Current Research Studies

Endoscopy

An extremely active research unit is maintained within the UK Endoscopy Center, focusing on projects in which endoscopy is the subject under investigation. These include new endoscopic techniques, assessment of endoscopic technologies, evaluation of endoscopy outcomes, and endoscopy suite management. A variety of active research protocols in endoscopy are currently underway; examples are described below.

Hypoechoic Intramural Tumor Study - This international 5 year multi-center study examines the appropriate endoscopic management of submucosal masses identified at endoscopic ultrasound. The University of Kentucky is the central coordinating and data collection site for this project, which is funded by research grants from the American Digestive Health Foundation.

Satisfaction and Aversive Outcomes to Endoscopy - This prospective study is designed to identify pre-procedure indicators for aversive experience with endoscopy. Pre-procedure assessment includes personality inventories, anxiety assessment, and demographic questionnaires. The aim is to identify patients who are at risk for an unsatisfactory outcome from endoscopy, as well as to identify patients who might be able to have endoscopy with less potent sedative agents (such as nitrous oxide) or no sedation.

Nitrous Oxide for Sedation of Upper Endoscopy - This is a pilot feasibility study examining the usefulness and technical success in administering nitrous oxide as the sole sedative agent in EGD. Technically, the gas is difficult to administer when the oral passage is being traversed by the endoscope; however, use of a nasal mask may permit this agent to be administered successfully.

Hepatology

Hepatitis C study by Dr. Shedlofsky - Researchers at the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital are conducting a clinical research study. If you have hepatitis C with a recent liver biopsy and are non-diabetic, we invite you to participate in a research project. We also are looking for healthy volunteers to act as a control group.

You may be able to participate if you: 

• have hepatitis C;
• have had a liver biopsy in the last two years; and
• are willing to be admitted to the hospital for a 24-hour stay.

You will be compensated for your time and travel, and all procedures are done at no cost. If you are interested in becoming a part of this study, contact:

Steven Shedlofsky, MD, or Angela Hobbs, RN
University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital
Lexington, KY 40536-0305
859-323-6423