UC Surgeon-Scientist Receives $1.5 Million Grant to Study Heart ...

Winter 2005-2006
UC Surgeon-Scientist Receives $1.5 Million
Grant to Study Heart Enlargement/Failure
Surgeons at the University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine have received $1.5
million to study the link between heart
enlargement and heart failure. Shahab
Akhter, M.D., Assistant Professor of
Surgery in the Division of Cardiac Surgery,
is principal investigator for the five-year
study funded by the National Institutes of
Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute, and the Thoracic Surgery
Foundation for Research & Education.
Dr. Akhter believes that protein kinase C, a
molecule that is activated when the heart
becomes enlarged, “turns on” a specific
enzyme that limits the heart’s ability to
respond to stress and pump efficiently. This
can lead to poor heart function and, ultimately,
heart failure.
Dr. Akhter and his team will study the interaction
between these signaling molecules
in multiple lines of genetically engineered
mice, each designed to express a specific
kinase or kinase inhibitor, in order to
identify new ways [see inside - “Akhter”]
Dr. Shahab Akhter and Dr. Karyn Butler in their labs at the Cardiovascular Research Center.
Trauma Surgeon Continues Innovative Cardiac Research
Karyn Butler, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C.M.,
Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of
Trauma and Critical Care, continues her
research on hypertrophied hearts with support
from a National Institutes of Health,
Mentored Clinical Scientist (K08) Award.
Cardiac chamber remodeling following
myocardial infarction or in response to
hypertension may lead to left ventricular
hypertrophy and cardiac failure. Preconditioning,
or ischemic adaptation, repre-
sents the intrinsic capacity of the heart to
protect itself from ischemic injury. The
molecular basis of this phenomenon
remains to be further characterized.
Clinical and experimental studies indicate
that hypertrophied hearts are more vulnerable
to ischemic insult compared to nonhypertrophied
hearts. In non-hypertrophied
myocardium, cardiac preconditioning
can attenuate ischemia/reperfusion
induced contractile [see inside - “Butler”]

Surgeon Performs Region’s First Minimally Invasive
Four-Arm Robotic-Assisted Gastric Bypass
Calvin A. Selwyn, Jr., M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery in
the Division of Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Surgery, and
Director of Surgical Endoscopy and Laparoscopy, performed
the Midwest's first minimally invasive gastric bypass procedure
using a four-arm surgical robot on November 9, 2005. He is
only the second surgeon in the world to do so. Dr. Selwyn’s
technique allows self-assisted surgery that was once so complex
that it required two surgeons to perform. He will be giving a
presentation at the Pacific Rim Robotics Conference to be held
in Anaheim, California in January 2006 to discuss this novel
approach to bariatric surgery with some of the nation’s premiere
robotic surgeons.
Dr. Selwyn controls the four mechanical arms from an interactive
console. Inserted into the abdomen through several small
tubes or “ports” without the need for a major incision, the arms
function with the dexterity of human hands. The four-arm technology
provides better depth perception and fine-motion control
inside the abdomen than the three-arm approach, allowing the
surgeon to operate with greater precision and control suturing
techniques. “Robotic gastric bypass surgery minimizes complications
common with open surgery, including hernias and pulmonary
problems,” says Dr. Selwyn.
“Akhter” (continued from front page)
to prevent heart function deterioration. “If we can identify and
block this molecular ‘cross-talk’ that contributes to heart failure,
we can develop new, more precise therapies that reduce the incidence
of disease and save more lives,” Dr. Akhter says.
Heart disease is currently treated with a combination of drugs
that reduce stress on the heart and improve blood flow. These
include ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, which
reduce blood pressure; beta-blockers, which block receptors to
slow the heartbeat and reduce muscle contractions; and diuretics,
which help the body remove unneeded water and salt.
“Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are effective in treating the
symptoms of heart failure, but clearly we need to do better. The
average survival rate for someone with heart failure is just five
years,” says Dr. Akhter.
Dr. Calvin Selwyn at the controls of the daVinci robot system in the
Surgical Simulation Laboratory. (Photo courtesy of Academic
Health Center Public Relations/D. Davenport)
Patients at the UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss undergo a
rigorous presurgery evaluation that includes a review of dietary
habits, exercise physiology, emotional counseling and physical
examinations. Dr. Selwyn offers the robotic-assisted procedure
to 30% of his patients. For more information, please call 513-
475-7770.
“Butler” (continued from front page)
dysfunction. The preliminary data suggest that compensated
hypertrophied hearts exhibit enhanced ischemic tolerance after
preconditioning compared to non-hypertrophied hearts. This
observation suggests that the signaling pathways involved in
adaptive hypertrophy may enhance ischemic tolerance.
