August - Surgery - University of Cincinnati

August - September, 2003
New Minimally Invasive Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
First Cases in the World Performed at
University Hospital by Dr. Randall K. Wolf
Dr. Randall K. Wolf, cardiothoracic surgeon with
UC Department of Surgery, recently debuted a
new procedure to surgically treat atrial fibrillation
(AF). Dr. Wolf and Atricure (West Chester,
OH) jointly developed this new minimally invasive
procedure to cure atrial fibrillation without
making a sternal incision -- usually 7 inches long
in the middle of the chest -- and without using the
heart-lung machine.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is widely known as the
most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. AF
affects an estimated 2.5 million patients in the
U.S. with approximately 300,000 new cases per
year diagnosed. It is predicted that 5.6 million
patients will be diagnosed with AF by the year
2050. The risk of stroke in patients with AF is
estimated at 7 times greater than patients without
AF. AF is second only to heart failure in terms of
cardiac related hospitalizations.
Dr. Wolf performed the first two cases using the
“Wolf mini-MAZE” technique at Cincinnati's
University Hospital in August 2003. This procedure
and technology are designed to cure atrial
fibrillation in patients who have chronic intermittent
AF and are non-responsive or not tolerant to
drug therapy. These were the first patients in the
world treated without a full sternotomy for bipolar
RF ablation and electrical isolation of the pulmonary
veins with the state-of-the-art ISOLA-
TOR technology from Atricure. Dr. Wolf used
the ISOLATOR clamp which generates bipolar
radiofrequency to ablate (cut) specific cardiac
structures necessary for maintenance of AF.
The ablation procedure was performed through
two small “mini-thoracotomies,” one on each
side of the chest, and was non-rib-spreading.
During the procedure, the left atrial appendage, a
suspected major source of cardioembolic stroke
in AF patients, was also removed.
The isolator (Atricure) has been used world-wide
in thousands of patients to cure AF in a less invasive
“MAZE” procedure, but until now its use
has been solely for patients with AF who were
undergoing major heart surgery for other cardiac
diseases. The procedures performed at UC were
specifically focused on treating AF as a standalone
condition.
The new less invasive procedure allows patients
who have suffered from long-standing intermittent
AF to undergo a less invasive surgery to cure
their AF and recover faster than traditional surgery
for AF. Patients who undergo this procedure
are expected to have hospital stays of only
2-3 days, compared to 7 or more with conventional
surgery.
“I have been evolving this technology and technique for the past four years, and am
very optimistic and excited about initiating this technique for patients at the
University Hospital. It gives us a curative treatment for atrial fibrillation without
conventional heart surgery and without the heart-lung machine.” Dr. Randall K.
Wolf, director of University of Cincinnati's Center for Surgical Innovation.

Dr. W. John Kitzmiller Appointed
Chief of Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery residency program celebrates 25 years at UC
The University of Cincinnati Department of Surgery is pleased to
announce the appointment of Dr. W. John Kitzmiller as Chief of the
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kitzmiller is only
the second surgeon to be named chief of the Division. He assumed
this post September 1, following in the footsteps of his mentor Dr.
Henry Neale. Dr. Neale founded the Division of Plastic Surgery in
1974 and established the plastic surgery residency program in 1978.
Dr. Neale is passing on the administrative duties of the academic
department to focus primarily on clinical duties and teaching. He
maintains an active practice in plastic surgery at The University
Hospital Medical Center. A symposium to honor Dr. Neale was held
on September 20 and included former plastic surgery residents
from throughout the country.
W. John Kitzmiller, M.D.
Dr. Kitzmiller has an undergraduate
degree in Biomedical Engineering and
medical degree from Duke University. He
completed the general and plastic surgery
residency programs at the University of
Cincinnati as well as fellowship training in
cosmetic surgery in Miami and reconstructive
microsurgery in San Francisco.
Dr. Kitzmiller returned to the University
of Cincinnati to become a member of UC
Surgeons in 1991.
He has received research grants, and has published and lectured both
regionally and nationally in the areas of both cosmetic and reconstructive
surgery.
The Division of Plastic Surgery brings significant resources to
patient care and education. Its research crosses many arms of the UC
Medical Center and beyond. The Division of Plastic Surgery is a key
player within the Skin Sciences Institute, Children's Hospital Medical
Center, Shriner's Burns Hospital, and The Drake Center's rehabilitation
programs. Partnerships with industry are also vital to advancing
plastic surgery; the Division is currently working with companies
such as Procter & Gamble to evaluate how cellulite and fat distribute
across the body.
Highlights of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
include:
* Research to improve treatments for aging skin
* Tissue engineering and skin substitute development for burn
treatment and wound healing
* Tissue transplant for facial palsy and brachial plexus (nerve
injury to hand) to help regain motion
* Reconstructive surgery for birth deformities including cleft
palate and lip
* Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery following weight loss
Mont Reid Surgical Society at ACS
The Mont Reid Surgical Society will host its annual
luncheon and meeting at the 2003 Clinical Congress
of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) on
Monday, October 20, 2003, at the Hilton Chicago,
Room Joliet. A social time will begin at 11:30 a.m.
and the luncheon/meeting will begin at 12:00 p.m.
