Dr. Laura Masalaite is the Acting Head of the Organ Transplantation Coordination Centre at VUL Santaros Clinics. She specializes in gastroenterology and advanced endoscopic diagnostics at Meliva Kardiolita Hospital. Dr. Masalaite also serves as an Associate Professor at Vilnius University.

Gastroenterology & Endoscopic Specialization

Dr. Masalaite focuses on complex hepatology and minimally invasive surgery. She performs advanced endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to predict esophageal varices recurrence. EUS uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the digestive tract. Her clinical work includes performing screening colonoscopies and flexible endoscopic Zenker diverticulotomy. The doctor also uses ultrasound to evaluate portal vein flow in patients with pancreatitis.

Professional Experience

Since 2024 – Acting Head – VUL Santaros Clinics Organ Transplantation Coordination Centre
Since 2010 – Gastroenterologist–Endoscopist – VUL Santaros Clinics Centre for Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Dietetics, Department of Endoscopic Diagnostics and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Since 2010 – Gastroenterologist – Meliva Kardiolita Hospital
Since 2014 – Gastroenterologist – VUL Santaros Clinics Outpatient Department
Since 2015 – Faculty Member – Vilnius University Clinic of Gastroenterology, Nephrourology and Surgery
2007–2024 – Senior Specialist in Organ Transplantation – VUL Santaros Clinics Organ Transplantation Coordination Centre

Education & Advanced Training

2010–2014 – PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Medicine) – Vilnius University
2006–2010 – Gastroenterology Residency – Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine
2005–2006 – Medical Doctor Residency – Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine
1999–2005 – Medical Degree – Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine
2023–2024 – Liver Transplantation Workshops – Vienna, Austria
2010 – Liver Transplantation Skills Training – Central Clinical Hospital Warsaw, Poland
2010 – Endoscopic and Ultrasound Skills Training – HELIOS Klinikum Wuppertal, Germany

Scientific Research & Publications

Dr. Masalaite has authored research in Cancers and Hepatology International. Her studies examine 5-year population-level colorectal cancer screening outcomes. She also researches the impact of hepatitis C on early liver transplant complications. Additionally, her work includes systematic reviews of liver cirrhosis and heart diastolic dysfunction.

The doctor further investigates the adenoma detection rate during screening colonoscopies. She also studies the correlation of alpha-fetoprotein levels with hepatocellular carcinoma lesions. As a result, her research helps improve diagnostic accuracy for liver and colorectal diseases.

Recent Publications

"National colorectal cancer screening program in Lithuania" – Cancers, 2021
"Liver cirrhosis and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction" – World J Gastroenterol, 2019
"Endoscopic ultrasound findings predict the recurrence of esophageal varices" – Scand J Gastroenterol, 2015
"Orthotopic liver transplantation: the first experience in Vilnius" – Ann Transplant, 2010

Professional Development

2023 – Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification, Lithuania
2014–2016 – Hepatology Academy (Berlin, Milan, Paris)
2013 – UEG Course on Dyspepsia and Bloating, Barcelona, Spain
2012 – UEG Trainee Course: Summer School, Prague, Czech Republic
2012 – 2nd UEGF EBM Practice Course, Vienna, Austria
2012 – 9th International TIPS Workshop, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
2011 – 9th IBD Advanced Courses, Dublin, Ireland
2009 – 2nd Course of Clinical Nutrition, Riga, Latvia

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