W. Scott Melvin, MD, Director
The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery (CMIS) is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to excellence in patient care, clinical training, research and outcomes studies pertaining to the techniques and technology of minimally invasive surgery. The Center strives to expand the ever changing field of surgery. 2006 brought further development of the Center’s research endeavors.
Research Accomplishments of 2006
- The Center has 21 active research protocols, 11 of which were added during 2006; secured research funding totals over $300,000 annually. Projects include 17 human and four animal protocols. CMIS faculty collaborated with other Ohio State departments and investigators on eight research protocols.
- Through collaboration between the CMIS and the Department of Anesthesiology, the National Institutes of Health awarded a grant entitled “Neural control of large intestinal mucosal.” Additionally, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease awarded funding to investigate “Purinergic regulation in enteric neural reflexes (in IBD).” Tissue samples taken during minimally invasive bariatric and colon surgery provide materials for these endeavors. Continued work between the physicians is planned and additional NIH funding opportunities are being explored.
- The CMIS remains committed to cutting-edge technology. One of the newest research topics is the possibility of surgery using no external incisions. The expanding world of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) requires a combination of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical skills. The CMIS is working with industry to develop safe and effective methods of performing NOTES. It is the only institution in the United States with approval for a human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this type of surgery. NOTES is being used at the Medical Center as a diagnostic procedure for cancer patients prior to surgery. Upcoming phases of NOTES research at Ohio State include developing a standard of care for these procedures, continuing to identify instrumentation needs, and improving safety and efficiency. From basic data collection on bacterial contamination in transgastric surgery to the development of necessary instrumentation, the CMIS is on the cutting edge of the surgical future.