Jeffrey B. Matthews, M.D., Chairman of the
Department of Surgery, will present an update on the
department’s activities. ACS Attendees are also
invited to the Department of Surgery’s reception on
Tuesday evening, October 21, in the Grand Ballroom
of the Chicago Hilton, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For information, please contact Gilda Young at (513)
558-4206 or by email (gilda.young@uc.edu).
UC Transplant Surgeons Serve in
National and International Roles
J. Wesley Alexander, MD
James Fidler, MD
Rino Munda, MD
Dr. J. Wesley Alexander was invited to
serve on the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases Special Emphasis Panel to
review grants submitted to the Bariatric
Surgery Clinical Research Consortium.
The Committee met July 24-25, 2003, in
Arlington, Virginia.
Dr. James Fidler volunteers his time and
services for 3-6 weeks per year to provide
medical and surgical care in China.
While in China, he evaluates potential
patients for surgery and performs general
and endocrine surgery. Dr. Fidler also
lectures to Chinese housestaff, attendings
and country health workers. In addition,
he provides informal teaching to the
American Team members as a team
leader and includes medical students and
residents from the U.S.A. He was in
China for two weeks this April and again
in September.
Dr. Rino Munda accepted an invitation
to participate as a member of the
Vascular Access Advisory Panel of The
Renal Network, Inc. He attended the
first Panel meeting which was held in
Chicago on August 26, 2003.

New Faculty
Likith Reddy, D.D.S., M.D.
Likith V. Reddy, D.D.S., M.D., has joined the
Department of Surgery in the Division of Oral
& Maxillofacial Surgery as Assistant Professor
of Clinical Surgery. Dr. Reddy specializes in
facial trauma, surgical reconstruction of skeletal
deformities, cleft lip and palate repair, facial
cosmetic surgery, and sleep apnea. Dr. Reddy
received a Bachelor in Dental Surgery degree
from Gulbarga University (India) and a D.D.S.
degree from Case Western Reserve University. E.W. Schneeberger, M.D.
He spent his residency in hospital dentistry and general practice at
Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, and an
internship in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas,
Texas. Dr. Reddy then received his M.D. degree from the University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where he also spent his internship
in general surgery and served his residency in oral and maxillofacial
surgery.
His clinical and research interests also include sleep apnea and reconstruction
of the face, as well as modulation of bone healing with various
growth factors. Dr. Reddy sees patients in the Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery Center at the Medical Arts Building.
Mark J. Thomas, M.D.
Mark J. Thomas, M.D., has joined the
Department of Surgery in the Division of
Transplant Surgery as Assistant Professor
of Surgery. Dr. Thomas specializes in transplant
surgery, laparoscopic, and general
surgery.
Dr. Thomas received his Bachelor of Science degree from the
University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, and his M.D. degree from
the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and Dentistry. He
served his General Surgery Internship at Stamford Hospital, New
York Medical College, and his General Surgery Residency at
Stamford Hospital/College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia
University. Dr. Thomas completed a Fellowship in Solid Organ
Transplantation at Baylor University Medical Center.
He is the winner of the American College of Surgeons (Connecticut
Chapter) Surgical Oncology Presentation Award in 1997 and 1999,
and won the American College of Surgeons’ John D. MacArthur
Trauma Presentation Award in 1999.
Dr. Thomas will see patients at the Medical Arts Building and at The
Christ Hospital.
Randall K. Wolf, M.D.
E. William Schneeberger, M.D., has
joined the Department of Surgery in the
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Section of
Cardiothoracic Surgery, as Associate
Professor of Surgery. He. is qualified in
all aspects of cardiac and thoracic surgery
and has a particular interest in minimally
invasive cardiac surgery and
robotics.
Dr. Schneeberger earned his medical degree from the University
of Capetown and served his internship at the University of Natal
Hospitals. After two years as a medical officer in the South
African Defence Force, he returned to the University of Natal
Hospitals for general and cardiothoracic surgical training and
became a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa in
Cardiothoracic Surgery. For the next nine years he was on the
faculty of the University of Natal Medical School and a consulting
surgeon in the University Hospitals. Since 1999 he has been
a research and clinical fellow in the Division of Cardiothoracic
Surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center working
closely with Dr. Randall K. Wolf.
Dr. Schneeberger will see patients in the Heart Failure/Heart
Transplant Clinic at University Hospital.
Randall K. Wolf, M.D., has joined the
Department of Surgery in the Division of
Cardiac Surgery, Section of Cardiothoracic
Surgery, as Professor of Surgery and Bio-
Medical Engineering. Dr. Wolf is qualified
in all aspects of cardiac, thoracic and vascular
surgery, and has a particular interest
in minimally invasive surgery and robotics.
He will head the newly formed Center for Surgical Innovation, a
multi-disciplinary initiative involving the College of Medicine,
College of Engineering, University Hospital, Children's Hospital
Medical Center and industry partners for the development and
application of technologic advances to surgical treatment.
A native of Cincinnati, Dr. Wolf received his M.D. degree from
Indiana University School of Medicine. He served his surgical
residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospitals, University of Virginia.
