In our experimental surgery projects, we have established (in domestic pig) experimental models of steatohepatitis associated with chemotherapy, toxic alcoholic liver disease, and biliary cirrhosis.

We also develop software for advanced image analysis to predict regeneration capacity of the liver parenchyma and diagnose focal and diffuse liver diseases. Computational modelling features developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, are being continuously implemented in the software.  We also focus on imaging of portal system microcirculation and we explore the possibilities to apply our findings in clinical practice. 

We are exploring the possibility to use decellularized porcine tissue as scaffold for the in vitro functionalization with human cells in our own bioreactors for tissue engineering.

We closely cooperate with the Labs of Pharmacogenomics, Translational Cancer Genomics, Tumor Biology and Quantitative Histology and we try to transfer their research results to our clinical requirements and applications.

Long-term research aims

• regeneration of liver parenchyma and liver surgery

• liver and other tissue decellularization for regenerative medicine

• design of bioreactors for tissue engineering purposes

• portal micro- and macrocirculation

• reconstruction of portal system

• surgical and oncological treatment of malignancies

• immune system behaviour during progression of tumour disease

The Summer School

Each summer, the team of the Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration organise the international Summer School of Experimental Surgery for pre-graduate medical students.

The two-week course aims not only at teaching surgical techniques and procedures in extensive practical exercises, but also at introducing the possibilities, limits and boundaries of the field. For the purposes of the Summer School, we also run moderately popular Facebook page and Youtube channel. 

The Book

We have also created the book Experimental Surgery, which serves as a textbook for the Summer School, but we believe that it can be useful for many medical students and Ph.D. students interested in surgery and biomedical research in general. In 2018, the book was awarded the Maydl Prize of the Czech Medical Association of J. E. Purkyně.

Liska V. (ed.) et al. Experimental Surgery. Pilsen: Nava, 2016. ISBN 978-80-7211-490-0.