Our colorectal surgeons are proud to be part of a strong academic medical center capable of producing world-class research. Our current colorectal research includes:
Patient Decision Making in Recurrent Diverticulitis
Supported by K23 and R03 awards, we are examining how patients and surgeons decide to pursue colectomy for recurrent diverticulitis. This encompasses a number of studies- a qualitative project where we interview patients and surgeons, a longitudinal assessment of Patient reported Outcomes after consultation for surgery and finally the development and testing of a decision aid.
We have created a website for individuals diagnosed with diverticulitis without complications (fistula, stricture, etc.) who seek additional information and want to explore treatment options. You can visit this website at https://diverticulitisdecide.com.
United States Rectal Cancer Consortium (USRCC)
The USRCC is a collaboration of six academic centers: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Emory University, University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, The Ohio State University, and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The USRCC prospectively determined a series of objectives and designed a standardized data extraction form. The data were then collected from each member and merged into a common dataset. We have used this novel and robust dataset to conduct a number of inquiries into optimizing care for patients with rectal cancer.
Telehealth
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of telehealth in our surgery clinics. To better understand how to effectively utilize this new tool, our team has been evaluating the use of telemedicine visits in a perioperative setting. We have recently completed a prospective observational cohort study to evaluate the quality of communication in telehealth visits compared to in-person visits. Overall, we found high levels of shared decision-making and satisfaction in initial telemedicine consultations and identified themes from both patients and providers about benefits as well as areas for improvement. Our research was published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons; read more and view the press release below.
Industry Sponsored Trials
SEAM Trial
This is a multicenter, single-arm study in which clinical outcomes prospectively evaluated for a minimum of 100 subjects undergoing ileostomy reversal using the Self Forming Magnets Anastomosis Device.
Read more
Surgical Technology and AI
We are examining various ways machine learning can aid surgeon in the operating room. This includes projects from assessing the efficacy of AI in identifying various stages of surgery and anatomic structures to using for the development of intraop navigation system to help with camera movements in robotic surgeries. Additionally we also have an ongoing trial about the use of 3D printed models in improving patient education and process of informed consent.
VUMC Diverticulitis Writing Group
Our group is an active participant in the VUMC Diverticulitis Writing Group. This multidisciplinary group comprised of Acute Care Surgeons, Gastroenterologist and Emergency Medicine physicians meets bimonthly. Our goal is to break out of siloed clinical expertise to improve patient care across the spectrum of diverticular disease. This collaboration has resulted in multiple publications and grant submissions.