He had a fellowship in vascular surgery at Jewish Hospital in
Cincinnati and trained in cardiothoracic surgery at the University
of Cincinnati. Dr. Wolf practiced in Cincinnati for 11 years, then
inaugurated the robotics program at Ohio State University as
Director of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery and Robotics in
the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Dr. Wolf is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the
American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He will see patients in the
Heart Failure/Transplant Clinic at University Hospital.

UC Surgeons Offer New Treatment for Pancreas Cancer
Pancreas cancer continues to be a major health problem worldwide,
killing 80,000 people in the United States and Europe each year.
According to the American Cancer Society, 30,000 Americans were
diagnosed with the disease in 2002 and in 2003, pancreatic cancer is
expected to be the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths
among American men and women. It is because pancreatic cancer is
usually detected in its late stages that the disease's mortality rates are
so high. Only by taking preventative measures now can we protect
ourselves in the future.
Who is at Risk?
Pancreatic cancer is deadliest and most common among men, who
are 30 percent more likely to develop the disease than women.
Pancreatic cancer also has higher occurrences and death rates among
African-Americans. African-American men and women are more
likely to develop the disease than Asians and Hispanics and they are
twice as likely to be diagnosed and die from the disease than white
men and women.
Several factors may increase risk for developing pancreatic cancer:
* Smoking: smokers are two to three times more likely to develop
pancreatic cancer than non-smokers
* Diet: a diet high in fat can increase risk for developing disease
* Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
* Age: pancreatic cancer has a higher occurrence rate among
people 60 years or older
* Obesity
* Diabetes
* Family History
Detection and Prevention
Because it is difficult for physicians to see or feel pancreatic tumors,
which are hidden deep within the abdomen, pancreatic cancer is
most often diagnosed in its advanced stages. Researchers are currently
working to develop ways to diagnose pancreatic cancer before
its symptoms become evident. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic
cancer include jaundice (yellow color of the eyes and skin), abdominal
pain, weight loss, weakness, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms
should alert the patient to seek immediate medical attention.
The best approach for prevention is to avoid risk factors such as
smoking. Cigarette smoking may be responsible for approximately
30 percent of pancreatic cancers, as well as other types of cancers.
Risk may also be reduced by exercising, avoiding high-fat diets and
reducing alcohol consumption.
Treatment
If pancreatic cancer is suspected, an abdominal CT scan should be
performed, and if necessary, a biopsy may be performed to confirm
the diagnosis. If the cancer is contained within the pancreas, the
patient may be a candidate for surgery. Surgery to remove the pancreatic
tumor is very complex and should only be performed by surgeons
with expertise in this type of surgery. Studies have demonstrated
that surgeons with experience in the removal of pancreatic
tumors can perform the surgery with better results when compared to
surgeons who are inexperienced in pancreatic surgery. Once a patient
recovers from surgery, he or she usually undergoes both chemotherapy
and radiation therapy. Despite this aggressive treatment regimen,
in most patients the disease will return within two years.
Because of these poor results, novel treatments are currently being
investigated to increase survival rates. Some newer chemotherapy
drugs have been tested and have shown promising results. The
University of Cincinnati is currently investigating a new drug called
Iressa® (Astra-Zeneca) in treating pancreas cancer. Iressa® attacks
the cancer at the cellular level, targeting the hormone that causes the
disease, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Pre-clinical
studies have demonstrated that this drug, when combined with
chemotherapy, may prevent the cancer from spreading, growing or
returning. The University of Cincinnati is the only institution in
the country that has permission to use Iressa® for treating pancreatic
cancer. This study is currently enrolling patients and will be
conducted over the next several years to assess how effective this new
drug is in controlling pancreas cancer.
Pancreas cancer continues to be a difficult disease to treat. However,
continued research combined with the development of innovative
drugs has demonstrated that progress is being made. In the meantime,
maintaining a healthy lifestyle and monitoring our bodies for
the symptoms of pancreas cancer are steps we can all take to help
limit the deadly effects of this disease.
For information on enrolling in UC's Iressa® study, contact Alison
Koch at (513) 584-0436 or 584-8900 or email (ahmadsy@uc.edu).
Syed A. Ahmad, M.D.
Syed A. Ahmad, M.D., Principal
Investigator in these two trials, is a
surgeon in the Division of Surgical
Oncology, specializing in gastrointestinal
and pancreatic diseases.
Dr. Ahmad sees patients at the
Barrett Cancer Center in
Cincinnati and at University Pointe
in West Chester.
Liver Cancer Clinical Trial Underway
UC Surgeons’ Division of Surgical Oncology announces a new and
important clinical trial in the treatment of liver cancer, “A phase II
study evaluating the role of adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy (5-
FU, Leucovorin, CPT-11) and selective COX-2 inhibition with
Celebrex (Pharmacia Co., Peapack, New Jersey) in patients undergoing
hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases.”
The Division is currently enrolling patients with colon cancer liver
metastases in this trial. Patients will undergo, or have undergone,
surgery to resect their liver metastases. 5-FU, Leucovorin and
Irinotecan will be given as IV infusion for a total of six 6-week
cycles (two weeks on, one week off and two weeks on, one week
off). Concurrently oral Celebrex will be given twice daily and continued
until disease progression.
For information on enrolling in this study, contact Alison Koch at
(513) 584-0436 or 584-8900 or email (ahmadsy@uc.edu).

