Research

The Department of Surgery emphasizes academic inquiry as a key part of our overall mission, whether simply asking and answering questions in an evidence-based fashion or conducting research to generate new knowledge. Our current research is directed at addressing relevant surgical problems through methods ranging from clinical trials to studies involving animal models or cultured cells. Present studies are related to in vitro cell biology and biochemistry, epidemiology and health services and clinical outcomes research. In addition, we apply a variety of tools to our research activities, while working in collaboration with our colleagues from other MSU departments.

Cell and Molecular Biology

We work collaboratively with the College of Natural Science, the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, and the Genetics Graduate Program. Our laboratory focuses on how extracellular forces such as pressure, strain, and shear initiate intracellular signals that govern cancer biology and intestinal mucosal healing.

Dr. Basson's Research

Breast Cancer Research

Our Department is working collaboratively with the Department of Psychiatry on the SEQL (Spiritual, Emotional Well Being and Quality of Life) Project, examining the relationship between quality of life and breast cancer treatment.

Department of Psychiatry

The OSSM (Organochlorine and Gene Expression of Sex steroids in Mulitgenerational Cohort) Project is a joint effort with the Department of Epidemiology, examining the association between organochlorine exposure and mRNA expression of sex steroid metabolites in female offspring of the original fisheater's project.

Department of Epidemiology

The Department of Surgery has been awarded a grant for the development of “Breast Care for Women of Mid-Michigan.” The purpose of this program is to provide breast health screening with diagnostic services for women less than 40 years of age who are underinsured and underserved in the counties of Clinton, Eaton, Jackson and Ingham. Women who qualify to receive services have breast health concerns including breast pain, breast lump, and nipple discharge or have high risk family history.

Two HealthTeam Clinics Receive Susan G. Komen Grants
Susan G. Komen for the Cure

We are also working with colleagues in the Department of Physiology, examining the pathogenesis of breast cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer

Our Department is focusing on the basic science research of molecular mechanism of pancreatic cancer, cell invasion and metastasis. The program is developing new therapeutic treatments for the patient with pancreatic cancer.

Septic Shock

The Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Service within the Department is a selected site for a clinical trial to study the efficacy and safety of Drotecogin Alfa (Activated) in adult patients with septic shock. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate that treatment with drotrecogin alfa (activated) administered as an intravenous infusion reduces 28-day all-cause mortality in adult patients with septic shock compared with placebo.

The Department is also embarking on a prospective study to evaluate the input of continuous bladder pressure monitoring in the care of critically ill patients at risk for abdominal compartment syndrome

Surgical Site Infections

The Department has recently been selected as a site to conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial on surgical site infections entitled: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Single-Dose IV Oritavancin vs IV Vancomycin for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infection (SOLO II). Department and University acceptance of participation is currently under review and Institutional Review Board approval is being prepared.

Clinical Research Projects

There are multiple ongoing clinical research studies being conducted, including prospective trials and retrospective analyses, each in various stages of development or implementation. Efforts to include residents and medical students in these studies are ongoing with expectations that active participation will result in opportunities for publication and presentation. Our trainees are encouraged to view research as another dimension of their clinical activities rather than a mere “research year” as evidenced by the extent of this clinical research that is being conducted.

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Please link to the faculty member pages for individual research interests and areas of expertise. If you have questions regarding our current initiatives or have interest in participating in research efforts, please contact: