This workshop begins with a discussion of laparoscopic instrumentation, suturing techniques, and energy sources. Pelvic trainers will be used extensively to demonstrate and practice laparoscopic instrumentation and suturing. Hands-on experience with energy sources will allow participants to compare various modalities.  Each participant will have an opportunity to perform a simulated laparoscopic myomectomy.

Using unembalmed female cadavers to create a realistic surgical setting, the second day provides a hands-on review of female pelvic anatomy and the principles of dissection. Techniques of laparoscopic hysterectomy will be presented in the hands-on cadaver lab.

This course will provide a comprehensive update on techniques and technologies that will allow the gynecologic surgeon to determine individualized educational needs and implement developing surgical skills.  The bulk of the curriculum will focus on advanced laparoscopic skill sets, utilization of innovative energy devices, and managing laparoscopic complications. 

In order to create the best possible learning environment and afford each participant maximum hands-on time, class-size is limited to 30 participants and each laboratory station will be assigned only three participants. The hands-on labs will be instructed and moderated by experienced faculty currently using these devices and techniques in their practices. Industry representatives will also be on-site to answer technical questions related to their specific instrumentation and equipment. Ample time will be allowed for questions and interaction with workshop faculty.

Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for Gynecologic Physicians, Residents and Physician Assistants seeking laparoscopic training for gynecologic procedures.

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

•Select appropriate instrumentation for use in laparoscopic surgery, including energy sources, which will improve patient outcomes, specifically including patient safety, by improving surgical efficiency and decreasing the risks of complications.

•Perform laparoscopic suturing and extracorporeal knot tying on a pelvic trainer, which, when extended to patient care will improve surgical efficiency, and decrease the likelihood of converting laparoscopic procedures to laparotomy.

•Identify the uterosacral ligaments and surgical layers of the pelvic sidewall on a cadaver model. Demonstrating understanding of this anatomy will improve surgical efficiency and significantly decrease the likelihood of surgical complications, as well as enhance recognition of complications and their management.

•Discuss the indications and contraindications for gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, as well as the appropriateness of laparoscopic operations in comparison to traditional surgery, including risks and complications. Surgeons who transition to more minimally invasive procedures will increase patient satisfaction and decrease costs.

•Perform laparoscopic hysterectomy on a cadaver model. When transitioning this technique to patients, the surgeon will enhance patient outcomes, decrease length of stay and cost, and increase patient satisfaction.

Note: Successful completion of this educational activity is not recognized as certifying competence for performance of these procedures by most credentialing bodies. Privileges and ascertaining skill level are the responsibility of your local hospital and/or licensing authority.

DAY ONE - FRIDAY

      7:30 am     Sign-In and Breakfast Refreshments

      8:00 am     Course Overview

      8:15 am     Laparoscopic Energy Sources

      9:15 am     Laparoscopic Suturing Techniques

    10:15 am    Laparoscopic Management of the Adnexal Mass

    11:15 am    Q&A

    11:30 am    Break to collect lunch and return to the classroom for working lunch

    11:45 am    Lunch with Video Presentation

      1:00 pm    Hands-On Pelvic Trainer Lab

                          Session A: Laparoscopic Skills, Suturing and Knot-tying

                          Session B: Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Porcine Bladder

     2:30 pm     Refreshment Break

     2:45 pm     Hands-On Pelvic Trainer Lab (continued)

     4:15 pm     Adjourn

                         Daily Max CME Credits: 7.75

DAY TWO - SATURDAY

      7:45 am     Sign-In and Breakfast Refreshments

      8:00 am     Daily Overview

      8:15 am     Laparoscopic Anatomy/Retroperitoneal Dissection

      9:00 am     Hands-On Cadaver Lab

                          Dissection of Pelvic Sidewall and Developing Retroperitoneal Spaces

   11:00 am     Management of Laparoscopic Complications

   11:45 am     Lunch Break

   12:45 pm     Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

     1:45 pm     Hands-On Cadaver Lab

                          Laparoscopic Hysterectomy & Advanced Procedures

     4:00 pm     Q&A with Refreshments

     4:15 pm     Coding

     5:00 pm     Adjourn

                           Daily Max CME Credits: 8.00

Times & lecture titles are subject to change.

Instructors have been selected for their outstanding teaching abilities and extensive surgical experience with the procedures and techniques that will be presented at this conference.

Conference Director
M. Jonathon Solnik, MD – Director, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery; Assistant Residency Program Director, Dept of Ob/Gyn, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Assistant Clinical Professor, Dept of Ob/Gyn, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)

Scientific Chair
G. Bernard Taylor, MD - Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery, Pelvic Health Institute, Carolina Urology Partners (Charlotte, NC)

Additional Conference Faculty
Malcolm Munro, MD – Professor, Dept of Ob/Gyn, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Director, Gynecologic Services, Kaiser-Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA)

Resad Paya Pasic, MD - Director, Section of Operative Gynecologic Endoscopy; Co-Director, Fellowship in Advanced Gynecologic Endoscopy; Professor, Dept of Ob/Gyn and Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine (Louisville, KY)

Craig J. Sobolewski, MD - Assistant Clinical Professor; Chief, Division of Gynecologic Specialties; Director, Endoscopic Surgery Education, Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC)

Faculty Disclosure
Course faculty are required to disclose any financial interests, arrangements or affiliations with any company producing health care goods or services, consumed by or used on patients. It is not assumed that these financial interests or affiliations will have an adverse impact on faculty presentations; they are simply provided to fully inform participants. Faculty financial disclosures are on file at Innovations in Medical Education & Training and full disclosure of faculty relationships will be made at the conference.

The CME Planning Committee makes every effort to resolve any potential conflicts of interest for all individuals involved in the planning and implementation of this CME activity.   The content of this CME activity was planned to be balanced, objective, and scientifically rigorous. Occasionally, faculty may express opinions that represent their own viewpoint. Conclusions drawn by participants should be derived from objective analysis of scientific data.  If any presentation includes discussion of off-label or investigational use of a commercial product, therapy or medical device, full disclosure will be made at the conference.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas & Elements of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Medical Innovations & Training Institute and Innovations in Medical Education & Training. Innovations in Medical Education & Trainingis accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Innovations in Medical Education & Training designates this live activity for a maximum of 15.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

(October 2011 Workshop) The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has assigned 16 cognate credits to this program.

(September 2012 Workshop) Cognates have been applied for from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists program.

Note: Successful completion of this educational activity is not recognized as certifying competence for performance of these procedures by most credentialing bodies. Privileges and ascertaining skill level are the responsibility of your local hospital and/or licensing authority.

Standard Registration Fee:  $2495 USD

Early Bird Registration Fee: $1995 USD - Register by Early Bird Deadline & SAVE $500 (Promo Code: EARLYBIRD)

Resident/Physician Assistant Fee:  $1595 USD - Proof of Resident status required (Promo Code: RESIDENT)

Your registration payment entitles you to participation in all lecture and lab sessions and scheduled meals.  Syllabus materials will be provided on a reusable USB Flash Drive only (with slide presentations in PDF format) in order to lessen our environmental impact and reduce paper waste.

Registration Policies: Payment in full is required to guarantee your space in this workshop. Registrations are processed on a first-come/first-served basis and confirmation will be sent upon receipt of paid registration. All fees are quoted and payable in US dollars.  Payment by check must be drawn on a US bank. It is recommended that you do not book airline tickets until you receive email confirmation of your registration. Registration deadline is indicated above. Registrations received after this date will be accepted only on a space-available basis.

Refunds/Cancellations: All cancellations and requests for refunds must be received in writing no later than 3 weeks prior to course start date. Cancellations received by this deadline will be refunded less a cancellation fee of $150. No refunds will be issued after this date. Should unforeseen circumstances cause the cancellation of this course, all registrants will be notified and reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule the event as soon as possible.

Comprehensive education includes a knowledge and awareness of the medical devices and products necessary to perform the procedures presented at this course. Several of the technologies discussed in the lecture sessions will be utilized in the hands-on labs. The real-life surgical setting of this unique educational experience is made possible, in part, through technology donations from the medical device industry.

This activity may be supported, in part, by educational grants from commercial sources.   Any grants received will be disclosed to the participants according to the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support. All grants are provided with the understanding that the supporter will not exert any influence on the content or educational development of this activity as a condition of the gift; nor will they take, or have taken any role in the selection of topics, speakers, or audience for this activity.

This activity is for educational purposes and not for the purpose of promoting any product.   Promotional activities will not be allowed in the meeting room and this activity will be presented with objectivity and balance.

Some of the companies supporting this activity mayl have representatives on hand to answer questions you may have related to their therapies, products, and/or technology. We encourage you to talk with these representatives during the scheduled break sessions to obtain information that can be a valuable resource to your practice.

All participants must complete an on-line course evaluation at the conclusion of this CME activity.  This information is reviewed by the CME Planning Committee and is used to modify/improve the content of future installments of this CME activity.  Participants are asked to identify the changes they intend to make in their clinical practice as a result of their participation in this CME activity. Three to six months following the activity, participants will be surveyed to verify whether or not such changes have taken place (if not, why not), and what impact, if any, such changes have had on their patient care.  This additional feedback allows us to tailor future CME activities to meet any remaining educational gaps the learners may have related to the content of this activity. 

Click here to access the on-line course evaluation for the October 22-23, 2011 workshop.

At the conclusion of the September 21-22, 2012 course, a link to the on-line course evaluation will be available here.

All conference sessions will be held at Medical Innovations & Training Institute (MITI), 1534 W. Warm Springs Road, Henderson, NV 89014. 

Recommended Hotel

Conference attendees receive a discount off the Best Available Rate at the following hotel.  Mention Promo Code MITI when making your reservation.

Green Valley Ranch Resort (20% discount)

5.5 miles from the conference site

2300 Paseo Verde Parkway Henderson, NV 89052

For reservations, call (702) 617-7777 or visit www.greenvalleyranchresort.com. Be sure to mention/enter promo code MITI.

Transportation to the conference site will be provided for conference attendees staying at Green Valley Ranch Resort.  If you plan to use the transportation provided by IMET, please contact our office prior to the conference to let us know, so we can make appropriate arrangements for pick up.

Local Airport

McCarran International Airport (LAS)

For assistance with air travel, we recommend Main Street Travel - Phone: 732-828-8800; E-Mail:  john@mainstreettravel.net

Ground Transportation from the Airport

Taxis are available at the airport outside of the baggage claim area. The approximate fare from the airport to Green Valley Ranch Resort is $35.

Complimentary service is available from the airport to Green Valley Ranch Resort on a set schedule.  For details on shuttle service to Green Valley Ranch, call (702) 617-7777.

Visitor Information

Visit www.visitlasvegas.com

Conference Attire

Please wear scrubs or other comfortable clothing. Thermostats in the lab rooms are kept at 65° F. Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures may vary drastically from room to room.

Seasonal Weather

September Averages – High 94°F/Low 71°F