Spleen Surgery Research Program

The Duke Division of Pediatric General Surgery is participating in a number of clinical studies examining the outcomes of spleen surgery and partial splenectomy to treat several pediatric disease processes, particularly congenital hemolytic anemias.

Partial Splenectomy

Our division currently has among the largest national clinical experiences with the use of partial splenectomy to treat congenital hemolytic anemias. 

Our doctors continually assess outcome and treatment procedures to ensure their surgical methods are the most precise and accurate for treating these disorders.

To complement this clinical research, we have ongoing studies of laboratory techniques to better examine splenic function, which has been funded under the Duke Translational Medicine Institute (DTMI).

Clinical Consortium for Patients with Congenital Hemolytic Anemia

Physician-scientists in our division are currently developing a multicenter clinical consortium to examine clinical outcomes of spleen surgery for children with congenital hemolytic anemia in collaboration with Courtney Thornburg, MD, of pediatric hematology.

Our long-term goals are to improve clinical care for these children through existing indicators and to develop the capacity for clinical trials. 

As part of this project, we will develop a health information technology-enabled approach to support quality improvement in care for children with congenital hemolytic anemia. 

This research will focus on practice-based research network strategies for adoption of evidence-based guidelines and innovative health information technologies.