This course is designed for gynecologists who desire to advance their laparoscopic skills. This extensive two-day course will expose the participants to the knowledge and expertise of CBGF trained laparoscopic surgeons, who will guide them through didactics and hands-on laparoscopic suturing and cadaveric sessions.

No more than three participants are assigned to each cadaver, and s/he is closely supervised by experienced faculty instructors. Each participant will have the opportunity to operate, assist, and observe in a rotational format to optimize their learning experience and suturing technique. The course will focus on demonstration of pelvic sidewall dissection, localization of the ureter and retroperitoneal blood vessels, preparation for laparoscopic hysterectomy, and laparoscopic resection of endometriosis. We will also focus on pelvic floor reconstruction procedures concomitant to laparoscopic hysterectomy.

At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to: 1) Appraise skills learned to relevant pelvic anatomy and apply them to surgery including laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and pelvic floor surgery; 2) Apply skills learned to pelvic sidewall dissection and illustrate retroperitoneal structures; 3) Explain the ergonomics, theory, and rationale for reproducible laparoscopic suturing; 4) Demonstrate measurable improvement in laparoscopic suturing skills and apply principles of laparoscopic suturing to fresh cadaver tissue; and 5) Identify risk factors for laparoscopic complications and manage treatment of such.

This course is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AAGL designates this live activity for a maximum of 16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.