Pediatric Surgical Research

Our pediatric surgical research group focuses on areas of developmental and congenital processes which hold promise for clinical application. Albeit successful surgical approaches to structural or functional birth defects are available, knowledge about and treatment in these areas could be complemented by molecular and bioengineering research to cure, ameliorate or prevent these defects.

A main project of our laboratory focuses on interactions of the enteric neuronal innervation and morphological intestinal changes with dysfunctional bowel motility (Prof. Holland-Cunz) in pediatric patients with intestinal innervation disorders (Hirschsprung's disease) and short bowel syndrome. Combining analysis of the altered intestinal morphology and new in vitro and in vivo models we investigate possibilities to improve function. Uncovering new mechanisms in intestinal regulation will help to improve personalized diagnostic and therapeutic intervention strategies of pediatric patients with congenital and acquired disease of the intestinal tract

Another research focus in pediatric surgery is molecular targeting in surgical oncology (Prof. Stephanie Gros, MD). Our research centers on development of novel therapeutic approaches through identification of underlying mechanisms of tumor development and cell migration.

The basic science projects are complemented by clinical research in the fields of birth defects, neonatal surgery, pediatric traumatology and urology (Clinical Pediatric Surgical Research).