Dr. Butler has also observed that this relative preservation of
ischemic adaptation in the hypertrophied heart is lost in a timedependent
manner as the heart transitions from compensated
hypertrophy to cardiac failure. Her laboratory explores this
clinically relevant problem by studying the response of hypertrophied
rodent hearts to changes in myocardial blood flow. The
goal of this research is to identify strategies that may improve
cardiac function in patients with underlying heart disease who
experience angina or “heart attack.”
“It is a pleasure mentoring two such brilliant scientists.”
“The current state of art in pharmacotherapy of heart failure, considering its epidemic nature in the world, is very disappointing.
Recent reviews have emphasized that we are dealing with a highly complex, multifaceted disease, yet the
pipeline of new and exciting breakthrough drugs and/or therapy is at a trickle. Theoretically, one reason slowing the
development of effective breakthrough pharmaceuticals is that we still lack thorough understanding of the intricate
biology of the heart and vasculature. I am convinced that the research proposed by Drs. Akhter and Butler will uncover
substantial information that will assist in the eventual completion of this complicated puzzle.”
Arnold Schwartz, Ph.D.
Director, Institute of Molecular Pharmacology and Biophysics

UC Researcher Receives NIH Grant
Susan E. Waltz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Surgery in
the Trauma, Sepsis and Inflammation Research Group, has
received a 5-year continuation grant from the Department
of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of
Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases, for her project “Hepatocyte Growth
Factor-like Protein Receptor” which will be effective from
September 2005 to June 2010.
Susan Waltz, PhD (far right, front row) and her research group.
Harvard Chief of Surgery to Visit UC
Andrew L. Warshaw, M.D., W. Gerald Austen Professor of
Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Surgeon-in-Chief and
Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Massachusetts General
Hospital, will serve as the Ninth Annual Altemeier Visiting
Professor, January 17-18, 2006.
Andrew L. Warshaw, M.D.
Dr. Warshaw is a leading authority on
the pancreas and has made important
contributions to the diagnosis and treatment
of pancreatic cancer and the
pathogenesis and management of pancreatitis.
Dr. Warshaw serves as a governor of the
American College of Surgeons, and
president-elect of the Halsted Society.
He is past-president of the Society of
Surgery of the Alimentary Tract and the
International Association of Pancreatology.
On Tuesday, January 17, 2006, Dr. Warshaw will discuss
“Advocacy For and By Surgeons” at the 4:00 p.m. Surgical
Seminar, and will speak on “Management of Pancreatic Cancer” at
Surgical Grand Rounds on Wednesday, January 18, 2006, in the
Surgical Amphitheater.
Pediatric Surgery Chief Recognized
for International Service
Richard Azizkhan, M.D., Director of the Division of
Pediatric Surgery, has been awarded the R.K. Gandhi Gold
Medal, the highest award of the Indian Association of
Paediatric Surgeons (IAPS). The medal was presented at
the 2005 IAPS Congress in Bangalore, India. Dr. Azizkhan
was recognized for his work creating international medical
exchange programs and for his contributions as a clinical
scientist, particularly for his work with hemangiomas and
vascular malformations and airway reconstruction.
Dr. Richard Azizkhan (left) receives the R.K. Gandhi Gold Medal
Dr. Azizkhan has trained pediatric surgeons in countries
around the world, including India, and he has established
formal relationships with universities and hospitals in
countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. More than
300 medical, surgical and nursing professionals have come
for training at Cincinnati Children's from Bosnia, China,
Croatia, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan,
Kuwait, Russia, Ukraine and other countries.
Pediatric Surgeon in 3rd Marathon
Brad Warner, M.D.,
Professor of Surgery,
Division of Pediatric
Surgery, ran in the
Columbus Marathon in
Columbus, Ohio, on
October 16, 2005.
Dr. Warner finished the
marathon in 4 hours and
18 minutes, a personal
best time for him.
This was Dr. Warner’s
third marathon run.
Dr. Brad Warner runs in the
Columbus Marathon

Vascular Surgery Advances Minimally Invasive Care
Joseph S. Giglia, M.D., interim director of the Division of
Vascular Surgery, performed the first minimally invasive
endovascular surgery in the Tristate to repair a thoracic aortic
aneurysm using the GORE TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis, the
only FDA-approved device of its kind. The procedure, which
eliminates the need for a major chest incision, is a major
advance for patients who are not viable candidates for traditional
open surgery because of advanced vascular disease and
other health complications. The 70-year-old patient underwent
the procedure on October 31 and was released from University
Hospital a week later.
Dr. Joseph Giglia holds an endovascular graft.
(Photo courtesy of Academic Health Center Public Relations/D. Collins)
Many patients who suffer from thoracic aortic aneurysms also
have serious health problems that make traditional open surgery
too risky. Endovascular repair is very promising because
it gives those high-risk patients a better chance for survival.