Liver Transplant Team Honored
The Liver Transplant Team was recognized at the Senior Vice President Awards ceremony on August 12, 2003, for the
exceptional volume (50) and rankings achieved in the first half of 2003. James M. Hurst, M.D., Professor of Surgery and
Executive Director, University Hospital, presented the team a certificate of recognition at the ceremony.
Oncology Nurse Wins National Award
Debbie Soldano, RN, BSN, OCN, Nurse Manager for the
Division of Surgical Oncology, has been chosen as a winner
in the first annual New York Times Job Market Nursing
Awards. She was nominated by a patient and was selected
from more than 400 nominations by a panel of nursing professionals.
She will be featured in a special section of the NY
Times Magazine on November 2, 2003. In addition, she and
her nominating patient will participate in an awards ceremony
in New York on October 31.
Debbie Soldano, RN, and nominating patient, Mr. Donald Dilg
The Liver Transplant Team at University Hospital
Linda Pennington, RN
Oncology Nurse-Clinician
Is Promoted
Linda Pennington, RN, BSN,
CNOR, Nurse Clinician in the
Division of Surgical Oncology, was
recently promoted to Professional
Nurse II. Linda is a graduate of the
University of Cincinnati, College of
Nursing and Health.
Linda has over 22 years combined surgical and outpatient nursing
experience, including organ transplant. She has worked at the
Barrett Cancer Center for the past two years under the leadership
of Dr. Andrew Lowy and is specifically responsible to Dr. Syed
Ahmad and his patients. Linda has clinical expertise in providing
care and support for patients with diseases of the liver and pancreas.
She is responsible for the coordination and education of
patients as well as their families in preparation for pre-surgical
evaluation and surgical treatment plans.
The clinical ladder offers the opportunity for nurses with exceptional
clinical skills to advance while continuing to provide direct
care to patients. This was the first opportunity for nurse clinicans
to achieve such recognition. In the entire Health Alliance, only 14
nurses were promoted. Linda was recognized by both managers
and peers for her expertise.

First Visiting Surgery Student Rotates at UC
Daniel C.M. Williams, a 4th year medical student at Meharry
Medical College in Tennessee, was the first Surgery Visiting Student
as part of the Minority Visiting Student Program. Daniel rotated in
the SICU. His future aspiration: General Surgery.
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Minority Student
Development Program in the Department of Surgery, sponsored by
the Mont Reid Surgical Society, is designed to increase medical
student awareness of opportunities in academic medicine, to increase
student consideration of surgical academic training programs for
internship and residency, and, especially, to increase the number of
minority students applying to surgical training programs.
This program is open to fourth-year minority medical students. Onemonth
electives are scheduled at University of Cincinnati Medical
Center and affiliated hospitals.
Students interested in applying for a general surgery residency
position at the University Hospital in Cincinnati will have the opportunity
to view the facility, interact with our residents and staff, and
participate in a quality learning experience in one of the nation’s
leading general surgery programs.
For information on the Minority Visiting Student Program, please
visit our website at http://surgery.uc.edu/minority.html or call
513-558-2134.
Daniel Williams and Ken Davis, Jr., M.D., at the bedside of a
patient in the SICU.
“My surgery chairman, Dr. Steven Stain, recommended that I try
to do an away elective at UC due to its strong reputation for training
excellent surgeons. My rotation at UC consisted of one
month in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. I was responsible for
following my own critically ill patients, which included admitting,
assessing, treating, and helping to create a plan for the
patient’s care. I was also allowed to perform supervised bedside
procedures. The rotation also included multiple teaching conferences
and lectures each week, which allowed me to expand my
knowledge base outside of what I was learning inside the SICU.”
-- Daniel C.M. Williams, visiting surgery student
Shriners Hospital for Children Flight Team
Receives Fixed Wing Award of Excellence
The Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)
Awards Committee has chosen the Shriners Hospital
for Children Flight Team as the recipient of the 2003
Fixed Wing Award of Excellence. This award, sponsored
by LifePort, Inc., recognizes a team that has
made significant contributions to enhance patient
care and/or safety, specifically in the fixed wing component
of the air medical transport community. The
Cincinnati Hospital team is the only pediatric transport
team devoted to the transport of burn children in
the country and one of 150 other fixed wings teams in
the country eligible for the award. This is the first
time the award has been offered. Rodney Plapp will
attend this year's Air Medical Transport Conference
to receive the award on behalf of the Flight Team.
John Edwards, MD
UC Surgeon to Teach
Endovascular Course
John Edwards, M.D., Associate
Professor of Surgery and Chief,
Division of Vascular Surgery, will serve
as faculty for the Midwestern Vascular
Surgery Society Endovascular Course,
September 18, 2003, in Chicago.
Residency News
Gwen Roesel M.D., a resident in urology, was featured in a
supplement section of the Cincinnati Enquirer on “Careers in
Medicine” on Sunday, September 7, 2003. Her refections occupied
more than one-half of the entire page in this section.
Urology residents Eric Giesler, M.D. and Gwen Roesel M.D.
are attending the North Central Association of the American
Urological Association meeting with Drs. Tom Bell and Bruce
Bracken, as well as Ms. Perri Wright, Urology Residency
Coordinator.
