Intercalated BSc Medical Sciences (Surgery) research projects
Research projects available for our intercalated BSc Medical Sciences (Surgery) can be found below.
- Anorectal pathology in people occupationally exposed to anal penetration
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Main Supervisor
Mr Keith Chapple (keith.chapple@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Miss Lesley Hunt (lesley.hunt3@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
This study will have three components:
(1) A literature search of the effects of anal intercourse/instrumentation and its association with anorectal pathology
(2) Investigation of anorectal symptoms, signs and anal canal structure and function amongst a group of nulliparous, healthy women who have occupational exposure to ano-receptive activity and a matched control group
(3) A qualitative study looking at reasons for and personal responses to occupational exposure to anal penetrationResearch Methodology
The successful student will, under supervision, coordinate, administrate and perform the majority of the data collection for the study. This will involve both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis following standard proscribed methods. Anorectal physiology testing and endoanal ultrasound will be performed by a GI physiologist who is part of the study group. However, training in anorectal physiology testing and endoanal ultrasound performance will also be provided for the student investigatorExpected Outcome
We hypothesise that women taking part in ano-penetrative activities as part of their occupation will exhibit anorectal pathology such as haemorrhoids, anal fissure and rectal prolapse and that, compared to control participants, the study group will have endoanal ultrasound evidence of anal sphincter injuries and manometric evidence of reduced anal canal strengthType of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Students will receive training in transferable research skills such as research methodology, study design and report writing, as well as data security and Caldicott principles. Particular emphasis will be given to the communication of potentially sensitive topics. Subject-specific skills will be gained in the performance of anorectal examination, rigid proctosigmoidoscopy and performance of anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound. There will be the opportunity to orally present work and be coached in presentation skills
- Computed Tomography assessment of sarcopenia as a marker of frailty in older patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery
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Main Supervisor
Professor Lynda Wyld (l.wyld@sheffield.ac.uk)
Second Supervisor
Mr Jayan George (jgeorge8@sheffield.ac.uk)
Other Supervisors
Dr Nyasha Shangwa
Aim and Objectives
Aims
1. To determine the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography sarcopenia as a marker of frailty in older patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC)
2. To determine whether computed tomography can predict poor post-surgical outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery for CRC.
Objectives
1. Determine the sensitivity and specificity of CT sarcopenia assessment as a marker for the detection of clinical frailty using data collected from a cohort of patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.
2. Correlation of CT sarcopenia and the prediction of adverse events after surgery.
3. Correlation of CT sarcopenia with clinical frailty and the prediction of adverse events after surgery.Research Methodology
September - December 2024: You will get Good Clinical Practice training. You will be asked to recruit patients for the study from Sheffield or Doncaster with supervision.
September – December 2024: You will get training in looking at abdominal CT imaging to assess for sarcopenia.
January-February 2025: Correlation of CT sarcopenia and clinical frailty status
March-April 2025: Correlation of CT sarcopenia/clinical frailty status and adverse outcomes post surgery.
You will have statistical support throughout this periodExpected Outcome
Frail patients have more adverse outcomes than non-frail patients. CT sarcopenia assessment has been shown to be a potential marker of frailty. Correlating CT sarcopenia with clinical outcome data will hopefully demonstrate the importance of this modality in pre-assessing patients for potential surgeryType of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
You will need to complete good clinical practice research training online. We will provide training in recruiting strategies, data management, and statistical analysis. You will be welcome to attend research team meetings, theatre lists, and clinics to further your knowledge.
- Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia (CLTI) - interobserver study
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Main Supervisor
Dr Stephen Goode (stephen.goode3@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Miss Saima Ehsan (Saima.ehsan@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
To perform interobserver study assessing the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia (CLTI) across different clinician groups and collate the data and interobserver analysis. This validation will have significant important benefits for patients providing high quality evidence to inform treatments and decision making for limb salvage.
