Stories about conditions, procedures, techniques and advancements in patient care from the Department of Surgery.
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 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.
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.
Washington University thoracic surgeons provide the highest level of care for patients with lung cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Meyers answered some frequently asked questions about lung nodules.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons Justin Sacks, MD, MBA, and Rachel Anolik, MD answer frequently asked questions about the lymphedema diagnosis, therapy and surgical treatment methods. Both Dr. Sacks and Dr. Anolik specialize in treating advanced lymphedema.
Department of Surgery faculty and residents raise money for cancer research by participating in the 2021 Pedal the Cause event.
Washington University surgical oncologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons provide the highest level of care for people with breast cancer.
Kidney transplant is a life-saving surgical procedure which requires the matching of a donor kidney to the receiving patient, or recipient. National policy updates change the process of matching kidneys to recipients.
The Pediatric Colorectal Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides top care for children with complex colorectal issues.
Vascular surgeon Brian Rubin, MD, answers frequently asked questions about aortic aneurysms. Dr. Rubin specializes in endovascular and open surgical treatment of vascular disease, including thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Washington University cardiothoracic surgeons, in partnership with Siteman Cancer Center, have expanded their services to patients living in Illinois.
Alec Patterson, MD, was appointed the new Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
Congratulations to the Department of Surgery faculty recognized on the 2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list.
Alison Snyder-Warwick, MD, co-director of the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Institute at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, restores form and function for children with cleft and craniofacial differences.
Washington University transplant surgeon Majella Doyle, MD, MBA, answers patient questions about adult liver transplants.
The Lung Transplant Program at Washington University School of Medicine reaches a major milestone by performing 1,900 lung transplants.
What does the legacy of excellence in endocrine surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center mean for patients? Our surgical oncologists have experience with a high volume of complex cases, making them experts in endocrine surgery.
Kidney stones are exceptionally common and affect nearly one in ten Americans. Those who have suffered from stones understand that kidney stones can be incredibly painful when they begin to pass. Washington University Urology offers advanced care for the treatment and prevention of kidney stones. In order to help the public know more about this […]
As medical tourism continues to rise in popularity, Washington University plastic and reconstructive surgeon Marissa Tenenbaum, MD, explains what patients should consider if thinking about traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery.
Sean Glasgow, MD, explains the the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s new recommendations on when to get screened for colorectal cancer.
Washington University cardiothoracic surgeon Shuddhadeb Ray, MD, MPHS, answers patient questions about hiatal hernias.
Men’s health experts from Washington University Urology offer ways to take control of important men’s health issues.
Urologic surgeon Charles Nottingham, MD, MS, explains the Washington University Urology’s new reusable and disposable ureteroscope hybrid system.
Chief of Urology Gerald Andriole, MD, explains the importance of prostate cancer screening and how early detection can save lives.
Congratulations to Chet Hammill, MD, MCR, and Justin Sacks, MD, MBA, on leading winning teams in Big Ideas Competition.
Washington University vascular surgeons answer patient questions regarding deep vein thrombosis.
Washington University hernia surgeons explain the causes and types of hernia, as well as symptoms to look out for and treatment options for hernias.
The 30th anniversary of the Plastic Surgery Research Laboratories marks an exciting period of growth in the area of plastic and reconstructive surgery research.
Washington University urologist Arnold Bullock, MD, is an accomplished surgeon, public health advocate and mentor to young people in North St. Louis. Bullock discusses the importance of cancer screening, what makes a good patient and the value of mentorship in the local community.
Matthew Silviera, MD, MS and Washington University colon and rectal surgeons answer patient questions regarding inflammatory bowel disease.
A multidisciplinary team of Washington University surgeons saved Julius Moss from having an amputation after his diabetic foot ulcer refused to heal.
Washington University Acute and Critical Care Surgeons specialize in traumatic injuries, emergency surgeries, geriatric trauma, general surgeries, burn and wound care and critical care.
The Department of Surgery 2020 Annual Report features clinical, research and educational accomplishments from the Section of Transplant Surgery.
The Department of Surgery 2020 Annual Report features clinical, research and educational accomplishments from the Section of Cardiac Surgery.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital is the largest children’s hospital in the region, with nearly 400 licensed beds and an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I pediatric trauma center.
The Department of Surgery 2020 Annual Report features clinical, research and educational accomplishments from the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The Department of Surgery 2020 Annual Report features clinical, research and educational accomplishments from the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
In addition to providing care on the Medical Campus, Washington University surgeons extend patient care to community practice across the St. Louis region at locations including Christian Hospital and Alton Memorial Hospital.
Siteman Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri and is ranked as one of the nation’s top cancer facilities by U.S. News & World Report.
The Department of Surgery 2020 Annual Report features clinical, research and educational accomplishments from the Division of Urologic Surgery.
Washington University plastic and reconstructive surgeon Kamlesh Patel shares what makes his pediatric patients superheroes in his eyes.
The Washington University pediatric liver care and transplant team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital shares what makes their pediatric patients superheroes in their eyes.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Shuddhadeb Ray, MD, MPHS, brings his expertise in heart, lung, and esophageal surgery to Christian Hospital after a decade of training at Washington University School of Medicine.