The Concord Institute of Academic Surgery works at the intersection of clinical care and academic research, helping to turn new discoveries into real-world improvements in patient care.

Colorectal Research

The Institute's Colorectal team is focused on research projects utilising novel liquid biopsy techniques to determine circulating tumour DNA as a predictor of disease recurrence following colorectal cancer surgery.

The Institute oversees the Concord Colorectal Cancer Clinicopathological database which documents more than 6 000 patients who had a resection for primary colorectal cancer at Concord Hospital. The database was established in 1971.

Our colorectal research is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand and industry grants.
 

Perioperative Care of Surgical Patients Clinical Academic Group

Led by Institute Co-Chair Associate Professor Sarah Aitken, the Clinical Academic Group comprises members across multiple Local Health Districts.

It manages research projects, organises events and facilitates consumer engagement. It is funded by a Sydney Health Partners grant.

Upper Gastrointestinal and Breast / Endocrine Surgery databases

The Institute is collaborating with Upper Gastrointestinal surgeons to establish an Upper GI Surgical Outcomes and Registry to collect and analyse health information from patients undergoing surgical treatment for conditions affecting the upper digestive system.

This includes procedure for oesophageal and stomach cancers, pancreatic disorders, complex hernia repairs, gallbladder disease, and other related conditions.

The Institute is also collaborating with Breast and Endocrine surgeons to establish a database to collect and analyse health information from patients undergoing surgical cancer treatment.

Urology Research

The Institute’s Urology team’s research program includes collaborations with anatomical pathology, geriatric medicine, cancer services and neurology.

The team is known across Australia for its expertise in pelvic floor research, with a current focus on investigating pelvic floor changes in men following radical prostatectomy.

There are also ongoing research projects investigating urinary function and quality of life in older men.

Vascular Research

The Institute’s Vascular team is engaged in research focused on peripheral arterial disease, enhancing care models, and fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, clinical trials and in partnership with the Heart Research Institute and the Cardiology department.

Our vascular research is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund and Vascular Foundation grants.

We Are YOUR Surgical Team: A Digital Introduction to Surgery in Sydney Local Health District

Prompted by patient feedback, the Concord Institute of Academic Surgery, in partnership with Sydney Health Partners Perioperative Clinical Academic Group and the Concord Hospital Division of Surgery, helped develop a series of videos to better prepare and support patients through multiple aspects of surgery.