Research Methodology
This is a mixed methods study building on data and project performed from previous BSc student. It will use qualitative and quantitative analysis on retrospectively and prospectively collected clinical, vascular imaging, intervention and quality of life assessment data. The student will analyse the imaging, collate and analyse the associated clinical and intervention data and compare the findings and outcomes with the published recommended GLASS scoring system and collate data from interobserver MRA GLASS analysis. Training and teaching will be provided to read the relevant vascular imaging and clinical information and interpretation of findings. This will provide exposure to clinical and radiological vascular assessment, treatments, understanding research methods used in clinical research.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcome is to validate the GLASS scoring system in the local population and collate the interobserver study across a number of clinicians, including consultants/ fellow, sprs/ shos. Interobserver analysis will help to validate the GLASS scoring system using MRI and provide data on its day to day utilisability for vascular clinicians.Type of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Students will be trained in vascular imaging analysis required for the completion of the project. Students will observe a number of vascular interventions to understand the clinical component of the study.
- Mixed methods study into the views of women and health care professionals regarding the choice of axillary clearance or axillary de escalation following a positive sentinel node biopsy
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Main Supervisor
Miss Jenna Morgan (j.morgan@sheffield.ac.uk)
Second Supervisor
Professor Lynda Wyld (l.wyld@sheffield.ac.uk)
Aim and Objectives
The aim of this study is to understand the variation in rates of axillary node clearance in the UK and the underpinning causes.
Research Methodology
This project is part of a large programme of work using mixed methodology, that includes:
1) Interviews with healthcare professionals (surgeons, oncologists and BCN) about their views on axillary management and if they offer choice and how they frame that choice.
4. National practice questionnaire survey of MDTs using scenario-based questions about the treatment recommended for hypothetical patients.
5. Interviews and a questionnaire survey of women on their personal experience of being offered a choice of options and how they decided on management. Explore information received, their understanding of risk. How they would like the information presented. To better understand the risk factors for decisions a survey will also be developed, validated and conducted with a larger cohort of women recruited from multiple sites to correlate ultimate choice of treatment with a range of risk factors and generalise the results to a wider population.Expected Outcome
It is expected that the views and opinions of healthcare professionals and patients will vary and that this will impact upon the rates of completion clearance in that region.Type of Project
Qualitative Project/non-lab based - primarily using qualitative methods
Additional Training
The student will be trained in qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interview techniques, coding and framework analysis. They will be trained to use NVivo software for the analysis and SPSS as required for the analysis of any survey work.
- Guidelines compliance and risk management outcomes in women with BRCA gene mutations
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Main Supervisor
Professor Lynda Wyld (l.wyld@sheffield.ac.uk)
Second Supervisor
Ms Jenna Morgan (j.morgan@sheffield.ac.uk)
Aim and Objectives
To determine the compliance of risk management strategies in women with BRCA carriers, to determine the risk management choices of BRCA carriers
to determine patient satisfaction with risk management choices and outcomes in BRCA carriersResearch Methodology
A 3 phase project with an initial literature review focused on decision making in BRCA gene carriers, followed by a survey of gene carriers within our unit (n=160 women) to look at whether guidelines were complied with in offering choices and delivery of services and lastly a patient satisfaction survey.
Expected Outcome
To determine whether NICE guidelines have been complied with in offering risk management choices (screening, drug treatment of risk reducing mastectomy and/or oophorectomy) and how this translates into long term outcomes/treatment side effects and also whether patients are happy with the long term outcomes of their management choicesType of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Statistical methods, literature review methods, data collection and organisation, survey design and analysis
- Defining malnutrition in small bowel obstruction using the Global Leadership in Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria
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Main Supervisor
Mr Danny Ashmore (dlashmore1@sheffield.ac.uk)
Second Supervisor
Dr Tim Wilson (tim.wilson1@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
• To define the incidence of malnutrition using GLIM criteria in patients with small bowel obstruction and compare these to the existing screening tool for malnutrition (MUST)
• To evaluate the use of nutritional support (TPN) and surgical outcomes in comparison to the GLIM score of patients with small bowel obstruction.Research Methodology
As part of a quality improvement programme GLIM scores will be collected for patients admitted with small bowel obstruction, in addition to existing malnutrition screening (MUST). At risk patients will be referred on to the nutritional support team for early assessment and monitoring.
