Surgery 

Overview

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) is well-known for its leading surgical research with numerous researchers having published studies that have changed clinical practice worldwide.

Research Groups

We conduct active research across all surgical subspecialties at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC): 

Breast care research focuses on improving access to treatment and clinical trials aimed at investigating biomarkers for breast cancer. It emphasizes early-stage treatment options, including oncoplastic surgery techniques, and incorporates translational research and precision medicine approaches for more effective care. 

Oncology surgery research investigates new approaches to surgical interventions to enhance patient outcomes. This entails research in anesthetics to uncover whether its use can impact tumour growth, invasion and metastasis.  New equipment is also being used in surgery research to conduct microsurgery to remove early-stage cancer from the esophagus and stomach. 

Cardiac surgery research focuses on addressing heart failure and transplantation, as well as investigating treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation and aortic valve disease. Researchers are part of global studies, including heart valve repair surgery that will improve patient outcomes around the world. The aim of this research area is to improve surgical outcomes and develop innovative interventions for these cardiac issues. 

General surgery research focuses on improving outcomes through minimally invasive procedures and robot-assisted surgery. It also involves optimizing organ health to ensure successful transplantation of organs to patients.  

Orthopaedic surgery research emphasizes the study of fractures in the elderly and seeks to minimize the impact of joint replacement procedures while improving outcomes for hip and knee replacements. It also explores the influence of the microbiome on knee replacement results. 

Paediatric surgery research includes advancements in robotic-assisted procedures, focusing on the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia and the nonoperative management of appendicitis. Additionally, it addresses the management of paediatric thrombosis to improve patient care and outcomes. 

Plastic and reconstructive surgery research focuses on breast reconstruction techniques, evaluating outcomes in peripheral nerve surgery, and advancing reconstructive microsurgery and burn care. These efforts aim to enhance patient recovery and improve functional and aesthetic results. 

Surgical critical care research focuses on sepsis and infectious diseases, aiming to understand their mechanisms and improve management strategies. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes in critical care settings by developing effective treatments. 

Trauma surgery research examines access to care and outcomes for marginalized populations, focusing on addressing disparities in treatment. This area also focuses on paediatric trauma care to improve protocols and outcomes for injured children. 

Thoracic surgery research investigates outcomes of lung resection surgeries and explores treatment options for esophageal cancer. The aim is to enhance surgical techniques and improve patient outcomes in thoracic conditions. 

Urology surgery research focuses on advancing robot-assisted and minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating urologic cancers. It also addresses the management of stone disease and explores innovative approaches to bladder cancer and Peyronie’s disease. Additionally, the research aims to improve outcomes in kidney transplantation, enhancing both surgical methods and patient care. 

Vascular surgery research focuses on aortic dissection and endovascular aneurysm repair, aiming to improve surgical techniques and patient outcomes. It also addresses vascular trauma alongside efforts in medical device innovation to enhance treatment options.