Stem Cells Found in the Abdominal Cavity in Humans

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research study is to determine the genotype (genetic composition) and phenotype (physical appearance) of cells derived from the abdominal cavity to determine whether stem cells are present.

Detailed Description
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The purpose of this study is to determine the presence and characterization of stem cells in human peritoneal cavity. Peritoneal lavage fluid from patients who undergo elective open abdomen will be collected for this purpose. Peritoneal lavage is normally a routine part of abdominal surgical procedure and usually is discarded after surgery. The patient will undergo surgical procedure as usual and there will be no added procedures during surgery. This study will collect and analyze peritoneal fluid for the existence and characteristics of stem cells from 15 patients undergoing scheduled elective intra-abdominal surgery by designated surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The types of abdominal surgery could be open abdominal surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Peritoneal washing is routinely done in abdominal surgeries. We will collect these fluids to analyze whether stem cells exist in human peritoneal cavity. The fluids will be collected in a sterile fashion. The collected fluid will be further processed in the laboratory for the purpose of the study. Medical record review will be conducted. Information collected will include age, gender, past and current medical history, current indication for intra-abdominal surgery, substance exposure history, medication history which will be obtained from review of patients' medical records. The information will be maintained using coded entry and there will be no link between patient identifiers to the study codes.

Official Title
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Peritoneal Cavity Derived Stem Cells: A Pilot Study

Conditions
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Intra-abdominal Surgery

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: 20-60 years old Male or females who are scheduled to undergo elective abdomen surgery Exclusion Criteria: Minors Pregnant women Known personal or family history of genetic disorders Known history of malignancy Known history of advanced liver or renal disease HIV Positive: only patients who have tested negative during routine testing of their donated blood prior to surgery will be included in the study. Hepatitis B and C positive Scheduled to undergo lap banding

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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open abdominal surgery, abdominal laparoscopic surgery, peritoneal stem cells, patients scheduled for any type of elective intra-abdominal surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with designated surgeons