Prospective data, including GLIM and MUST scores will be routinely collected. The student will collect further patient outcome data from the hospital records (operations, complications, death, length of stay) and analyse these along side the nutrition data. They will also be trained to measure (sarcopenia) from CT scans to augment the GLIM scores.Expected Outcome
This study is expected to improve our understanding of how to measure nutritional risk in emergency surgical patients and it is hoped that this will lead to improved outcomes in this patient group. It is expected that the outcomes of the study will be presented to national conferences and may be suitable for publication if sufficient data was collected.Type of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
This project would suit any trainee with an interest in surgery or anaesthetics. Doncaster and Bassetlaw is ideally suited to supporting intercalating students in their research, audit, and quality improvement. Students will receive orientation to the hospital and department, along with mentoring. Specific training will be provided in collecting data from the clinical environment and in the writing of clinical papers. Regular supervision meetings will be organised to guide the student through each stage of this research project. As part of the BSc, there are extensive opportunities for clinical experience in the surgical department.
- Should decisions relating to elective surgery for diverticular disease be based on health related quality of life assessment?
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Main Supervisor
Mr Tim Wilson (tim.wilson1@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Dr Daniel Ashmore (dlashmore1@sheffield.ac.uk)
Aim and Objectives
1. To determine the health related quality of life of patients following complicated and uncomplicated diverticulitis
2. To determine the health related quality of life of patients prior to undergoing surgery for diverticular disease
3. To determine whether there is any difference in the health related quality of life of these two groupsResearch Methodology
A systematic review will be conducted to extract published QoL in the medical literature from patients with DD participating in clinical trials or observational studies. Data will be extracted from studies measuring QoL in unselected cohorts of patients following an episode of diverticulits. Separate data will be extracted from studies measuring QoL in patients undergoing surgery for DD. These two data sets will be analysed for patterns of change and compared to each other, as well as population normal data. Meta-analysis will be used to combined data where applicable.
Expected Outcome
This study is expected to improve our understanding of the QoL burden in patients with diverticular disease and may help to inform us how we can make more objective choices regarding the use of surgery for this condition. It is expected that the outcomes of the study will be presented to national conferences and may be suitable for publication if sufficient data was collected.Type of Project
Qualitative Project/non-lab based - primarily using qualitative methods
Additional Training
This project would suit any trainee with an interest in surgery or anaesthetics. The project will be supervised from Doncaster, but will largely be library/online based. Specific training will be provided in systematic reviews, including development of a search strategy, data extraction and meta-analysis. Regular supervision meetings will be organised to guide the student through each stage of this research project. As part of the BSc, there are extensive opportunities for clinical experience in the surgical department.
- Development of Standardised Guidelines in Thoracic Aortic Imaging
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Main Supervisor
Dr Stephen Goode (stephen.goode3@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Dr Saima Ehsan (saima.ehsan@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
The aim of this project is to develop definitive guidelines for thoracic aortic imaging in patients with aneurysmal disease
Research Methodology
We will being using mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. We will identify patients with long term follow MR angiographic imaging in 2 main cohorts:
1. Patients with ascending aortic aneurysmal disease
2. Patients with operated ascending aortic disease
We will then collate their imaging follow up parameters from MR angiographic thoracic aortic imaging measurements. As well as this demographic data, vascular risk factors, operations, short and long term complications will be recorded. The project will alos look at the impact of long-term imaging follow up.Expected Outcome
This project will provide important long term data on thoracic aortic disease to improve patient safety and look at the suitability of current imaging practices. This project will help us to develop and publish national guidelines to help guide national imaging follow up.Type of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Students will get training on image analysis for the project within the department from experienced radiologists.