Russell J. Juno, M.D. will be presenting a paper at the
American Academy of Pediatrics Surgical Section Annual
Meeting to be held in November in New Orleans. The paper is
entitled “Preventing enterocyte apoptosis after massive small
bowel resection does not enhance adaptation of the intestinal
mucosa.”
Andrew W. Knott, M.D. will be presenting a final progress
report at the Association for Academic Surgery. He was the
recipient at the Association for Academic Surgery/United
States Surgical Resident Research Award working under the
mentorship of Dr. Brad Warner in the Division of Pediatric
Surgery at Children's Hospital. He will also have a presentation
entitled “Bcl-w deficiency perturbs enterocyte apoptosis
and proliferation” at the AAS Annual Meeting to be held in
Sacramento, California, on November 13-15, 2003.

Recent Publications
Bennett SG, Bennett S, Bell TE. The gastrostomy button as a
catheterizable urinary stoma: A pilot study. J Urology 170:832-834,
2003.
Bentley DF, Kitchens DM, Bell TE. Antimicrobial prophylaxis and
patient preparation for transrectal prostate biopsy: Review of the literature
and analysis of cost-effectiveness. Infections in Urology 16:3-
12, 2003.
Bulger E, Gourlay D, Cuschieri J, Jelacic S, Garcia I, Maier RV.
Platelet activating factor acetylhdrolase inhibits alveolar macrophage
activation in vivo. Shock 20:17-22, 2003.
Cuschieri J, Gourlay D, Garcia I, Jelacic S, Maier RV. Modulation of
endotoxin-induced endothelial activity by microtubule depolymerization.
J Trauma 54:104-112, 2003.
Cuschieri J, Gourlay D, Garcia I, Jelacic S, Maier RV. Modulation of
sepsis-induced endothelial function by calcium/calmodulin-dependent
protein kinase. Shock 20:176-182, 2003.
Erwin CR, Jarboe MD, Warner BW. Zeroing in on the “holy grail.”
Gastroenterology 125:266-267, 2003.
Giglia JS. Technique to decrease lower extremity and pelvic ischemia
during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. J Vasc Surg 38:401-
402, 2003.
Juno RJ, Knott AW, Erwin CR, Warner BW. A serum factor(s) after
small bowel resection induces intestinal epithelial cell proliferation:
effects of timing, site, and extent of resection. J Pediatr Surg 38:868-
874, 2003.
Juno RJ, Knott AW, Racadio J, Warner BW. Reoperative venous
access. Semin Pediatr Surg 12:132-139, 2003.
Knott AW, O'Brien DP, Juno RJ, Zhang Y, Williams JL, Erwin CR,
Warner BW. Enterocyte apoptosis after massive enterectomy in mice
is activated independent of the extrinsic death receptor pathway. Am
J Physiol (Gastrointest Liver Physiol) 285:G404-13, 2003.
Knott AW, Runo RJ, Jarboe MD, Zhang Y, Profitt SA, Thoerner JC,
Erwin CR, Warner BW. EGF receptor signaling affects Bcl-2 family
gene expression and apoptosis after massive small bowel resection. J
Pediatr Surg 38:875-880, 2003.
Mammen JM, Matthews JB. Mucosal repair in the gastrointestinal
tract. Crit Care Med 31(suppl. 8):S532-S537, 2003.
Matthews JB. Relativity: societies, universities, and surgeons.
[Presidential address to Society of University Surgeons.] Surgery
134:111-118, 2003.
Robb BW, Gang GI, Hershko DD, Stoops MM, Seeskin CS, Warner
BW. Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
in very young patients with refractory ulcerative colitis. J Pediatr
Surg 38:863-867, 2003.
Tiao G, Warner BW. Transcription factors and cholangiocyte development.
Gastroenterology 124:263-264, 2003.
Yoo J, Nichols A, Mammen J, Calvo I, Song J, Worrell R, Matlin K,
Matthews JB. Bryostatin-1 enhances barrier function in T84 epithelia
through PKC-dependent regulation of tight junction proteins. Am J
Physiol (Cell) 285:C300-309, 2003.
Richard L. Gamelli, M.D., Visiting Professor
Richard L. Gamelli, M.D., F.A.C.S., Robert J. Freeark,
M.D., Professor of Trauma Surgery and Chairman of the
Department of Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center
in Maywood, Illinois, will be the Collins Visiting Professor
(sponsored by the Division of Burn Surgery) on October 8,
2003. Dr. Gamelli will speak on “The Challenge of Burn
Care in the Multi-Trauma Burn Victim” at Surgical Grand
Rounds on October 8, 2003. He will also speak at the
Cincinnati Surgical Society in the evening.
Dr. Gamelli attended medical school at the University of
Vermont College of Medicine and did his residency at the
Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. He serves as director of
the Burn & Shock Trauma Institute and medical director of
the Burn Center at Loyola University.
Richard L. Gamelli, M.D.
Area physicians are invited to
attend this lecture. Please contact
Gilda Young at 513-558-4206 or by
email (gilda.young@uc.edu) for
more details.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Division of Vascular Surgery Opens
Wound Care Center at University Pointe
The Division of Vascular Surgery at University Pointe and
Alpha Wound Care, directed by Amy Reed, M.D., will be
joining forces to work together to provide comprehensive
acute and chronic wound care services at University
Pointe in West Chester later this fall. This service will
allow area patients and practitioners an option for more
advanced care of difficult to manage abdominal, sacral,
and extremity wounds. For further information, please
call University Pointe Surgery Clinic at (513) 475-7450.
