SENTINEL Team Present at the Sylvester O’Halloran Conference

Members of the Sentinel Skin Flap research team presented their work at the Sylvester O’Halloran Surgical Conference, held 27–28 February 2026, one of Ireland’s leading national surgical meetings. The conference brings together trainees, researchers, and consultants to showcase new research and innovation in surgery.

Dr Cian Hehir presented findings from our kidney transplant cohort examining patient acceptability of the sentinel skin flap concept. His presentation was awarded the conference medal in recognition of its scientific quality and clinical relevance.

He also delivered a second presentation exploring the use of advanced 3D biomaterials in transplant research. This work investigates specially designed scaffold materials that can mimic natural tissue and potentially help guide or calm the immune system’s response after transplantation. The long-term goal of this research is to explore safer, more targeted ways of reducing rejection while minimising the side effects associated with lifelong immunosuppression.

Dr Omar Quidwai presented parallel work focusing on acceptability of the sentinel skin flap in liver transplant candidates and recipients, expanding the evidence base across solid organ groups.

Together, these presentations reflect the growing academic momentum behind the Sentinel programme and the importance of combining scientific innovation with patient-centred research.