Category: Press Releases
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AAGL Announces Publication of Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG) Validation Trial
On Thursday, June 18, 2020, the AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists), the premier organization in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery with membership of over 8,000 physicians worldwide, announced publication of study results from a nationwide trial of the AAGL’s Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG). The full manuscript entitled “Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG) Manual Skills Construct Validation Trial” by Dr. Malcolm G. Munro, et al. has been published with open access online in the June 2020 edition of Obstetrics & Gynecology (the Green Journal), the official publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The primary objective of the study was to establish or refute validity for the EMIG Manual Skills Construct by distinguishing novice residents in obstetrics and gynecology (PGY-1) from mid-training residents (PGY-3) during the first 100 days of their training year. Secondary aims included the ability to distinguish “proficient” (ABOG-certified without additional fellowship training) from “expert” practicing surgeons who had completed an accredited two-year fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (FMIGS).
The validation of EMIG skills is the result of a collaboration by the AAGL, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) to develop a system for training in and evaluation of endoscopic surgical skills. EMIG is uniquely applicable to gynecologic trainees and is based upon rigorously applied psychometric principles.
Developed and funded by the AAGL, EMIG is comprised of a validated cognitive examination, an accompanying web-based didactic component that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) for 10 AMA PRA Category 1 credits and a manual skills training and testing platform of hysteroscopic and laparoscopic exercises specific to gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Jubilee Brown, AAGL President, commented that the EMIG project is, “the culmination of over eight years of dedicated work and diligence on the part of so many skilled AAGL members, surgeons and educators.” She continued, “I am just one of a line of former AAGL Presidents who have supported this important work, and it is my honor and privilege to see it completed.” She also thanked ACOG Immediate Past President, Dr. Ted Anderson for his partnership in providing the ACOG Simulation Centers that were used in the skills validation trial. Dr. Anderson remarked: “In addition to basic laparoscopic skills, EMIG assesses cognitive and skills performance in hysteroscopy, which is unique to gynecologic surgery and absent in other surgical skills assessment platforms.” Dr. Brown also acknowledged Dr. Mark B. Woodland, immediate Past CREOG Chair for CREOG’s support throughout the development of this platform, who stated, “As surgical technology evolves, it is imperative to have formative evaluation processes and outcome measures for our gynecology surgeons in training. EMIG presents a validated pelvic simulation platform to assess a surgeon’s progress and technical competency and has the potential to set a new standard in the education of gynecologists.”
For open access of the full manuscript please visit: https://bit.ly/37SG9eV
About AAGL:
AAGL is a professional medical association of endoscopic surgeons and is the global leader in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. AAGL’s mission is to elevate the quality and safety of health care for women through excellence in clinical practice, education, research, innovation, and advocacy. For more information visit https://www.aagl.org.
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AAGL to Host LIVE Webinar on Safe Gynecologic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
AAGL Gynecologic Surgeons host a global webinar on Thursday, April 2, 2020, 3:00 pm PT/6:00 pm ET- to discuss surgical safety practices in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
AAGL frontline surgeons from John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, Louisiana State University Healthcare Network in New Orleans and Amsterdam University Medical Center in the Netherlands will discuss what every gynecologist needs to know about safe surgery and perioperative care during the COVID-19 Pandemic, including: background on the virology principles impacting our healthcare delivery, information about impact of COVID-19 on a surgical setting, methods to mitigate risks and how to nimbly adapt perioperative care during this crisis.
Moderators: Sarah L. Cohen, MD, MPH of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and Amanda Nickels Fader, MD of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland will oversee the discussion and facilitate a question and answer session from physicians listening live from around the world. Faculty include: Robert A. de Leeuw, MD, PhD, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands Stacey A. Scheib, MD, Louisiana State University Healthcare Network, New Orleans, Louisiana, Rebecca L. Stone, MD, MS, John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, David L. Thomas, MD, MPH, John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
“This webinar is slated to be an engaging and informative discussion from leading surgeons on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic.” -Jubilee Brown, MD, AAGL President
This webinar training will be available live on AAGL’s Online Video Platform, SurgeryU. The event is available to the public and registration is complimentary. Visit: https://bit.ly/2UW38iS for more information.