Amy B. Reed, M.D.
Amy B. Reed, M.D., is Assistant Professor
of Surgery and Director of the UC Vascular
Surgery Fellowship Program. A graduate of
the University of Wisconsin Medical
School, she did her General Surgery
Residency at Brigham and Women's
Hospital in Boston, and Fellowships in
Vascular Surgery at Brigham and Women's
Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. She is Board
certified by the American Board of Surgery
and American Board of Vascular Surgery.

Urology News: Role of Finisteride (Proscar)
in Prevention of Prostate Cancer
According to Thomas E. Bell, M.D., Chief of the Division of
Urology, finisteride (Proscar) is recommended by Merck for prevention
of benign prostate enlargement. However, in a controlled
study (Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial) sponsored by the
Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and funded by the National
Cancer Institute (NCI), men were treated with finisteride (5 mg) for
seven years and compared to a placebo group. Men age 55 and
older whose PSA was under 3.0 ng/ml were selected for the study.
Both groups were of comparable size, with 4,368 in the Proscar
group and 4,692 in the placebo group.
With significant statistical accuracy, a reduction of 24.8% in
development of prostate cancer was found. Those who did develop
cancer, however, had a high-grade type (Gleason score of 7-10).
The incidence of developing high-grade prostate cancer in the
Proscar group was 6.4% while in the placebo (non-Proscar group)
the incidence was 5.1%. Several explanations have been offered for
these results. Men who are on adrogen deprivation develop cellular
changes in their prostate that mimic a more aggressive form of
prostate cancer; whether finisteride does likewise is unknown.
There is also evidence that men who have low testosterone or male
hormone levels tend to have a more aggressive form of the disease.
Another reason may be Darwinian selection where Proscar inhibits
low-grade tumors and allows the high-grade variety to proceed
unchecked, a hormone refractory explanation. Long-term research
in these areas will be required to fully elucidate the mechanism(s).
It appears that finisteride (Proscar) can be used to treat or prevent
subclinical cancers and delay the development of clinical prostate
cancer. The greater value of reducing the risk of prostate cancer is
to be weighed against the lesser risk of developing a higher grade
of cancer. A recent editorial in the New England Journal of
Medicine (349:215, July 17, 2003) advises against recommending
Proscar to prevent cancer. However, this editorial opinion is not
univerally shared.
R. Bruce Bracken, M.D., Professor of Surgery, served as the
Principal Investigator for the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial conducted
by the Division of Urology, in which 130 men were locally
enrolled and completed the seven-year trial.
Thomas E. Bell, M.D.
R. Bruce Bracken, M.D.
Division of Urology to Co-Host
“Sexual Health” Symposium
The Division of Urology and Pfizer will be hosting a 4
hour Category I CME credited program on “Sexual
Health” on Saturday, October 11, 2003, from 7:00-
12:30 a.m. at Kingsgate Marriott Conference Center.
Faculty have been invited from community urologists,
UC faculty, and Wright State faculty. Attendance is
free and will be limited to the first 100 applicants. The
targeted audience includes urologists, Ob/Gyn, primary
care physicians, psychologists and psychiatrists,
nurses, and residents in training. Thomas E. Bell,
M.D., division chief, will be the host and moderator of
the program. For further information, please contact
(877) 457-3300.
Free Prostate Cancer Screening
at Jordan Crossing
To address continuing high death rates from prostate cancer
among African-American men, the Barrett Cancer Center
will offer free prostate cancer screening on Saturday afternoons
at a testing center in Jordan Crossing shopping center
in Bond Hill. The test results are ready in about 15 minutes.
UC Surgeons (Division of Urology) will participate in the
screening examinations. To make an appointment at the
Jordan Crossing site, please call 513-531-7539.
Pancreas Disease Center
To Hold Symposium
The Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Disease Center at the
University of Cincinnati will hold its 3rd annual
Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Disease Symposium on
October 4, 2003, at the Kingsgate Conference Center.
Registration is at 7:15 a.m and the program begins at 8
a.m. The fee is $50 and registration is limited to 60 participants.
The audience is typically made up of surgeons
and gastroenterologists. Speakers include faculty from
the Center and guest speaker Dr. Stuart Sherman from
Indiana University. For information and online registration,
visit http://www.ucpancreas.org or contact Chris
Garrett at (513) 558-1810. The symposium is designated
for 6 CME credits.

UC Surgeons to Participate
in Mini Medical College
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine will
host the 5th session of Mini Medical College from
October 7-28, 2003. This peek into the life of a medical
student is designed to be entertaining, educational
and easy-to-understand. Participants will also
become educated on many health issues and cuttingedge
technology related to lung cancer, obesity,
bioterrorism, hepatitis C, heart failure, Alzheimer's,
surgery, and stroke.
This Communiversity continuing education class, cosponsored
by the Office of Development and Alumni
Affairs at the UC College of Medicine, offers two presentations
each Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A fee of
$69.00 covers all eight presentations, a notebook of
materials, a Mini Medical T-shirt and a certificate of
participation for those attending all four evenings.