The procedure requires only a few small incisions in the groin
where a catheter is inserted. Guided by live X-ray images and
a video screen, Dr. Giglia locates the aneurysm and threads the
catheter through blood vessels to the exact location. He then
deploys the GORE TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis stent-graft to
patch the interior of the diseased artery. The stent-graft is held
in place against the vessel walls once it expands to full size.
Once in place, the stent-graft supports the weakened vessel
walls and allows blood to continue flowing through the aorta
without applying pressure to the aneurysm. Without a blood
supply, the aneurysm is less likely to rupture and will begin to
shrink over time.
Repairing the diseased artery from inside the body minimizes
the complications associated with open surgery and gives more
patients an option for survival. The procedure also takes a quarter
of the time required for open surgery and minimizes blood
loss. Endovascular grafts allow repair of the aneurysm without
a major chest incision, with less risk for infection, a shorter
hospital stay, and faster recovery time.
As seen in the photo at left, UC vascular surgeons are using an
outsourced image processing service (Medical Metrix
Solutions) for thoracic aortic aneurysm patients that decreases
procedures, devices, and cost. It provides critical information
using data from the patient's routine CT studies, and obviates
the need for invasive angiogram prior to endovascular
aneurysm repair. “It is a very powerful tool that allows precise
preoperative planning and assists with intraoperative management,”
says Dr. Giglia.
As noted in the previous newsletter, Dr. Giglia also was the
first in the Tristate to perform a minimally invasive, laparoscopic-assisted
bypass procedure to treat aortoiliac arterial
occlusive disease. Only a handful of centers are performing
this procedure nationally. UC vascular surgeons plan to perform
the operation completely with laparoscopic instruments
in the near future and eventually with a surgical robot.
Vascular Surgery Fellowship Director
Receives Honors and Funding
Amy B. Reed, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery in the
Division of Vascular Surgery, was appointed to the Ohio
Chapter ACS (American College of Surgeons) Women’s
Committee and Ohio Chapter ACS Representative to
Association of Women Surgeons. Dr. Reed was invited speaker
at UC’s AMWA (American Medical Women’s Association)
Chapter on being a woman in vascular surgery, as well as invited
speaker at Ohio/Northern Kentucky/Indiana Society for
Vascular Ultrasound on “Treatment and Management of
Venous Disease in 21st Century.”
On September 23, 2005, Mr. Greg Wallace of Boston Scientific
presented the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program with a gift
for continuing education in vascular surgery.
Dr. Amy Reed accepts gift from Greg Wallace of Boston Scientific

Making Strides Walk is Held to
Benefit American Cancer Society
The Breast Cancer and Environment research group teamed up
with Kathleen Heppner-Goss, Ph.D., and her team for the
recent Making Strides Walk to benefit research sponsored by
the American Cancer Society. Dr. Goss, Assistant Professor of
Surgery in the Epithelial Pathobiology Research Group,
receives funding from the ACS for research in breast cancer.
Participants in Making Strides Walk for American Cancer Society.
Plastic Surgeon is Invited Faculty
at “Mini Medical College” Course
Anureet Bajaj, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division
of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, was an invited
speaker at the UC College of Medicine “Mini Medical College”
on October 25, 2005. Her topic, “Extreme Makeover Edition,”
provided guidelines and expectations for people considering
plastic surgery, and detailed advanced microsurgical procedures
for breast reconstruction. Dr. Bajaj is the only surgeon in the
region to perform these microsurgical procedures.
Dr. Anureet Bajaj speaks at Mini Medical College.
(Photo by Dan Davenport, provided by University of Cincinnati
College of Medicine Development and Alumni Affairs.)
Division of Urology Hosts Symposium
for Prostate Disease Specialists
The UC Division of Urology hosted a symposium for the
Prostate Cancer Working Group on Tuesday, December 6,
2005, at the Marriott Kingsgate Conference Center.
Speakers included Drs. William Barrett, radiation oncology;
Bruce Bracken, urology; Ralph Buncher, environmental
health; James Donovan, urology; Shuk-mei Ho, environmental
health; Karen Knudsen, cell biology; Ying Wai Lam,
environmental health; Alex Lentsch, surgical research;
Leslie Oleksowicz, hematology and oncology; Patricia
Revelo, pathology; and Edward Silberstein, nuclear medicine.
For information on the next meeting of the Prostate Cancer
Working Group, please call 513-558-0983.
Dr. James Donovan addresses the Prostate Cancer Working Group.
