Trial seeks to decrease post-operative complication rates following rectal surgery

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Surgeons with the Kendrick Regional Center for Colon and Rectal Care at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers are testing the effectiveness of a mesh reinforcement device for patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

It’s part of a study being conducted at 12 sites around the country, including the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland and the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, and the Mayo Clinic. The research is sponsored by W.L. Gore and Associates, a Delaware-based medical products company.

“The aim of this study is to determine if the mesh material will lead to a lower rate of permanent colostomy as well as decreasing the complication rate for this difficult procedure,” said Frederick Lane, M.D., principal investigator for the St. Francis study.

Joining Lane in the study are Olaf B. Johansen, M.D.; R. Barry Melbert, M.D.; Bridget M. Sanders, M.D.; and Dipen C. Maun, M.D. These surgeons, all of whom are members of the Colorectal Cancer Center of Excellence at St. Francis, are certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

The findings of the study are expected to be presented nationally and published in a major medical journal.

Patients currently are being enrolled. For more information, call 317-889-7906.

The Kendrick Regional Center also was recently approved to lead the Indiana University Colon and Rectal Training Program, which will train colon and rectal surgeons of the future. The training program is supported by IU as well as grants from St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers and the Kendrick Foundation.

More information about the Kendrick Regional Center for Colon and Rectal Care is www.kendrickcenter.com.