Research Bursary Program
Supervisor Project Proposal for Summer 2015
Supervisor Last Name: EMIL
Supervisor First Name: Sherif
McGill Dept/School: Pediatric Surgery
Faculty Professor (Full, Associate or Assistant): Full
Email: Sherif.Emil@McGill.ca
Phone No. (optional): 514 412 4497
Research Field: Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
Proposal No. (1 or 2): 1
Research Location (McGill or affiliated institution): The Montreal Children’s Hospital;Shriners Hospital for Children
Ethics approval will be required for proposed project (Yes/No): YES
Proposed project will involve chart reviews (Yes/No): YES
Project Title (maximum 1 line):
The Incidence of Scoliosis and Chest Wall Deformities After Pediatric Thoracic Surgery in the Modern Era
Hypothesis/Question to be Addressed (maximum 4 lines):
Scoliosis and chest wall deformities have constituted major long term complications and morbidities after
pediatric thoracotomies. Incidences of these deformities above 50% have been cited in studies conducted in the
1980’s and 1990’s. However, the approach to pediatric thoracic surgery had changed substantially in the last 20
years with the introduction of muscle-sparing thoracotomy, avoidance of rib resection, avoidance of rib fusion,
and introduction of thoracoscopic techniques. There have been no significant studies evaluating the effect of
these surgical techniques on musculoskeletal complications.
Hypothesis: The adoption of modern thoracic surgical techniques has significantly decreased the incidence of
iatrogenic scoliosis and chest wall anomalies.
Specific Aims (maximum 10 lines):
1. Delineate a group of consecutive patients who underwent pediatric thoracic surgery for cardiac,
pulmonary, or mediastinal anomalies or conditions, and who had no additional risk for scoliosis or chest
wall anomalies, between 1996 and 2010
2. Obtain 5-18 year follow up data on the incidence of scoliosis and chest wall anomalies in the patient
cohort, using both medical records and direct patient contact where necessary.
3. Delineate risk factors for the incidence of scoliosis and/or chest wall deformities using several
independent variables (e.g. diagnosis, location of thoracotomy, muscle division, age, etc)
4. Delineate whether use of one or more of the modern thoracic approaches cited above has been
associated with decreased risk of musculoskeletal complications.
Role of Student (maximum 15 lines):
1. Perform an extensive literature search and create a database of all currently available evidence and the
grade of evidence available on the subject.
2. Finalize the research protocol and data sheet, in conjunction with the principal investigator and in
collaboration with a pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon.
3. Collect the necessary data from retrospective chart reviews.
4. When needed, contact patients to arrange follow-up for screening for chest wall anomalies and scoliosis.
5. Analyze the data to meet the specific aims above.
6. Prepare a presentation for a national meeting and write a manuscript using the data acquired under the
mentorship of the primary investigator.