Plastic Surgery Chief Visits Paris
to Test Improved Facelift Results
John Kitzmiller,
M.D., Chief of the
Division of Plastic,
Reconstructive and
Hand Surgery, was
in Paris in August
with a team from
Ethicon Endo-
Surgery to study
applications of the
Harmonic scalpel
to reduce recovery
after facelifts.
Dr. John Kitzmiller (far right) with
Australian plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew
Greensmith and assisting nurse in Paris.

In Memoriam:
Dr. Arthur Evans
Arthur Evans, M.D., the former
director of urology at UC for over
20 years from the 1960's to the
early 1980's, passed away on
November 9, 2005.
Dr. Evans received his urology
training at the University of
Cincinnati. He advanced the clinical
and educational programs in
the Division of Urology and
Dr. Arthur Evans trained many urology residents
and fellows who went on to successful
careers in academic and private practice, including Dr.
Thomas Bell, a long-time member of the Division who has
served as Chief of the Division as well as Director of the
Urology Residency Program.
When Dr. Evans was promoted to the emeritus professor level
by then chairman Dr. Josef Fischer, it was remarked that Dr.
Evans was a visionary and ahead of the times, and an early
developer of the concept that the pharmaceutical industry
could assist in the promotion of continuing medical education.
It was also said that “Art” (as he was called by all of his residents)
lived to teach.
All three sons of Dr. Evans are UC College of Medicine graduates.
His daughter is a graduate of UC, and his grandson,
Blake Evans, is a second year medical student at UC.
Dr. Arthur Evans (middle row, third from right) as a resident during
the chairmanship of Dr. B. Noland Carter (front row, center). Others
include Dr. Bruce MacMillan (middle row, far left), Dr. John Wulsin
(middle row, second from left), Dr. Robert (Bud) Coith (top row, third
from left), and Dr. William Culbertson (top row, far right). Photo is
on the grounds of old General Hospital in 1950.
Trauma Surgeon, UC Medical Student
Travel to Africa on Healthcare Mission
As part of a group of 14 UC faculty and students led by
Dr. Christopher Lewis of UC’s Department of Family
Medicine, Kenneth Davis, Jr., M.D., Professor of
Surgery in the Division of Trauma and Critical Care, and
medical student (and future surgeon) Callisia Clarke
traveled more than 10,000 miles in late October to the
remote village of Shirati in northern Tanzania, Africa, to
provide much-needed healthcare. Dr. Davis, assisted by
Ms. Clarke, performed several tumor and gallbladder
removals in the regional hospital.
Callisia Clarke and Dr. Ken Davis examine a patient.
Dr. Ken Davis and Callisia Clarke perform surgery in Tanzania.
Society of Black Academic Surgeons
to Visit Cincinnati
The 16th Annual Scientific Session of the Society of
Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) will be held April 6-8,
2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kenneth Davis Jr., M.D., is
2006 SBAS Planning Committee Chair, and Karyn
Butler, M.D., is Co-Chair.

Center for Surgical Innovation (CSI) in the News
Surgery in Space Symposium
Mr. Charles Doarn (Executive Director) and Dr. Timothy Broderick
(Medical Director) of the CSI served as co-chairs along with Canadian
Astronaut, Dr. Dave Williams, in conducting the inaugural Surgery in
Space Symposium. The symposium, held adjacent to the NASA
Johnson Space Center, was funded by Mr. Doarn's 2004 Dean's
Discovery Fund and his $20,000 grant from the US Army's
Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC).
Industrial sponsorship was provided by MD Robotics. The day-and-ahalf
symposium brought together a wide range of individuals, including
astronauts, researchers and explorers who shared their experiences
and challenges of performing surgery in space and during groundbased
research. Future surgical systems, battlefield surgery, and the
extremes of Mt. Everest were presented. CSI personnel at the symposium
included Mr. Doarn, Dr. Broderick, Ms. Elyssa Westrich, Mr.
Brett Harnett and surgery resident, Dr. Thomas Husted.
Participants at the Surgery in Space Symposium
Outreach
CSI worked closely with Dr. Joseph Buell of the Division of
Transplantation to develop a unique, information-rich web site on
laparoscopic liver surgery. Entitled Lapliver.com, this site contains
valuable information for patients and physicians alike. Visit the site at
www.lapliver.com.
Courses
The CSI continues to work closely with several divisions within
Surgery to develop training courses, which are sponsor-specific or
CME. In September, CSI worked with Dr. Buell and Transplantation
to hold the second “Advances in Laparoscopic Hepatic Surgery
Course” which was attended by 30 surgeons from around the world.
The CSI also worked with AutoSuture (US Surgical) to conduct an
industry-sponsored lab, entitled “Laparoscopic Skills & Intracorporeal
Suturing.” Both courses involved didactic and laboratory sessions.
