Department Name

The Woodward Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery seeks to be on the cutting edge of surgical basic science and clinical research. 

Research in the division includes basic science that examines Hepatocyte growth control in the chronically injured liver in Dr. Behrns NIH-funded laboratory and mechanisms of cell signal in Barrett's esophagus in Dr. Sarosi's Veteran's Administration-funded lab. Dr. Cendan and colleagues have developed novel simulation models for research and training of surgical residents. This extramurally-funded work will allow our trainees to simulate operation before entering the operating room. Dr. Huang is conducting research in the emerging field of colon cancer stem cells and regenerative medicine.

The Surgical Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Pathobiology is interested in the role of chronic inflammation in the regulation of liver and pancreatic cell growth control. The chronically inflamed liver and pancreas are susceptible to neoplastic changes, and the mechanisms that regulate these changes are of interest to us. Our laboratory focuses on cell signaling and programmed cell death related to chronic inflammation. We are particularly interested in the role transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) plays in chronic inflammation and cell signaling because this cytokine is up-regulated in these circumstances and often induces cell death. Using animal models of chronic liver and pancreatic inflammation, we are examining the mechanisms by which chronic inflammation may lead to resistance to apoptosis and thereby promote malignant transformation.

Dr. Behrns' laboratory, located the Academic Research Building, collaborates with numerous other basic and translational science groups within the department of surgery and basic science departments. Our mission is to foster basic and translational science investigation of the mechanisms of cell growth regulation in the chronically inflamed liver and pancreas. 

In addition to these research endeavors, our Division has broad interests in clinical research related to the gastrointestinal tract.  Clinical studies focusing on pancreatic and biliary diseases, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and colorectal surgery for rectal malignancy are topics of interest. 

For more information regarding our research interests please contact us at 352.265.0761, or review our publications.