880: Suturing in the Vertical Zone

Saturday, November 14, 2026
9:15 am - 12:15 pm

Room: EXHALL-D1

Chairs: Charles Koh, Grace M. Janik

Faculty:

Description: Proficiency in suturing is mandatory for competence in advanced operative laparoscopy. The strength of the “Vertical Zone” algorithm is the applicability to real suturing in the pelvis, where most organs require transverse closure. Ergonomics associated with the “two hands on the same side” for operating reduce physical strain on the operator, while being the most efficient technique for operating and suturing.

The progressive algorithm in the “Vertical Zone” has been taught and tested over many years in national and international courses. The pre-test and post-test results have consistently shown that over 90% of the participants who attend this course achieve tying an intracorporeal knot in less than 3 minutes.

Attendees will learn to apply suturing in cases including TLH vault closure, colposuspension, sacrocolpopexy, Burch, myomectomy, bowel, bladder, ureteral repair in endometriosis surgery and complications.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the ergonomics, theory, and rationale for reproducible laparoscopic suturing;
2. apply the skills learned relevant to gynecologic surgery, with incremental progression;
3. apply skills acquired to management of bowel, bladder, and ureteral complications by appropriate suture repair; and
4. demonstrate measurable improvement in laparoscopic suturing during the course pre- and post-test.