- Why gallbladder surgery become increasingly difficult after Covid-19 pandemic
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Main Supervisor
Mr Abdulzahra Hussain (azahrahussain@yahoo.com, abdulzahra.hussain@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Mr N Samuel (nsamuel@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
To understand the causes of increasing difficulty of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy after Covid-19 pandemic
Research Methodology
Design : comparative study , pro and retrospective data of patients who underwent lap.chole
Population: consecutive series of patients before and after covid.The data will include demographic features, comorbidities, previous surgery, short term complications, intra-opertaive findings of grade of difficulty,.The study will look into retrospective and prospective data of two arms.Running statistical tests and make the conclusions.Expected Outcome
Difficult gallbladder surgery after Covid-19 is likely to result in more cases of bile leak, injuries, longer hospitalisation and increasing costType of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Students will have opportunity to conduct clinical research and will be exposed to methodology in clinical environment .They will have access to the theatre , clinics to see the operative details and follow up program,
- An investigation into the predictors of outcome in patients presenting with acute aortic dissection
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Main Supervisor
Dr Saima Ehsan (saima.ehsan@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Mr Govind Chetty (govind.chetty@nhs.net)
Other Supervisors
Dr Stephen Goode
Overarching Research Question
Are there any identifiable predictors of outcomes for patients presenting with acute aortic syndromes?
Aim and Objectives
The overall aim is to investigate the predictors of outcome in patients presenting with acute thoracic aortic dissection
The research component of the project is to look at the associations of various variable or a combination thereof; demographics, pre existing conditions, medication, type of dissection, clinical parameters, biochemical parameters, time of intervention that may exist with good outcomes favourable or otherwise.Research Methodology
The student will be expected to carry out the following elements of the research project:
1) Literature review on acute aortic syndromes, focussing on thoracic aortic dissections
2) Retrospective data collection using trust resources : Review of all patients presenting to STH with the diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome focussing on the following
Demographic data, Co morbidities, Prescribed medications on admission, Initial clinical/biochemical/radiological assessment, Radiological classification Inpatient clinical journey , Discharge destination and outcomes at six months of FU
3) Student will be supported in data analysis workExpected Outcome
Clinical Translation: Ability or otherwise, to identify patients presenting with acute aortic syndrome with focus on thoracic aortic dissection, and modify the variable/variables that may have an influence patient outcomeType of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Exposure to open and endovascular cardiac and vascular surgery to provide context to the research project. Initial training in radiological assessment.
- Finite Element analysis of tissue trauma using different size incisions for minimally invasive surgery
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Main Supervisor
Mr Sanjeev Madan (s.madan@sheffield.ac.uk)
Second Supervisor
Professor Reza Saatchi (r.saatchi@shu.ac.uk)
Other Supervisors
Mr Srinivasan Balchandra
Aim and Objectives
The aim of the project is to show with FEA that incision size in surgery matters. Smaller incisions and Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and percutaneous approaches would help patients recover quicker.
Research Methodology
BSc students will do computer modelling and FEA with an MSc research student from Sheffield Hallam university under the guidance of Prof Saatchi. Depending on these results we would do some experiments in anatomy lab at University of Sheffield to test different size incision approach for MIS.
Portals and incisions used for instruments can be as much as 12 to 20 mm. Using cannulas of 5 mm and above also can cause issues. The aim of our study is to find out the volume damage to tissues using different portal sizes viz. 2.5 mm, 5 mm, 10mm, 15 mm and 20 mm.Expected Outcome
We would like to see positive effect of smaller and percutaneous approaches for surgery with this modelling. The bigger outcome would be to devise percutaneous surgical instruments for percutaneous surgery. Mr Balchandra is a renowned surgeon in Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals. He has experience in percutaneous techniques of laparoscopic surgery. Mr Madan has experience in arthroscopy and MIS major surgery.Type of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
The students will be assisting in operating theatre and scrubbing whenever they can. They will attend clinics and ward rounds. They will get clinical experience and will be taught basic surgical techniques like suturing and closure of wounds in operation theatre. The students are flexible as and when they can attend and as much as they want to attend. There is no restrictions on their clinical experience.
