Experimental Surgery (Singapore General Hospital)

Unit Code

01103

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd
SingHealth Experimental Medicine Centre
Outram Road
Singapore 169608

Unit Points

Research Points: 100

Coursework Points: 0

top of page

Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:


Dr Zhang Kai
Staff Scientist
Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd
SingHealth Experimental Medicine Centre
Outram Road
Singapore 169608

email:zhang.kai@sgh.com.sg

tel: +65 5326 5600

top of page

Overall Objectives

Experimental Surgery is a system of investigative approaches using comparative anatomy and physiology in animal models to explore and find solutions to problems in human disease. This research approach bridges the bench and the bedside and is a crucial part of pre-clinical studies.

Students may be placed in one of the following ongoing research programs:

Biliary patho-physiology - 1 student
Pancreatic-islet cell xeno-transplantation - 1 student
Viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma - 1 student
Experimental Oncology

At the end of their research attachment, the study would be familiar with the principles of in-vivo research and would have participated in the research projects of their designated program as well as have carried out a smaller personal research project under supervision.

The students should also have developed the ability to critically design and propose research projects and the skills to carry out similar research.

top of page

Content

Coursework: N/A

Research: The student will assist in surgery on the hepato-biliary system carried out on large animal models designed to study patho-physiological responses to disease and to surgery. He/She will be responsible for measuring physiological responses using state of the art equipment and techniques including radio-nuclide imaging and for the immediate post-operative care of the animals. Training (hands-on and theoretical) in the use of these techniques will be carried out. He/She will learn to prepare pathological specimen for immuno-histological examinations and learn to interpret them under the instruction of a pathologist.

Pancreatic-islet cell xeno-transplantation
The student will assist at xeno-transplantation surgery on non-human primates and the post-operative care and immuno-suppression of the animals, in studies designed to both develop optimal immnuo-suppression regimes and to assess the patho-physiological impact of the transplants. Training (hands-on and theoretical) in the preparation and administration of the immuno-suppressive therapy will be provided as well as the methodology of assessing physiological outcomes. He/She will learn to prepare pathological specimen for immuno-histological examinations and learn to interpret them under the instruction of a pathologist.

Viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma
The student will assist in the innoculation of animal models with viral vectors and the post-procedure monitoring of these animals for the development of viral hepatitis and its complications. He/She will be involved in the induction of hepato-cellular carcinoma in the same animal models. Training (hands-on and theoretical) in the preparation and administration of the vectors will be provided as well as the methodology of induction of carcinogenesis. He/She will learn to prepare pathological specimen for immuno-histological examinations and learn to interpret them under the instruction of a pathologist.

Experimental Oncology
The student will assist in the innoculation of animal models with tumour xeno-transplants and study the impact of various chemotherapeutic agents on the growth of these tumours. Training (hands-on and theoretical) in the preparation and administration of the tumour cell cultures will be provided as well as related research techniques such as the use of flow cytometry. He/She will learn to prepare pathological specimen for immuno-histological examinations and learn to interpret them under the instruction of a pathologist.
We are one of the few laboratories with a Siemens rodent microPET machine which we acquired last year. Very active reseach is being carried out in collaboration with various groups and moelcular imaging is seen as an exciting and emerging research technology of the future

Sample Research Topics:

1. The development of a surgical biliary stricture model and the patho-physiological impact of a biodegradable biliary stent
2. The patho-physiological sequelae of the transplantation of pancreatic islet-cell clusters in intra-peritoneal and extra-peritoneal sites.
3. Molecular imaging with the micro-PET in experimental oncology

top of page

Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 100 points
Research Report (up to 10,000 words): 85%
Oral presentation by student at the end of the project at a scientific meeting: 5%
Supervisor's evaluation: 10%

Coursework Component: 0 points
N/A

top of page

Student Numbers

Number of places available:
4

Prospective students please note: to be eligible for any overseas AMS unit, you must have attained an aggregate of at least 70% in the University of Melbourne medical course.