Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Lectin Trial

Email: lectins@nds.ox.ac.uk

Thomas Barnes

MBChB (Hons), MRCS, PGCert MedEd


Clinical Research Fellow and DPhil student

I qualified from Liverpool Medical School with honours in 2010 and completed foundation training and core surgical training in Mersey Deanery. In 2014 I gained a General Surgery national training number in Oxford and commenced my current post in January 2016, working towards a DPhil in Surgical Sciences. I was awarded an honorary one-year research fellowship with the Royal College of Surgeons in July 2016.

My research focuses on the use of fluorescence in surgery. I am currently working on two projects. The first is the use of a fluorescent molecular probe during colonoscopy and Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS). This is a first in man trial using Wisteria Floribunda (WFA) conjugated to fluorescein which has been identified by Trevor Yeung as binding to normal colonic mucus and not in areas of dyplasia or cancer. The trial aims to validate the use of WFA in identifying dysplasia and cancer in the colon.

My second project is a feasibility study using the fluorescence of methylene blue to identify the ureters during colorectal surgery. A specially designed laparoscope will be used during the procedure to filter the fluorescent signals of methylene blue.

In addition to my time in research I am involved with teaching medical students at Oxford University.

Recent publications

More publications