Visit www.uc.edu/ce/minimed to register, call (513)
556-6932, or register in person at 2442 French Hall,
UC Clifton Campus. Free parking will be available in
the Eden Avenue Garage.
Scheduled presentations include:
October 7, 2003:
John A. Howington, MD [Division of Thoracic
Surgery] -- “Lung Cancer: Battling the #1 Cancer
Killer”
David D'Alessio, MD -- “Metabolic Syndrome: The
Dark Side of the Obesity Epidemic”
October 14, 2003:
Amy Beth Kressel, MD -- “Bioterrorism: What Do
We Need To Know?”
Kenneth Sherman, MD -- “Hepatitis C: Causes,
Cures and Concerns”
October 21, 2003:
Lynne Wagoner, MD -- “Heart Failure 2003 and
Beyond: How UC is Making a Difference”
Steve Bartz, MD -- “Alzheimer's Disease: What,
Who, Why and What Next”
October 28, 2003:
Timothy Broderick, MD [Division of GI/Endocrine
Surgery] -- “Technology in Surgery: The Cutting
Edge”
Joseph P. Broderick, MD -- “Stroke: New Tools for
Brain Plumbing in the 21st Century”
Joseph S. Giglia, M.D.
John A. Howington, M.D.
Robert Marciani, D.M.D.
Jeffrey B. Matthews, M.D.
Brad W. Warner, M.D.
E. Steve Woodle, M.D.
Honors and Kudos
Joseph S. Giglia, M.D., Assistant Professor
of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, and
Chief of Vascular Surgery, VA Medical
Center, was named Chair of the Endovascular
Procedures Committee and also
appointed to the Credentials Committee of
University Hospital.
John A. Howington, M.D., Assistant
Professor of Surgery and Director, Division
of Thoracic Surgery, was selected for the
2003-2004 Class of Leadership Cincinnati.
Robert D. Marciani, D.M.D., Professor of
Surgery and Director, Division of Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgery, was invited to present
the second annual Philip L. Maloney Trauma
Lecture, "Current Concepts in the Treatment
of Maxillofacial Trauma," at the American
Association of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons 85th annual meeting in Orlando,
Saturday, September 13, 2003.
Jeffrey B. Matthews, M.D., Christian R.
Holmes Professor and Chairman, Department
of Surgery, was named to the Editorial
Board of American Journal of Physiology
(Gastrointestinal and Liver). Dr. Matthews
was also named Chairperson, Digestive
Diseases and Nutrition C Subcommittee of
the National Institutes of Health NIDDK
(National Institutes of Digestive Disease and
Kidney).
Brad W. Warner, M.D., Professor of
Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, was:
* Named Program Director of Pediatric
Surgery Residency Program on July 1, 2003.
* Elected to the American Academy of
Pediatrics Surgical Section Executive
Committee.
* Named to Publications Committee of
Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.
* Visiting Professor at the University of
California-Davis and Sacramento Surgical
Society in July of 2003.
* Faculty and guest lecturer for 25th
Annual Conference on Pediatric Gastrointestinal
Disease held in Aspen, Colorado,
on July 21-25, 2003.
E. Steve Woodle, M.D., Professor of
Surgery and Chief, Division of Transplant
Surgery, gave the Paul Peters Lecture
(“Overview of the Israel Penn International
Transplant Tumor Registry") at the Texas
Transplantation Society annual meeting held
June 19-22, 2003, in San Antonio, Texas.

Department Wins Third NIH T32 Training Grant
Trauma Training Grant Renewed for 11th Year,
Funding Now Exceeds $3 Million
The Department of Surgery recently received its third T32
training grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a
rare achievement for a department of surgery and one reason
why the department has jumped in the NIH rankings.
The newly awarded grant is a gastrointestinal (GI) surgery
training grant that focuses on research in digestive disease.
This research is divided among three labs: (1) the epithelial
biology group with Karl Matlin, PhD, (2) the GI Cancer lab,
and (3) the GI development lab. Jeffrey B. Matthews, M.D.,
is principal investigator and director, with Dr. Brad Warner as
co-director and Dr. Andrew Lowy as a preceptor, and includes
other faculty from the UC College of Medicine and Children’s
Hospital Medical Center.
The NIH awards T-32 training grants for institutions to develop
and train scientists. T-32 grants provide funded positions for
medical students and residents who are given the opportunity to
sample and consider a full-time career in research. The grant
process is highly competitive and is a sign of the government's
confidence in the institution and its research labs.