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AAGL is a professional medical association of laparoscopic surgeons and is the global leader in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. AAGL’s mission is to elevate the quality and safety of health care for women through excellence in clinical practice, education, research, innovation and advocacy. The AAGL is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Find out more about the AAGL at: http://www.aagl.org.
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AAGL Hosts Global Webinar Featuring Physicians on the COVID-19 Front Lines
On March 20, AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists), the premier organization in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery with membership of over 7,000 physicians worldwide, hosted a publicly available global webinar for physician to physician discussion of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Crisis.
Front line physicians from China, France, Italy, Korea, Spain and the US gathered live via virtual operations to present their experiences, insights and recommendations. These valuable and unfiltered contributions of each participant come at a vital point in time as the United States and the world gear up to battle COVID-19.
Moderators Jubilee Brown, MD, President of AAGL and Professor at Atrium Health, and Linda D. Bradley, MD, Cleveland Clinic, presided over the critical exchange of information and facilitated questions and answers from physicians listening live from around the world.
The webinar now has over 11,000 views and presented a sobering reality. Dr. Marcello Ceccaroni of Verona, Italy, shared the extreme strain placed on the medical system and staggering loss of life. He stated that Italy is “in the middle of a huge storm and the worst has yet to come”. Dr. Pere Barri from Spain reported that despite a tremendous collaboration between private and public hospitals in Spain, there are not enough ICU beds for the expected number of patients and not enough personal protective measures for doctors. Italy, China, and Spain report that a significant number of doctors are infected and unable to treat patients. Additional contributions echoed the severity and overwhelm of the medical systems in their countries and the demand on doctors of all specialties.
In the United States, Drs. Derek Raghavan and Catherine L. Passaretti of Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina discussed preparations being made by US medical communities and their assessment of a need for more ICU beds and protective gear. From the state of Washington, Dr. Barbara Goff documented the staggering reality of what is happening in Seattle and their preparations for the surge in hospitalizations expected around April 10.
This historical, must-see webinar is available on AAGL’s Online Video Platform – SurgeryU and on the AAGL Facebook page.
Webinar Highlights (3 minutes): https://www.aagl.org/news/covid-19-webinar-highlights/
Full version (120 minutes): https://surgeryu.com/public/covid19###
AAGL is a professional medical association of laparoscopic surgeons and is the global leader in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. AAGL’s mission is to elevate the quality and safety of health care for women through excellence in clinical practice, education, research, innovation, and advocacy. For the last 51 years, the AAGL has created a culture of contribution among its members and facilitated a worldwide exchange of information regarding gynecological breakthroughs and best practices. These trusted, professional relationships and long earned respect for each other’s medical expertise made the formation of this webinar possible. Find out more about the AAGL at: http://www.aagl.org.
For more information please contact Linda Michels, Executive Director, AAGL, at 714-503-6204 or lmichels@aagl.org.
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Call for Comments due 4/27/2020: FDA Draft Guidance Document on Power Morcellators
The following statement was authored by Dr. Jubilee Brown, President of the AAGL, and summarizes the AAGL’s Endorsement of the FDA Draft Guidance Document on Product Labeling for Laparoscopic Power Morcellators. This statement was approved by the AAGL Board of Directors.The AAGL endorses the Draft Guidance Document released today by the FDA on power morcellation. The document can be found here and includes product labeling for laparoscopic power morcellators and provides draft guidance for industry and FDA Staff. This guidance document includes recommended labeling on laparoscopic power morcellators to inform physicians that these devices are: contraindicated in gynecologic surgery in which the tissue to be morcellated is known or suspected to contain malignancy; are contraindicated for removal of uterine tissue containing suspected fibroids in patients who are post-menopausal or over 50 years of age, or candidates for en bloc tissue removal through the vagina or via a mini-laparotomy incision; that the risk of occult cancer increases with age, particularly over age 50; that uncontained power morcellation has been associated with the spread of benign uterine tissue; and that these devices should only be used with a containment system compatible with the laparoscopic power morcellator.