CSI works closely with AtriCure through unrestricted education grants
to conduct didactic training entitled “Closed Chest Seminars on the
Minimaze.” Courses are coordinated here at UC and at the Cleveland
Clinic. The UC courses held each month are attended by more than 20
surgeons each time. These courses include a telesurgery component.
Grants
CSI faculty received several grant awards in the past several months:
* Dr. Broderick's second extension on his intergovernmental personnel
agreement (IPA) with the US Army's TATRC.
* Dr. Wolf began a clinical trial with AtriCure on Restore-SR II,
“Thoracoscopically-Assisted Epicardial Bilateral Pulmonary Vein
Isolation Using the AtriCure Bipolar System and Exclusion of the Left
Atrial Appendage for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.” Dr. Wolf is
the Principal Investigator (PI) of this multi-center trial.
* UC has developed and signed a joint use agreement (JUA) with the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) in support of the CCF's WCI /
BRTT award from the State of Ohio to develop the Atrial Fibrillation
Innovation Center (AFIC). With final approval from the UC Board of
Trustees and the State Controlling Board, this effort began on
December 1, 2005. CSI has a significant role in this effort, including
research focused on minimally invasive surgery. In addition, Dr. Wolf
is on the Board of Directors of the AFIC.
* CardioEnergetics received an award notice that its proposal,
“Evaluation of Durable Muscle-Prosthetic Bond for Artificial Tendons
in Animate Models” was approved by NIH. UC and CSI will serve as
the research partner. Mr. Doarn will serve as the PI for the UC side.
CSI's role is to provide animal and surgery support.
Capabilities
CSI has worked closely with the Emergency Department (ED) to
develop linkages between the ED and the OR. This permits real-time
videoconferencing between the ED and the OR. Cameras installed in
the ED trauma bays provide an opportunity for teaching and collaboration
as patients are transferred to surgery. This system provides a
unique opportunity for ED to follow up on patients that it transfers for
surgical intervention. This is a tremendous collaborative teaching tool.
CSI to Co-Sponsor “Nanoscience” Seminar
The UC Department of
Biomedical Engineering,
the Institute for Nanoscale
Science and Technology,
and the CSI will sponsor a
half-day free seminar on
“Nanoscale Science and
Technology in Medicine”
on Friday, January 20,
2006, from 7:30 am -
12:30 pm at the Kingsgate
Conference Center in
Cincinnati. For information,
visit the website at
http://www.eng.uc.edu/
dept_biomed/seminar_
registration/page1.htm
and click on the black buttons
at the top to access
speaker information, a
schedule, and registration.

Christ Hospital Opens Pelvic Floor
Center with Division of Colon and
Rectal Surgery
The Christ Hospital Pelvic Floor Center, a new highly specialized
center aimed at treating pelvic floor dysfunction,
brings together the expertise of urogynecologists and colon
and rectal surgeons (Drs. Janice Rafferty, Bradley Davis,
and David O'Brien) who work together to find the best and
most appropriate treatment for pelvic floor problems. These
specialists have expertise in diagnosis and treatment of disorders
of the bladder, vagina, anus, and rectum.
The Christ Hospital Pelvic Floor Center, the only such
advanced center in a wide area, offers evaluation and treatment
of fecal incontinence, debilitating constipation, pelvic
organ prolapse causing bladder dysfunction, among others.
This is the only center of its kind within a several-state
radius. It offers unique evaluation and treatment capabilities
to patients in Cincinnati and the surrounding region, including
ultrasound evaluation of the anus and rectum, pelvic
floor EMG, anal manometry, artificial bowel sphincter for
those who need it, and pelvic floor reconstruction for fecal
incontinence. Electromyography (EMG), the measurement
of muscle activity, can be used to monitor the pelvic floor
muscles and provide visual and audible information to
patients as they learn to perform pelvic floor exercises
(known as Kegels).
Many people will experience problems with incontinence,
bowel control, or pelvic pain. More often than not, individuals
with these types of symptoms are too embarrassed to talk
to their doctor or seek help for many years before receiving
any explanation for, or relief from, their disturbing symptoms.
These symptoms could be directly related to what is
called the pelvic floor.
In the United States, millions of women and even men will
experience some type of pelvic floor dysfunction. However,
few women understand what is healthy and normal or immediately
recognize signs and symptoms that should be investigated
further.
For more information on the pelvic floor and symptoms you
may be experiencing, please call 513-585-4800 to speak with
a specialist today.
Bradley Davis, M.D., was recently
elected to the Hamilton County
American Cancer Society Advisory
Board, and co-chairs the Colorectal
Cancer Task Force Committee. He
also is a member of the Speakers
Bureau for the American Cancer
Society, the Cincinnati Ostomy
Association (COA) and the Crohn’s
Bradley Davis, MD Colitis Foundation (CCF). Dr. Davis
has given lectures to the COA on “New
Treatments for Colorectal Cancer” and to the CCF on
“What's New in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.”
