Research
The Deutsche Chirurgiestiftung is involved in various initiatives to promote professional practice, training and research in surgery and related fields. Its main goal is to support practice-oriented medicine and application-oriented research that meets the needs of patients.
Project funding 2024
The German Surgery Foundation is supporting the project "Biomechanical testing of thread anchors for augmentation of the rotator cuff after rupture" at the Surgical Clinic and Polyclinic of the Bergmannsheil University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum. This project investigates the effectiveness of an innovative technique to minimise the risk of re-rupture of the rotator cuff after surgical repair. The planned project focuses on the biomechanical testing of thread anchors for the augmentation of the rotator cuff. The supraspinatus tendon plays a crucial role in the stability and functionality of the shoulder joint. The project aims to investigate the effectiveness of an innovative technique in which an additional brace thread protects a supraspinatus tendon tear from re-rupture after refixation. To evaluate this technique, a series of biomechanical tests using cadavers as models is planned. By applying realistic anatomical conditions and loads, the stability and strength of the supraspinatus tendon after application of this augmented fixation technique can be accurately assessed. Various load scenarios will be simulated to test the performance of the method under different movement and load conditions. The aim is to determine whether the additional reinforcement provided by the brace thread leads to a significant improvement in the tear resistance of the supraspinatus tendon and prevents re-ruptures. We will use precise measurements and analysis methods to quantify the re e load-bearing capacity of the tendon after applying this technique.
Project funding 2023
Continuation of the project "Quality management in statement psychology assessment: Pilot project: Professional self-regulation – online peer review process
Support for the clinical research project on "Digitalisation in patient education: 3D printing and virtual reality in hand surgery, plastic and aesthetic surgery" at the Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery at LMU – Munich Medical Centre.
The project aims to investigate newer methods of education (customised 3D models and virtual reality models) in a clinical setting and to examine their effect on patient education in terms of patient understanding and perioperative anxiety compared to standardised education using paper forms. The surgery of the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome, microsurgical tissue transfer and breast surgery will be examined.
PDF Projektbeschreibung Mert, Thierfelder
Project funding 2022
SStart of the project "Quality management in psychological assessment of witness statements: Pilot project – Professional self-regulation – Online peer review procedure"
Several controversial judgements and studies have brought the discussion about the quality of forensic reports into the media and political arena. Initial measures for quality assurance have been taken, but further measures are necessary.
project for professional self-regulation in statement psychology reports. Previous initiatives have focused on the training of experts and thus on the input into the expert system. However, the output, i.e. the reports themselves, must also be subject to sustainable quality assurance. This can be achieved through a collegial feedback system, i.e. a peer review process. This principle of anonymous review of contributions by colleagues already exists in scientific publications.
The pilot project serves to adapt and test the peer review process for statement psychology assessments. The first step is to adapt the scientific peer review process to statement psychology assessments. The findings from the previous family psychology pilot project will be incorporated into this process. Assessors will then submit anonymised assessments online to the Competence Centre for Assessments. The reports submitted will be anonymously evaluated by randomly selected colleagues using assessment forms. The reviewers will receive the results of this evaluation. They are then asked to provide feedback on the applicability of the assessment forms and the procedure.
In a moderated expert discussion, participating reviewers and experts will then discuss the feedback. Overall, recommendations for optimising the procedure, updating the assessment forms and, if necessary, positions on technical issues raised will be developed.
The aim is to develop a self-correcting feedback system in the field of expert assessment based on collegial cooperation with a view to establishing an interdisciplinary quality seal for practical guidance.
Project funding 2021
Support for the study "Digitalisation in patient education: 3D printing and virtual reality in hand surgery" by the LMU Clinic Munich - Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
The Department of Hand Surgery, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery is conducting a clinical research project ( ) on the topic of "Digitalisation in patient education: 3D printing and virtual reality in hand surgery, plastic and aesthetic surgery". The aim of the project is to investigate newer methods of education (customised 3D models and virtual reality models) in a clinical setting and to examine their effect on patient education in terms of patient understanding and perioperative anxiety compared to standardised education using paper forms. The study will examine wrist surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, microsurgical tissue transfer and breast surgery. The planned duration of the study is 24 months.
