The team
Consultants
At the University Medical Center Utrecht 8 consultants are currently working at the department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Each of them is involved in research to continu improving the care they provide. Get acquainted with them here.
Prof. J.H. Coert, MD PhD
As professor of the Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery department I am involved in a number of research projects in our department. As a hand and nerve surgeon, my personal interests are mainly in our projects involving nerve and hand surgery. Among other things, I am heading a national randomized controlled trial studying the benefits of nerve decompressions in lower legs of patients with diabetes. In other research projects, we seek to improve outcomes for neuropathic pain and reconstruction of joint arthritis. We use a translational animal model to study nerve pain in collaboration with Neuroscience and Neuropathology departments. For this purpose, we use mouse models. In addition, I am involved in a national and international collaboration for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Prof. A.B. Mink van der Molen, MD PhD
My research areas within plastic surgery are diverse. This is because so many topics prove to be fascinating as you learn more about them or delve deeper into them. Regarding pediatric plastic surgery, I am involved in a broad sense with cleft lip and palate (schisis), including research on speech-improving procedures for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Furthermore, I have been involved in research on thumb base arthritis (TMJ) in adult patients, particularly in patients who develop this issue at a relatively young age (during their working years). Lastly, I became involved in research on the quality of life and predictive factors for post-bariatric patients. This refers to patients who have undergone significant weight loss after gastric reduction and similar surgeries.
W. Maarse, MD PhD
Within the field of plastic surgery, I conduct research on various topics related to reconstructive (micro)surgery. Currently, I am involved in research on the effects of radiotherapy on immediate breast reconstructions. In collaboration with the Alexander Monro Hospital (AMZ) and Amsterdam UMCU, a pilot study has been initiated to examine the effects of preoperative radiotherapy on immediate breast reconstruction. We hope to continue this in an RCT (Randomized Controlled Trial). Additionally, we collaborate with AMZ on various studies related to breast reconstruction. I also lead a randomized study on the postoperative treatment of free flaps for lower leg reconstruction, which is currently completed and will be published soon.
E.C. Paes, MD PhD
My field of interest lies within reconstructive surgery of both adult and pediatric patients. I completed my PhD on results of mandibular distraction osteogenesis (the surgical lengthening of the lower jaw) in children with respiratory problems that have a Robin sequence. Additionally, I have performed numerous (anatomical) studies with my colleague dr. Schellekens on the Internal Mammary Artery Perforator flap for reconstructions of the head and neck region. Currently, I’m involved in the (long-term) results of reconstructions after the AMORE procedure in children with a rhabdomyoscarcoma of the head and neck.
P.P.A. Schellekens, MD PhD
My research interests are directly related to my daily practice as a reconstructive surgeon at the plastic surgery department. I did my PhD thesis on the use of the Internal Mammary Artery Perforate flap (IMAP) for reconstructions in the head and neck region after for instance cancer. Among other things, I currently conduct research on the innervation of pectoral muscles. By mapping these nerves we may improve our operations for the reduction of pain after implant-based breast reconstructions. I am also involved in research on salvage oesophageal reconstructions with free jejunal flaps.
D.D. Krijgh, MD
My research focuses on lower leg reconstructions and pain. When there is insufficient tissue coverage of vital structures (bone/tendons/blood vessels/nerves) in the lower leg, the Plastic Surgeon is often consulted to assist. This can be a result of trauma or malignancy, for example. Through pedicled or free tissue transplantations, the plastic surgeon can ensure that these vital structures are covered and can thus heal. In addition to retrospective research, there is currently an ongoing randomized controlled study: The Dangle Study, in collaboration with Erasmus MC and UMC Groningen. Within this study, the postoperative treatment, timing of surgery after the accident, infections, and the quality of life within this patient group are further examined. I am also working on research collaborations with various American institutions.
S.M.W. de Vlieger-Pool, MD PhD
For my doctoral research, I have conducted several prospective and retrospective studies in the field of (aesthetic) upper eyelid corrections. After that, I have been involved in several research projects in very different areas within plastic surgery, such as breast reconstructions/prosthetics, hand surgery, and cleft lip and palate (cleft palate) repairs. As a pediatric plastic surgeon, I am involved in the treatment of children with cleft lip and palate, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence, craniofacial microsomia, and microtia, among others. In the future, I hope to conduct more research on the treatment of one of these medical conditions.
M. Hameeteman, MD
Within the field of plastic surgery I have been involved in research on various topics in reconstructive surgery, such as free flap breast reconstruction such as the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap. During my resindenty, I conducted research on 3D stereophotogrammetry in measing the volume of breasts and upper-extremity lymphedema.