Surgeon Sends Greetings from Iraq
Robert Cavagnol, M.D., 2005 graduate of the general surgery
residency training program, is currently serving in Fallujah,
Iraq. Dr. Cavagnol recently received packages full of games,
goodies, cigars, books, and more from the UC Department of
Surgery, as well as a banner signed by numerous friends and
colleagues. Dr. Cavagnol will return home in March to see his
new family (wife Cindy is due Feb. 5th with their first boy).
Dr. Rob Cavagnol in Fallujah with banner and packages.
UC Pancreatic Disease Center to Hold
Annual Symposium February 4, 2006
The UC Pancreatic Disease Center will host the 5th Annual
Symposium on Pancreatic Diseases February 4, 2006, at the
Kingsgate Marriot Conference Center. Visit the website at
www.ucpancreas.org for registration and more information.
UC Surgery Alumni & Faculty Meet at ACS
The Department of Surgery and the Mont Reid Surgical
Society held its first annual joint dinner meeting at the 2005
American College of Surgeons (ACS) in San Francisco.
(Left-right): Dr. Steve Albertson, Susie Fegelman, Dr. Elliott
Fegelman, Dr. Edward Diekhoff, and Lisa Albertson at the ACS.

Dr. J. Wesley Alexander
Dr. Anureet Bajaj
Dr. Kathy Goss
Awards and Achievements
J. Wesley Alexander, M.D., Sc.D., Professor of Surgery in the Division of Transplantation, was
awarded the second annual Distinguished Service Award by the Cincinnati Surgical Society on
December 7, 2005.
Anureet Bajaj, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and
Hand Surgery, passed the American Board of Plastic Surgery Oral Examination in November 2005.
Kathleen Heppner Goss, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Epithelial Pathobiology
Research Group, was named as a YWCA of Greater Cincinnati Career Women of Achievement
Rising Star at a luncheon on September 13, 2005.
Wolfgang Stehr, M.D., surgery resident
working in the laboratory of Dr. Brad
Warner, won the 3-minute oral presentation -
Rosenkrantz Resident Research Award from
the Surgical Section of the American
Academy of Pediatrics in Washington, DC.
His presentation, “STAT1 is an Inhibitor of
Adaptation after Massive Small Bowel
Resection,” was accepted for publication.
Brad W. Warner, M.D., Professor of
Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery,
served on the National Institutes of Health
Study Section: NIDDK Special Emphasis
Panel ZDK1 GRB-3(03) in August, 2005.
Dr. Shahab Akhter Dr. Joshua Mammen Dr. Michael Nussbaum
Dr. Shahab Akhter (Division of Cardiac Surgery) and Dr.
Michael Nussbaum (Division of Gastrointestinal and Endocrine
Surgery) were faculty inductees, and Dr. Joshua Mammen was
resident inductee to Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the honorary
medical society, at the AOA Annual Banquet on Friday, November
18, 2005.
Randall Wolf, M.D., and John B. Flege, Jr., M.D., Division of
Cardiac Surgery, launched the new journal, INNOVATIONS:
Technologies and Techniques in Cardiothoraic and Vascular
Surgery (see right) on November 1, 2005. Dr. Wolf is co-editor and
Dr. Flege is associate editor. The journal is the official publication
of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic
Surgery (ISMIC), of which Dr. Wolf is President.
(l-r) Wolfgang Stehr, MD, Nicole Bernal, MD, Kathryn
Bernabe, MD, and Brad Warner, MD. The three are residents
in Dr. Warner’s lab and had presentations at the American
Academy of Pediatrics Surgical Section in Washington DC.

Recent Presentations
Bernabe KQ, Bernal NP, Stehr W, Erwin CR, Warner BW: “Resection-induced intestinal adaptation and the role for enteric smooth muscle:
cause or effect?” American Academy of Pediatrics - Surgical Section, October 8-11, 2005, Washington, DC.
Bernal NP, Stehr W, Zhang Y, Profitt S, Erwin CR, Warner BW: “Combined pharmacotherapy that increases proliferation and decreases apoptosis
optimally enhances intestinal adaptation.” American Academy of Pediatrics - Surgical Section, October 8-11, 2005, Washington, DC.
Billmire DA: “Cleft nasal repair: Timing and techniques.” 2005 Tri-State Craniofacial Conference, Indianapolis, IN, October 7, 2005.
Doarn CR: “Surgical innovation - robotics.” Topics in Cardiovascular Care: New Concepts and New Technologies. Hillcrest Hospital,
Cleveland, OH, October 2005.
