VCU Health leads clinical trial for new treatment to help people with bowel control problems
The three-year study is a collaboration between clinical experts at VCU Health and researchers at Cellf Bio to provide more options for treating a health issue that impacts 1 in 3 adults in their lifetime.
A research team at VCU Health is leading a clinical trial to assess a novel treatment for fecal incontinence or sudden loss of control over bowel movements. The therapy involves implanting a bioengineered sphincter derived from the patient’s native cells to help them regain control of their bowels.
The implantation surgery for the clinical trial is being led by Jaime Bohl, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Surgery and chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine.
VCU Department of Surgery Joins New Academic Global Surgery Fellowship
VCU Health Systems, Department of Surgery, enters an exciting partnership with the American College of Surgeons, University of Utah, and Hawassa University
The American College of Surgeons Operation Giving Back (ACS OGB) program, together with the University of Utah Center for Global Surgery, the Program for Global Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, will commit their distinctive capabilities to launch and support the fellowship program...
The Cottrell Surgical Innovation Suite Set to Open in October
Be a Part of History Going Forward
The Cottrell Innovation Suite will continue the VCU Department of Surgery’s long-standing tradition of excellence in research, innovation, surgical education, and surgical testing.
The location is Sanger Hall, 1101 East Marshall Street, 9th floor, the same location where Drs. Lower and Hume made history 50 years ago.
See VCU News: "50 years after Virginia’s first heart transplant, $1M gift breathes new life into historic lab."
This project is being funded by philanthropic dollars, and a gift of $10,000 which can be paid over five years will include you in this history and put your name on the donor wall.
To start giving today, please visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/
For more information, please contact Justin Jannuzzi at (804) 628-8905 or justin.jannuzzi@vcuhealth.org.
Video rendering of the Christine B. and David E. Cottrell Surgery Innovation Suite
Department Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on recent news from the department, including faculty accomplishments and updates, surgery research and publications, housestaff accomplishments, and staff introductions.
June 2026
Join Our Newsletter Mailing List
Keeping Up with VCU Surgery
Department Newsletter
Keep up with faculty news, residency education, surgery research and more!
Annual Report
VCU Surgery has seen significant growth in our core missions of innovation, education and clinical programs.
Surgery Alumni
If your contact information has changed recently, please take a moment to update us.
Latest News
-
In recent decades, the risks have declined among cancer survivors, with notable exceptions in female lung cancer and male bladder cancer survivors, as well as among those first diagnosed with cancer at older ages.
-
The 450,000-square-foot center will replace outdated facilities and accelerate VCU's groundbreaking research and cutting-edge health sciences programs.
-
‘These facilities represent a shared strategic commitment to advancing Virginia's health and innovation economy,’ said VCU President Michael Rao.
-
Khraibut, who will work for the Ministry of Health in her home country, said VCU has ‘helped shape me into the person I am today.’
-
Duval led VCU Health from 2003 to 2016, overseeing the system’s growth, including the additions of Children’s Hospital of Richmond and Community Memorial Hospital, and its growing acclaim for patient care and safety.
-
Benjamin Bloom and Blake Carroll are excited to continue their clinical journeys at VCU while serving children and their families.
-
Richard Marconi is developing a test for babesiosis, a growing threat to humans and animals.
-
Payne is the first medical student at VCU Health to earn the TULIP Award, an honor recognizing exceptional compassion and service by non-nursing team members.