Research | UCT General Surgery

Research that Fuels Excellence and Discovery

UCT General Surgery Research

The General Surgery Department at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is committed to advancing the field of surgical care through innovative research initiatives. Our faculty members, residents, and fellows are actively engaged in a diverse range of research projects aimed at addressing key clinical challenges, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to the global body of surgical knowledge.

Research Focus Areas

Our department's research endeavors encompass a wide array of subspecialties within general surgery, including but not limited to:

Acute Care Surgery (ACS)

Research on hernias, registry-based outcomes, and robotics
Evaluation of outcomes of appendicitis after emergency surgery
Investigation of surgical complications related to diabetes
Examination of the culture of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Trauma Surgery

Extensive publications on penetrating injuries, particularly abdominal injuries
Active research on non-operative management of penetrating injuries, including gunshot wounds

Breast/Endocrine Surgery

Studies on approaches to sentinel node biopsy and localisation techniques for impalpable breast lesions
Assessment of response to neoadjuvant endocrine treatment for breast cancer
Investigation of surgical interventions for large goitres

Colorectal Surgery

Exploration of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Evaluation of outcomes in colorectal surgery
Research on laparotomy for emergency colonic surgery

Hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) Surgery

Basic science research and clinical research related to infectious diseases of the liver and hepatocellular cancer

Vascular Surgery

Research on the use of endovascular ultrasound, especially for treating venous disease

Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Surgery

Investigation of the management of Achalasia, caustic injuries, gastric cancer, endoscopy, and oesophageal cancer, particularly through minimally invasive methods

Transplant Surgery

Research on extracorporeal organ support during transplantation
Efforts to improve access to dialysis and transplant services in South Africa

For more information about our ongoing research projects, potential collaborations, or to apply for a research degree (Masters or PhD), please contact us.