- Developing and using an app to enhance patient experience and control in head and neck cancer patients?
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Main Supervisor
Mr Omar Mulla (omar.mulla1@nhs.net)
Second Supervisor
Mr Mark Watson (mark.watson11@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
Background to problem
• The pressure on frontline NHS services is increasing, consequently novel solutions and new ways of working are needed.
• In surgical outpatients we are seeing large numbers of patients who have had treated head and neck cancer attending for regular follow up.
• These patients will often only make contact with a healthcare professional on the allocated appointment time; in some instances this means recurrences are picked up late.
• Phase 1 of this project will be gaining the relevant content - facts, symptoms and details needed that will be used to create spine of any future app for patient self management.
Aims/Objectives
The aim of this study is to investigate patterns of follow up and symptoms post head and cancer to allow patients to take partial control of their symptoms.Research Methodology
Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be required:
1. Performing a literature review on quality of life measures for head and neck cancer patients.
2. Attending clinics and patient focus groups to ascertain from patients and clinicians what they would like from a patient controlled app.
3. Obtaining clinician dependent information via mass mailing to head and neck surgeons/using head and neck cancer forums for online member surveys. 4. Combining the acquired data to decide content for any future app.
5. Sharing this information with clinicians and patients to obtain feedback.Expected Outcome
It is expected the first year of intercalation would generate the potential for two clinical papers. The first paper being a systematic review on quality of life measures for head and cancer patients and second paper about patient perceptions and data needed for patients to actively participate in their follow up. This will likely need to be tested in a small cohort of people so may generate a third paper.
These have the potential for presentation at national conferences or publication in peer review journals. If the student’s work is accepted for presentation, then expenses will be available for conferences and travel fees. It is hoped that this work will contribute to the eventual quality improvement in surgical outpatient care.Type of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
Doncaster and Bassetlaw is ideally suited to supporting intercalating students in their research. The hospital will pay for travel expenses from Sheffield and accommodation can be arranged is needed. Students will receive orientation to the hospital and department, along with mentoring. Specific training will be provided in conducting systematic reviews and training can also be arranged for writing clinical papers. Weekly supervision meetings will be organised to guide the student through each stage of this research project. Further optional clinical experience in the surgical department can be arranged for interested students.
Additional persons involved
Specialist head and neck nurses and ENT surgeons are very keen to work with individuals and invite them to head and neck focus groups to gauge patient compliance and help patients understand the purpose of the study. - Understanding bowel function related to haemorrhoids
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Main Supervisor
Mr Matthew Lee (m.j.lee@sheffield.ac.uk)
Second Supervisor
Professor Steven Brown (steven.brown13@nhs.net)
Aim and Objectives
To describe patient defacatory function using a patient reported symptom score
To correlate the score with grade of piles and severity of haemorrhoid symptoms
To explore whether scores predict need for surgeryResearch Methodology
This will take place in surgical outpatients and day case units at the northern general hospital. A sample of 60 patients presenting with haemorrhoids will be invited to complete questionnaires on defaecatory function and haemorrhoid severity. Data on haemorrhoid grade will also be captured. Treatments allocated by surgeons will be captured.
Expected Outcome
This pilot work will help us to identify if there is a group with high levels of straining who will end up with surgery, and potentially identify a group who can be managed with conservative measures alone. We expect this will lead to presentation and/or publication.Type of Project
Clinical project - based in the clinical environment with patients/including service evaluation
Additional Training
You will need to complete good clinical practice research training online before starting the BSc.
We will provide training in recruiting strategies, data management, and statistical analysis. You will be welcome to attend research team meetings, theatre lists, and clinics to further your knowledge.