Colorectal Research Unit

The Johns Hopkins Colorectal Research Unit (CRRU) is dedicated to fostering a robust research environment that encourages our researchers — ranging from medical students to faculty members — to engage in high-quality research, with the goal of continued improvement in patient care. Our efforts span a wide range of interests, including colorectal cancer, benign colorectal diseases, surgical devices and technology, and surgical education.

Mentorship

CRRU incorporates a substantial focus on mentorship and provides a variety of opportunities for members to expand their research skills. Division of Colorectal Surgery faculty members provide mentorship and guidance to medical students, research fellows and residents to help them achieve their goals. In addition, mentees regularly receive the guidance of a senior biostatistician to advance their training and ensure they possess the skills to collaborate with all functions involved in clinical research, especially given the fast-paced health research landscape. This team is designed to provide diverse mentorship and assure opportunities for professional growth and academic achievement. Members are given a variety of channels for mentorship, including individual, personalized meetings alongside regular group meetings, where researchers from across the division come together to discuss insights around their work and receive feedback and guidance from multiple senior staff of CRRU.

Research Highlights

Sexual and Urinary Dysfunction After Rectal Cancer Treatment

Survivorship issues are imperative to address following rectal cancer surgery. This study will examine the prevalence of sexual and urinary dysfunction in our rectal cancer population, aiming to improve outcomes and develop new recommendations to prevent dysfunction.

A Novel Educational and Tracking Resource for Rectal Cancer Patients at Risk of Developing Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

This study will examine the prevalence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients and develop a new system to improve education, tracking and management of LARS symptoms.

A photo illustrating a large intestine problem.

Next Generation Robotic System for Supervised-Autonomous Bowel Anastomosis

The Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) is a cutting-edge robotic system for autonomous soft-tissue surgery, utilizing advanced imaging, planning and tracking technologies. It recently completed successful pre-clinical trials, showing promise for consistent and precise surgical outcomes.

A photo of a procedure involving the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) system.

Colorectal Surgery Video Library

CRRU is developing a comprehensive colorectal video library of expert-performed robotic, laparoscopic and open surgeries to serve as a teaching resource that enhances surgical training and confidence.

A photo of an operation involving a robot.

Published Articles Highlights

Short-Stay Left Colectomy for Colon Cancer: Is It Safe?

This study demonstrated that a short postoperative stay (less than 24 hours) after left-sided colectomy for colon cancer is safe for select patients, despite its low current adoption in the United States. Selected for the award-winning Continuing Medical Education (CME) program. February 2024: Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Preoperative Opioid Dose and Surgical Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery

This study identified a dose-response relationship between preoperative opioid use and post-operative outcomes in colonic resections. April 2022: Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
History of Depression Is Associated with Worsened Postoperative Outcomes Following Colectomy

This Colorectal Disease paper demonstrated that a history of depression in colectomy patients is associated with higher mortality, longer stays and higher complication rates. June 2021: Colorectal Disease.
Do Specific Operative Approaches and Insurance Status Impact Timely Access to Colorectal Cancer Care?

In this study, we examined whether choice of surgical approach impacts delays in access to care and whether insurance status can impact timely access to robotic surgery. August 2020: Surgical Endoscopy.
National Trends and Feasibility of a Robotic Surgical Approach in the Management of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This paper examined the increasing use of robotic platforms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and compares postoperative outcomes with laparoscopic approaches. October 2023: Surgical Endoscopy.
Aggressive Multimodal Treatment and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Survival

This paper examined the impact of metastatic site and treatment modalities on overall survival in colorectal cancer. April 2020: Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Predicting the Risk of Readmission from Dehydration After Ileostomy Formation: The DRIP Score

This paper utilized a large national database to develop a novel validated scoring system to identify patients at risk for being readmitted for dehydration after ileostomy creation. Selected for the American Board of Surgery Maintenance of Certification (MOC) test reading list. December 2019: Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.