AGES_INTL
AGES-Conservative Surgical Management for Rectal Muscularis Endometriosis
 

Chairs: Michael Wynn-Williams
Faculty: Emma Readman, Samantha S. Mooney, Danny Chou, Naomi Holbeach
 

Description: This 60-minute panel, hosted by the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society, brings together leading experts from Australia and New Zealand to explore the latest in conservative surgical management of deep infiltrating rectal muscularis endometriosis. Emphasising the importance of preserving bowel function and improving patient outcomes, this session highlights the evolution of minimally invasive techniques, the adoption of emerging technologies, and the development of innovative frameworks for surgical progress.
The session begins with a welcome from Chair Dr. Michael Wynn-Williams, President of AGES, who sets the scene for a lively and forward-looking discussion. Associate Professor Emma Readman kicks off the panel with a key review of the evidence comparing conservative and radical surgical options for rectal muscularis endometriosis. Her talk highlights the need for personalised care, weighing symptom relief against the risks of complications and long-term functional outcomes.
Dr Sam Mooney provides a practical overview of traditional laparoscopic discoid resection techniques. Through operative video demonstrations, she illustrates the technical nuances of rectal shaving and mechanical disk resection—procedures that remain fundamental in conservative surgical management. These techniques are assessed in terms of efficacy, safety, and their suitability in various clinical scenarios.
Dr Danny Chou then introduces the Sydney Shave Technique, a novel and highly targeted approach that applies Laparoscopic Reverse Submucosal Dissection (LRSD) principles to the excision of rectal muscularis endometriosis. This technique marks a significant advancement in conservative surgery, allowing precise lesion removal while preserving rectal integrity and minimising postoperative morbidity. Dr Chou’s presentation includes surgical footage and technical insights, giving attendees a detailed understanding of this innovative method.
Dr Naomi Holbeach concludes the panel with a broader perspective on surgical innovation. Using the Sydney Shave Technique as a case study, she presents a structured framework for the safe and effective introduction of new surgical procedures. Her framework emphasises clinical governance, reproducibility, and outcome monitoring, providing a clear guide for integrating innovation into routine practice while ensuring patient safety and maintaining high standards.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:
Examine the evidence for conducting conservative versus radical surgery for symptomatic rectal endometriosis;
Review conventional conservative methods for minimally invasive rectal endometriosis resection, featuring a video of rectal shaving and mechanical disk resection;
Introduce the innovative Sydney Shave technique for the resection of rectal muscularis endometriosis, which employs Laparoscopic Reverse Submucosal Dissection (LRSD) principles; and
Explore a new framework for introducing novel surgical techniques, using the Sydney Shave technique as a model.
Course Outline
11:00 AM Welcome, Introduction and Course Overview
M. Wynn-Williams
11:05 AM Evidence for a Conservative Versus Radical Approach to Rectal Muscularis Endometriosis
E. Readman
11:16 AM Traditional Laparoscopic Rectal Discoid Resection Approaches for Rectal Muscularis Endometriosis
S. Mooney
11:27 AM The Sydney Shave Technique - An Innovative Conservative Approach to Rectal Muscularis Endometriosis
D. Chou
11:38 AM Surgical Innovation - A Framework for Change
N. Holbeach
11:49 AM Discussion Questions & Answers
12:00 PM Adjourn