The specification of age-related risk is consistent with scientific data and reflects clinical experience, allowing power morcellation in low risk patients when performed with a containment system compatible with the laparoscopic power morcellator. Utility of a contained tissue extraction system in a low risk population appears to mitigate the risk of poor outcomes that may be associated with uncontained power morcellation.
This updated guidance document and the associated labeling allows physicians and their patients to make informed decisions based on the most current scientific information and provides expanded safe options for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in appropriate, low-risk, screened patients after informed consent.
The AAGL encourages its members to contribute their opinions by submitting electronic comments to the FDA’s Federal register here during the 60-day window. The FDA will consider these responses as they finalize this guidance document.
Jubilee Brown, MD
AAGL President
Issued 2/25/2020
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AAGL Announces “Game of Zones:” Surgeons Learn Subspecialty Techniques as Experts Compete for the Stainless-Steel Throne in Vancouver at the 48th Annual Global Congress
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) presents “Game of Zones,” based on the HBO award-winning drama. Attendees are invited to join the Houses of Laparoscopy as the leaders of three kingdoms battle with surgical technique to gain the ultimate reward: The Stainless-Steel Throne at the 48th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), November 9-13, 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre – West (1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada) in stunning Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Three surgeons subspecializing in urogynecology, neuropelveology, and oncology will demonstrate their expertise and make this information useful to the MIGS surgeon.
This strategy session is set in a fictional medieval world. It places the surgeon in the role of a monarch who will be demonstrating access to and surgical excellence in one of three zones: The Anterior Zone, the Neuropelveology Zone, and the Bowel Zone. Each subspecialty surgeon must use optimal technique to make these dissections relevant to the generalist gynecologic surgeon amid both sound advice and heckling of their advisors and adversaries. The audience are the townspeople who will judge them on their ability to make the subsurgical techniques useful to the generalist gynecologic surgeon. “At AAGL, we are thrilled to embrace the world of ‘gamification.’ This fun method of learning and competition is changing medical education and creating new ways to teach physicians,” said Jubilee Brown, MD, the AAGL’s 2019 Scientific Program Committee Chair and Vice President of AAGL Board of Directors. “Gamification transforms competency-based education and helps learners master core competencies outside of the traditional book and lecture setting. It’s fun, it piques your interest, and it works.”
This session will include three cadaveric dissections lead by Faculty members (subject matter experts): Erinn Myers, MD (Mother of Dragons), Marc Possover, MD (Jon Snow), and Stuart Salfinger, MD (Jaime Lannister). The Mother of Dragons will demonstrate urogynecologic techniques to access the Anterior Zone and show how support procedures may be used by MIGS surgeons when necessary for pelvic prolapse or access the anterior compartment with endometriosis. Jon Snow will use his surgical prowess to demonstrate neuropelveology and make this access and surgery relevant to general minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons. Jaime Lannister will single-handedly demonstrate the essentials of intestinal surgery as required for the generalist in the setting of endometriosis or intestinal injury and repair.
“Every minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon needs to be facile with the techniques in these dissections. This platform takes the demonstration of subspecialty techniques to a new level and presents it in a format most useful for the MIGS surgeon. The format makes it fun and holds your attention.” Three Zones, three Leaders, each competing to win the Stainless-Steel Throne. The goal is to make the dissection relevant to the general gynecologic surgeon while focusing on the details of the dissection at hand. The session will conclude with Questions and Answers followed by the selection of one surgeon who will be crowned the victor and rule the kingdom.
Interview opportunities with Dr. Jubilee Brown are available upon request. For more information, visit 2019.aagl.org.