Dr. Joseph Solomkin (left) mentors Dr. Konstantin Umanskiy,
a surgical resident participating in the Trauma Training Grant
The Trauma Training Grant was recently renewed for its 11th
year of NIH support and has accumulated over $3 million in
research training support. UC is one of 20 medical centers to be
awarded a post-doctoral training grant from the National
Institute of General Medical Sciences, NIH. The Program
Director is Joseph S. Solomkin, M.D., Director of Research in
the Division of Trauma/Critical Care, and the co-director is
Hector Wong, M.D., Director of Pediatric Critical Care at
Children's Hospital Medical Center. The program provides support
for four trainees per year. The purpose of the training program
is to provide a cohort of investigators seeking to improve
the understanding of the body's systemic responses to major
injury and to foster the more rapid application of this knowledge
to the treatment of trauma and burn injury victims. While
the majority of trainees will be physicians at some stage of their
residency or clinical specialty training, individuals with Ph.D.s
are also eligible as long as the training program provides some
unique insight to the clinical aspects of trauma. Trainees from
other clinical disciplines, such as D.V.M.s or D.D.S.s, are eligible
as well, providing their research interests and career goals
are compatible with both the training program and the general
mission of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
The primary scientific focus for this program is the role of
intercellular communicants in the metabolic and immunologic
responses to injury and wound healing. To accomplish this
goal, a range of investigators from the Departments of Surgery,
Medicine, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology,
Environmental Health, and Pediatrics have agreed to
participate as training faculty. Mentoring responsibilities are
shared through assignment of each trainee to a faculty member
in the trainee's area and through appointment of an M.D.-Ph.D.
Training Advisory Committee.
Arnold Schwartz, PhD, Director of the Institute of Molecular
Pharmacology and Biophysics, is principal investigator of an
NIH Training Program in Molecular and Cellular Cardiovascular
Biology that has been in existence since 1978 and serves
a contemporary purpose by linking fundamental basic science
with clinical science. A group of distinguished faculty from
over 15 departments and institutions as well as the
Cardiovascular Center provides a cohesive and unique training
experience. The program is particularly committed to providing
opportunities for underrepresented students desiring a career in
medical science.
Other Grant Awards
Joseph Cuschieri, M.D., Division of Trauma and Critical
Care, received a KO8 award from the National Institutes of
Health to study “Cellular Signaling Mechanisms Involved in
Macrophage Priming and Activation.”
Sandra Miller M.D., Division of Trauma and Critical Care,
received a Trauma Grant from the Ohio Department of Public
Safety-Division of Emergency Medical Services to study “The
Impact of Acute Stress Disorder Following Traumatic Injury.”
Joseph Cuschieri, M.D. Sandra Miller, M.D.

Robotics Research Supported By Lindner Family
Dr. Randall K. Wolf’s return to Cincinnati was made possible by philanthropist, Carl Lindner. Mr. Lindner has long been a
loyal benefactor to the University, supporting the College of Business which is named after him, founding Honors Plus, a premier
program attracting excellent students who become leaders on campus and in the community, and most recently, along
with his brother, supporting the new Varsity Village. Through gifts from the Lindner family, the Department of Surgery will
secure new surgical research robots and continue to develop its vision for the Center for Surgical Innovation, a technology
training program to instruct surgeons and develop cutting-edge surgical devices and research.
L-R: Dr. Stephen Kowel, Dean, UC College of Engineering; Mr. Carl Linder; Dr. Randall Wolf; Dr. Jeffrey Matthews,
Chairman, UC Department of Surgery; and Dr. William Martin, Dean, UC College of Medicine. [Photo courtesy of Glenn
Hartong/The Cincinnati Enquirer]
Dr. Henri R. Ford Visits Department
Henri R. Ford, M.D., Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery
at the University of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh,
came to Cincinnati on September 9-10 as Visiting Professor.
Sponsored by the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Ford spoke
on "New Insights Into Pathogenesis of Necrotizing
Enterocolitis" at Surgical Grand Rounds. Dr. Ford earned a
degree in public and international affairs from Princeton
University and his medical degree from Harvard Medical
School. He completed his internship and residencies in general
surgery at New York Hospital and a 2-year surgery fellowship at
the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is the
Benjamin R. Fisher Associate Professor of Pediatric Surgery,
director of the Benedum Pediatric Trauma Program, director of
Pediatric Surgical Research and an attending physician at
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Ford has received numerous
awards including a National Research Service Award from
the National Institutes of Health.
L-R: Dr. Jeffrey Matthews, Dr. Henri Ford, Dr. Cora
Ogle, Dr. Brad Warner, and Dr. Richard Azizkhan

Surgical Grand Rounds Schedule
September 24, 2003 Timothy Broderick, M.D. (General Surgery): “Technology in Surgery”
October 1, 2003 Michael F. Reed, M.D. (Thoracic Surgery): “Multimodality Treatment of Malignant Pleural
Mesothelioma”
October 8, 2003 Collins Visiting Professor (Burn Surgery), Richard L. Gamelli, M.D., Professor and Director,
Department of Surgery, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois: “The Challenge of Burn Care
in the Multi-Trauma Burn Victim”
October 15, 2003 Syed A. Ahmad, M.D. (Surgical Oncology): “Gastric Cancer”
October 22, 2003 Cancelled [American College of Surgeons meeting in Chicago]
October 29, 2003 Thomas Bell, M.D. (Urology): “The Adverse Relationship Between DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
and Prostate”
November 5, 2003 Likith V. Reddy, D.D.S., M.D. (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery): “Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Evaluation,
Diagnosis and Surgical Management”
November 12, 2003 Gyu Gang, M.D. (Chief Surgical Resident): “Cardiac Assessment for Non-Cardiac General Surgery”
November 19, 2003 Randall K. Wolf, M.D. (Cardiothoracic Surgery): “The Future of Surgery”
August - September, 2003
June - July, 2003