Research Areas
The Towe Research Laboratory specializes in surgical outcomes research to advance thoracic surgery practice. Our research programs focus on identifying best practices, improving patient care, and training the next generation of surgeon-scientists.
Research Focus Areas
Lung Cancer Surgical Outcomes
Comprehensive outcomes research on lung cancer surgical management, analyzing perioperative optimization strategies, lymph node dissection patterns, and patient selection criteria for sublobar resection.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
Investigating adoption, outcomes, and optimal techniques for minimally invasive and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, including learning curves, patient selection, and long-term outcomes.
Chest Wall Reconstruction
Outcomes research on complex chest wall injuries and reconstructive surgery, analyzing management strategies for traumatic injuries, neoplastic involvement, and chronic pain syndromes.
Pain Management
Evaluating innovative pain management strategies including perioperative analgesic protocols, regional anesthesia techniques, and non-opioid approaches to improve outcomes.
Healthcare Disparities
Examining disparities in access to surgical care, treatment patterns, and outcomes across patient populations to identify interventions that reduce inequities.
Perioperative Optimization
Research on strategies to optimize perioperative care and reduce complications, including prehabilitation protocols, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative management.