ABOUT THE AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS ON MIGS:
AAGL’s congress is the premier scientific conference for gynecologic surgeons from around the world, offering the latest education and best practices in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. This year the congress is expected to welcome over 2,000 physicians, both domestic and international, for the collegial 5-day gathering. Additionally, 65 companies will be exhibiting, and 1,000 industry representatives and executives will be in attendance. The AAGL Global Congress is the ideal conference for medical device, technology, innovation, and product launches. For more information on the 2019 AAGL Congress visit https://2019.aagl.orgABOUT THE AAGL:
The AAGL (http://www.aagl.org) is the first, and one of the largest, organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 48 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit http://www.aagl.org.Media Contact:
Annie Rivera
AAGL
714-503-6200 x244
arivera@aagl.org | http://www.aagl.org
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AAGL Hosts Highly Anticipated Telesurgery Sessions in Vancouver at the 48th Annual Global Congress
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) announces it will host a series of telesurgery sessions at the 48th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), November 9-13, 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre – West (1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada) in stunning Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Leading the session is renowned Laparoscopic Colorectal, Gynaecological and Oesophageal cancer surgeon, Shailesh P. Puntambekar, MD, who will demonstrate by video, an intricate laparoscopic uterine harvest followed by a uterine transplant. In May 2017, Dr. Puntambekar made history when he performed a uterus transplant donated by a mother to her daughter, that resulted in the birth of a premature baby girl, the first successful uterine transplant baby born in India and Asia.
During the pre-recorded video presentation, Dr. Puntambekar will demonstrate his technique of uterine transplant utilizing laparoscopy resulting in reduced bleeding in the patient. The presentation will conclude with a step-by-step guide on the transplantation of a uterus, a surgery that Dr. Puntambekar reduced from 20 hours to 3 in duration. “We were able to achieve this due to three reasons,” said Dr. Puntambekar. “We made the procedure more efficient, used laparoscopy for the donor retrieval and our extensive experience of radical hysterectomy helped us with the anatomy.”
Laparoscopic retrieval of the uterus from a donor provides shorter surgical time and lesser morbidities for donor surgery. The patient benefits with improved vascular anastomoses, in turn, reducing chances of rejection. Laparoscopic retrieval helps with better visualization, and replicable steps for all gynecological surgeons. All these benefits aid in quicker recovery of both the donor and patient.
Uterine transplant offers hope to women with Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility (AUFI) and a chance at motherhood. Dr. Puntambekar is now on his 9th transplant resulting in one live birth; two pregnancies and one rejection due to vessel thrombosis after one year. “This procedure will impact the world of gynecological surgery as we know it today. Of all the radical surgeries performed laparoscopically this is just one enormous step forward and will set the precedence for the future.”
AAGL’s congress is the premier scientific conference for gynecologic surgeons from around the world, offering the latest education and best practices in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. This year the congress is expected to welcome over 2,000 physicians, both domestic and international, for the collegial 5-day gathering. Additionally, 65 companies will be exhibiting, and 1,000 industry representatives and executives will be in attendance. The AAGL Global Congress is the ideal conference for medical device, technology, innovation, and product launches. For more information on the 2019 AAGL Congress visit 2019.aagl.org
About the AAGL:
The AAGL (http://www.aagl.org) is the first, and one of the largest, organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 48 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit http://www.aagl.org.
Media Contact:
Annie Rivera
AAGL
714-503-6200 x244
arivera@aagl.org | http://www.aagl.orgFeature quote: “This will impact the world of gynecological surgery as we know it today. Of all the radical surgeries performed laparoscopically this is just one enormous step forward and will set the precedence for the future.”
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AAGL Descends Upon Vancouver for the 48th Annual Global Congress
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) announces the 48th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), November 9-13, 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre – West (1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada) in stunning Vancouver, B.C., Canada. AAGL’s congress is the premier scientific conference for gynecologic surgeons from around the world, offering the latest education and best practices in MIGS. This year the congress is expected to welcome over 2,000 physicians, both domestic and international, for the collegial 5-day gathering. Additionally, 65 companies will be exhibiting, and 1,000 industry representatives and executives will be in attendance, as the AAGL global congress is the ideal conference for medical device, technology, innovation, and product launches.
The theme of “Be a Surgical Multiplier in MIGS: Inspire Brilliance Through Teamwork” is the foundation on which the diverse and talented group of volunteer AAGL members that make up the Scientific Program Committee developed this year’s program. “AAGL is the organizational home where gynecologic surgeons will gain new skills and knowledge and emerge invigorated and ready to be a ‘multiplier’ in the team they lead at home. Friends and knowledge await!” describes Jubilee Brown, MD, the AAGL’s 2019 Scientific Program Committee Chair and Vice President of the AAGL Board of Directors.