Doarn CR: “Integration of technology for medical care.” US Air Force. Theater Trauma Medical Requirements: Translating Expeditionary
Medical Needs for Development and Incorporation of New Technology. Cincinnati, OH, October 2005.
Doarn CR: “Telemedicine and remote surgery.” 2nd Dialogue on National Research and Education Networks in Latin America - “Health
Through the National Research and Education Networks” - Internet 2 broadcast. VTC from Cincinnati to Argentina, October 2005.
Doarn CR: “Surgical innovation.” Dual Admissions Program Workshop. University of Cincinnati, October 2005.
Doarn CR: “Telemedicine and remote surgery.” Dia Virtual CUDI de Institutos Nacionales de Salud - Internet 2 Broadcast. VTC from Cincinnati
to Mexico, September 2005.
Harnett BM: “Advanced network opportunities for surgical tele-robotics.” Imaging the Possibilities Conference, Bradley University, Peoria, IL,
October 2005.
Harnett BM: “Advanced network opportunities for surgical tele-robotics.” Fall 2005 Internet 2 Member Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
Huber N, Ben-David K, Johannigman JA: “Abdominal compartment syndrome after damage control laparotomy with bowel left in closed loop
discontinuity.” ACS Committee on Trauma Section V Resident Competition, Detroit Trauma Symposium, November 11, 2005.
Huffman L: “Early results from lung cancer screening using spiral CT of high-risk individuals.” Chest 2005 meeting, Montreal.
Parvadia J, Vaikunth S, Marwan A, Harkness U, Maldonado A, Alaee D, Kalinowska B, Stehr W, Uzvolgyi E, Erwin C, Warner B,
Crombleholme T: “Role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in small bowel adaptation after resection: EGF is VEGF dependent for
the adaptive response.” American Academy of Pediatrics - Surgical Section, Washington, DC, October 8-11, 2005.
Pritts TA: “Endpoints of shock resuscitation.” Surgical Grand Rounds, Department of Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio,
November, 2005.
Reed AB: “Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.” Medicine Grand Rounds, University of Cincinnati, September 8, 2005.
Reed AB: “Vascular surgery in 21st Century.” Invited Speaker, Halsted Society, Cincinnati, OH, September 9, 2005.
Reed AB: “Timing of repair of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic transections.” Midwest Vascular Surgery Society Meeting, September 15, 2005.
Reed MF: “Inhibition of retinoblastoma tumor suppressor activity by RNA interference in lung cancer lines deregulates growth.” Southern
Thoracic Surgical Association 52nd Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.
Stehr W, Bernal NP, Bernabe KQ, Erwin CR, Warner BW: “STAT1 is an inhibitor of adaptation after massive small bowel resection.” American
Academy of Pediatrics - Surgical Section, Washington, DC, October 8-11, 2005.
Warner BW: “Surgical options for management of ulcerative colitis;” “Necrotizing enterocolitis;” “Surgical options for management of gastroesophageal
reflux;” “Surgical options for management of short bowel syndrome;” and “Resection-induced intestinal adaptation.” Aspen
Conference on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease - Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disease and Intestinal Transplantation, July 17-22, 2005.
Warner BW: “Update on Children's Hospital.” Halsted Society, September 9, 2005, Cincinnati, OH.
Wolf RK: “Emerging technologies/robotics” and “Future of surgical training and the field of surgery.” American College of Surgeons, San
Francisco, CA, October 17, 2005.
Wolf RK: “Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.” American Heart Association, November 13, 2005.
Wolf RK: “AF ablation, future of surgery-The Center of Surgical Innovation at UC-biosurgery in space;” “New surgical technique for the cure
of AF;” “How to train young cardiothoracic surgeon in Asia;” and “Evolution of a minimally invasive cardiothoracic practice.” Annual Meeting
of the JATS, October 2005.
Wolf RK: “Is pulmonary vein isolation alone appropriate therapy for patients with paroxymal AF?” and “What is new in off pump minimally
invasive coronary artery surgery?” 4th EACTS/ESTS Joint Meeting, September 30-October 2005.

Ahmad SA, Lowy AM, Wray CJ, D’Alessio D, Choe KA, James
LE, Gelrud A, Matthews JB, Rilo HLR. Factors associated with
insulin and narcotic independence after islet autotransplantation
in patients with severe chronic pancreatitis. J Am Coll Surg
201:680–687, 2005.
Bernal NP, Stehr W, Zhang Y, Profitt S, Erwin CR, Warner BW.
Evidence for active Wnt signaling during postresection intestinal
adaptation. J Pediatr Surg 40:1025-1029, 2005.
Guo J, Sheng G, Warner BW. Epidermal growth factor-induced
rapid retinoblastoma phosphorylation at Ser780 and Ser795 is
mediated by ERK1/2 in small intestine epithelial cells. J Biol
Chem 280:35992-35998, 2005.