Start of the project "Better understanding of child custody law practice"
Many different parties are involved in child custody law, primarily the family court, youth welfare office staff, legal guardians and family lawyers. The family court and the youth welfare office represent a particular interface. As is to be expected with cross-professional and cross-sectoral activities, there can be positive effects, but also complications and obstacles. Even if the best interests of the child guide the actions of all those involved, the individual parties to the proceedings may have different views on the best course of action and how it should be implemented. For example, the family court may consider child and youth welfare measures to be appropriate, but the youth welfare office may reject them. The current coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD states: "We want to promote quality development and assurance as well as research in the field of child and youth welfare, family law and expert assessment" (KoaV lines 841-843). The project therefore aims to examine this challenging interface between family courts and youth welfare offices. The aim is to gain a better understanding of child custody law in practice by highlighting the different areas of responsibility, identifying positive aspects and pointing out possible areas for improvement.
Funded by:
Project funding 2020
Continuation and completion of the project "Peer review procedure for expert opinions in child custody cases professional self-regulation in family court assessments"
Project funding 2019
Start of the project "Peer review procedure for expert opinions in child custody cases – Professional self-regulation in family court assessments"
Various media reports have drawn public attention to the issue of the quality of forensic expert opinions, particularly in the field of family law. Much has been done in recent years to improve the quality of expert opinions. Together with other professional associations and chambers, we have developed the "Minimum Requirements for Expert Opinions in Child Custody Law" with the support of the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection. In addition, with the Act Amending the Expert Witness Law, the legislature has for the first time laid down specific professional qualification requirements for experts in child custody cases. The peer review process is widely used to check the quality and evaluate contributions before they are published in scientific journals. In this process, colleagues provide anonymous professional feedback on each other's contributions. Such a peer review process is now to be tested for expert opinions in a pilot project
Establishment of the Sino-German Stomatology Training Centre, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
DThe partnership was established on 10 November 2019 between Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China, and the International Medical College of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. The aim of this collaboration is to intensify further education in Asia and Europe and to promote international exchange. To this end, joint courses will be held in all areas of orofacial medicine. The training centre has been integrated into the ORO FACIAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTRE (OREC) in order to combine modern online teaching in a blended learning concept with practical training in clinics and hospitals in China and Europe. Various diploma courses and short courses offer the opportunity for targeted training in many specialised fields. The training is conducted under the guidance of internationally renowned professors who ensure the excellent quality of the training. After completion of the courses, we also offer the option of telemedical support in the planning and implementation of operations and treatments.
Project funding 2018
Plans for the project "Peer review procedure for expert opinions in child custody cases"
Expert opinions play an important role in many court proceedings in family law. They support judges in their decisions, which affect the most personal fundamental rights of those involved. This makes the quality of these expert opinions all the more important. Until now, quality assurance initiatives have focused on the training of experts. The pilot project "Professional self-regulation – online peer review procedure for expert opinions in family law" takes a different approach. The idea here is to subject the expert opinion itself to sustainable quality assurance. The peer review procedure known from scientific publications served as a basis and was adapted to the specific requirements.
Project funding 2017
Establishment of the Competence Centre for Expert Opinions
The Competence Centre for Expert Opinions is a project of the German Surgery Foundation. This sponsor guarantees the non-profit, independent and neutral nature of the project. It is quality-assured and professionally supported by an interdisciplinary advisory board and cooperation partners from science and practice.
Objective of the initiative
The aim of the project is to improve and ensure the quality of psychological and medical expert reports in the legal system and to improve public awareness and the protection of those affected through greater transparency, traceability and scientific rigour in the expert reporting process
Project funding 2013
The German Surgery Foundation supports an extraordinary new surgical procedure for spleen resection in spherocytosis
. Spherocytosis is the most common inherited haemolytic anaemia. In this disease, a congenital change in the shape of the erythrocytes leads to anaemia due to increased dissolution of red blood cells in the spleen. The standard surgical treatment is complete removal of the spleen. However, this leads to a lifelong immune deficiency, which necessitates lifelong antibiotic prophylaxis. In order to minimise this serious side effect, a standardised, spleen-preserving surgical procedure has been developed. The problem of the spleen regrowing after surgery and bleeding during surgery on an organ with an extremely high blood supply has been effectively solved by the surgical technique developed by Priv. Doz. Stöhr (Near Total Splenectomy, NTS), which also preserves the immune function. Priv. Doz. Dr. Stöhr thus played a key role in shaping the national treatment guidelines for forms of hereditary spherocytosis requiring treatment. Priv. Doz. Dr. med. Gerhard Stöhr, Chief Physician of the Department of General, Visceral and Paediatric Surgery at Marien Hospital Bottrop, was awarded the Ruth Erwig Innovation Prize for outstanding innovative surgical achievements (link here). The final study is being supported by the German Surgery Foundation with €15,000.