West Hospital and Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.
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.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Receives 2022 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award
Barnes-Jewish Hospital is once again recognized nationally for excellence in mitral valve repair by the Mitral Foundation and the American Heart Association.
Research Supports Short Course Radiation as a New Standard of Care for Rectal Cancer
Research conducted by investigators at Washington University School of Medicine has demonstrated the improvement of rectal cancer treatment through short course radiation therapy. This regimen may represent a new standard for treatment in eliminating localized rectal cancer.
Dane Johnson, MD: The Men’s Health Expert
Dane Johnson, MD, explains what led him to his role as a men’s health, sexual dysfunction and infertility specialist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Life After Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery is part of a lifelong journey. Learn more about life after surgery.
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.
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.
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.
What is Microsurgery?
Surgeons explain what mircosurgery is, how its performed, its benefits and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mackinnon Receives AAPS Honorary Award
Susan Mackinnon, MD, the Minot Packer Fryer Professor of Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) 2022 Honorary Award.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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 […]
What to know about Hirschsprung disease
Hirschsprung disease is a congenital condition that causes issues with the digestive system. The bowel or colon is not able to contract due to a cell deficiency, leading to constipation and other digestive problems. Treatment for this condition includes surgery to repair the colon.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Receives 2021 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award
Barnes-Jewish Hospital has been recognized as one of the nation’s top centers for mitral valve repair surgery as it receives the 2021 Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center Award.
Ask The Doctors: Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Limb ischemia is a peripheral arterial disease that causes reduced blood supply to the limbs. Long-term limb ischemia can progress into chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CL-TI), which requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Dr. Geraghty and the limb preservation team at Washington University answer questions about this condition, risk factors and treatment options.
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.
The Importance of Comfort: Patient Gender Selection in Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal screening, diagnosis and treatment are integral parts of overall health, but obstacles related to patient comfort can prevent effective medical intervention for colorectal illness. Having a diverse, accessible department of colorectal surgeons reassures patients and advances the optimal benefits for their colorectal health.
Ask the Doctors: Lymphedema Symptoms and Causes with Doctors Sacks and Anolik
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons Justin Sacks, MD, MBA and Rachel Anolik, MD answer frequently asked questions about the symptoms and factors leading to lymphedema. Both Dr. Sacks and Dr. Anolik specialize in treating advanced lymphedema.
Meet the Residents: William Chapman and Brad Krasnick, Colorectal Surgery
Get to know residents William Chapman and Brad Krasnick 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.
Ask the doctors: Lung nodules
Dr. Meyers answered some frequently asked questions about lung nodules.