Ignacio RC, Falcone RA Jr, Warner BW. Necrotizing fasciitis:
a rare complication of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. J
Pediatr Surg 40:1805-1807, 2005.
Kim ES, Warner BW. Unexpected finding during inguinal hernia
repair in a girl. Surgery 138:954-955, 2005.
Merrell RC, Doarn CR. Disasters - how can telemedicine help?
[Editorial] Telemed and E Health 11(5):511-512, 2005.
Piasecki J, Lied A, Billmire D, Ludwig M, Bentz M. Congenital
melanocytic nevus and the internet: an evaluation of available
web-based resources. J Craniofacial Surgery 16:894-895, 2005.
Prasad V, Boivin GP, Miller ML, Liu LH, Erwin CR, Warner
BW, Shull GE. Haploinsufficiency of Atp2a2, encoding the
sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2 Ca2+
UC Cancer Center’s first appendiceal cancer research benefit
-- “A Night of Silence and Singing” -- generated more
than $7,500 for local cancer research. Proceeds from the
event go directly to the research efforts of Andrew Lowy,
Recent Publications
pump, predisposes mice to squamous cell tumors via a novel
mode of cancer susceptibility. Cancer Res 65:8655-8661, 2005.
Pritts SD, Fischer DR, Pritts TA. Managing morbid obesity:
new options improve outcomes. J Fam Pract 54s:1-4, 2005.
Pritts TA, Knight D, Davis BR, Porembka D, Cuschieri J.
Accidental self-inflicted nail gun injury to the heart. Injury
Extra 36:517-519, 2005.
Pritts TA. Surgical simulation: time to practice how we play.
RAS-ACS News, Summer 2005.
Reed AB. Timing of repair of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic
transections. J Vasc Surg, in press.
Robb BW, Reed MF. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting
as splenic rupture in an adult. Ann Thorac Surg, in press.
Speich JE, Cagle YD, Rafiq A, Merrell RC, Doarn CR,
Broderick TJ. Evaluation of surgical skills in microgravity using
force sensing. Medical Engineering & Physics 27:687-693,
2005.
Stehr W, Mercer TI, Bernal NP, Erwin CR, Warner BW.
Opposing roles for p21(waf1/cip1) and p27(kip1) in enterocyte
differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Surgery 138:187-
194, 2005.
Warner BW, Warner BB. Role of epidermal growth factor in the
pathogenesis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. Semin
Pediatr Surg 14:175-180, 2005.
“A Night of Silence and Singing” Raises Money for Cancer Research
Cancer survivor Traci Wansack (center) and restaurant owners
Vito and Mary Ciepiel.
M.D., director of the Division of Surgical Oncology, and
his team. More than 70 attendees were on hand for dinner
and a silent auction at the event, held Saturday, Oct. 22,
2005, at Vito's Café in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky.
Dr. Andrew Lowy and wife Dr. Haydee Ojeda-Fournier with
other participants at the benefit.

Surgical Grand Rounds Schedule
January 11, 2006 Amod Sarnaik, M.D. (Chief Resident): “Controversies in Gastric Cancer”
January 18, 2006 Altemeier Visiting Professor, Andrew L. Warshaw, M.D. (W. Gerald Austen Professor of
Surgery, Harvard Medical School, and Chairman, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts
General Hospital): “Surgical Management of Pancreatic Cancer”
January 25, 2006 Shahab Akhter, M.D. (Cardiac Surgery): “On-Pump Versus Off-Pump Coronary Artery
Bypass Surgery: Is There An Advantage to Avoiding Cardiopulmonary Bypass?”
February 1, 2006 Colorectal Surgery
February 8, 2006 Transplant Surgery
February 15, 2006 Guest Speaker (Urology), Kevin T. McVary, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery,
Department of Urology, Northwestern University
February 22, 2006 Kfir Ben-David, M.D. (Chief Resident)
March 1, 2006 McDonough Visiting Professor, Ajit K. Sachdeva, M.D. (Director, Division of Education,
American College of Surgeons)
March 8, 2006 Russell Juno, M.D. (Chief Resident)
March 15, 2006 Karyn Butler, M.D. (Trauma & Critical Care)
March 22, 2006 Plastic Surgery
March 29, 2006 Fischer Visiting Professor, Julie A. Freischlag, M.D. (William Stewart Halsted Professor
and Chairman, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)
The University Surgeon is published quarterly by UC Surgeons, Inc.
Written by Steve Wiesner, 558-4207, steve.wiesner@uc.edu
Edited by Elizabeth Pierce, 558-1321, elizabeth.pierce@uc.edu
Winter 2005-2006