The congress begins with two days of more than 30 postgraduate (PG) courses offering CME (continuing medical education) credits. The PG courses include didactics, hands-on simulation labs, and cadaver labs and will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- The “Kurashiki” Method (Advanced Suturing)
- The International School of Surgical Anatomy (ISSA) Principles (Anatomy)
- Retroperitoneum through the Eyes of the Robot (Robotics)
- Decrease Surgical Misadventures (Hysteroscopy)
- Debunking Myths of Myomectomy (Myomectomy)
- Critical Anatomy for the Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeon (Urogynecology)
The next three days are dedicated to high-quality, evidence-based presentations during the 6 Surgical Tutorial Sessions, 4 Panel Sessions, 8 Plenary Sessions, and 5 General Sessions, all of which are CME-approved. Additional non-CME presentations will be offered in 28 Open Communication Sessions, and more than 400 Virtual Poster Sessions. Said Dr. Brown, “This year’s congress will be an amazing learning experience. We’ve got something for everyone.”
As with past AAGL congresses, this year promises to continue in its tradition of delivering stellar educational, inspiring, and entertaining General Sessions. The Opening Ceremony/General Session I includes the Franklin D. Loffer Presidential Address titled “My Journey to Impactful Leadership in Our AAGL: Diversified, Unified, Exemplified” by Marie Fidela Paraiso, MD. General Session II, titled “Multipliers in Action” will be lead by Jordan M. Phillips Keynote Speaker and New York Times best-selling author, Liz Wiseman, followed by a dissection scenario focusing on the operating team approach. General Session III, titled “Far from the Shadow Now, Deep Dissection in Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery” includes sciatic and obturator nerve, sacral roots and femoral nerve, ureter and uterine artery and pelvic autonomic nerves. General Session IV, based on the popular HBO Series, Game of Thrones our version, Game of Zones will include three ‘noble families’ (anterior, neuropelveology and bowel) who will compete for the ‘AAGL throne’. Ending with General Session V, Telesurgery Sessions in uterine harvest, the LANN Technique in pelvic neuroanatomy, bowel-shaving endometriosis, hysteroscopic management of uterine malformations and uterine transplant.
New this year is the Late Breaking Abstract session with the latest in research. Also, attendees can start every morning with yoga lead by gynecologic surgeons who also happen to be certified yoga instructors, Lectures from Around the World where top research from every region will be presented, City and Food Tours, the Casino Royale presidential gala and more. For more information on the 2019 AAGL Congress visit https://2019.aagl.org
About the AAGL:
The AAGL (http://www.aagl.org) is the first and one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 48 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit http://www.aagl.org.
Media Contact:
Annie Rivera
AAGL
714-503-6200 x244
arivera@aagl.org | http://www.aagl.org
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AAGL Honors the Origin, Evolution, and Influence of Radical Hysterectomy
On the 16th of November 1898, in Vienna, Austria, Ernst Wertheim revolutionized gynecological health by performing the first ever Radical Hysterectomy. On the 12th of November 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) will celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Wertheim’s landmark surgical procedure at the opening session of the 47th Annual AAGL Global Congress where Marcello Ceccaroni, MD, will present “120 Years After Radical Hysterectomy: Origin, Evolution, and Influence on Benign Gynecologic Surgery – The Parametrial Revolution.”
“We are in the era of the Parametrial Revolution,” says Dr. Ceccaroni. “This course will celebrate the origin of gynecologic surgery and will demonstrate how rapidly and courageously we have progressed from radical invasive oncological procedures to minimally invasive conservative and creative procedures.”
Since Dr. Wertheim’s discovery, the global medical community has mapped the parametrium (the lymphatic and vascular tissue surrounding the uterus) and has developed its understanding of the anatomy of uterine ligaments allowing for increasingly innovative approaches to gynecological surgery. Beginning with the earliest iteration of the hysterectomy as a drastic treatment for cervical cancer, parametrial surgery has become a benchmark of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). Evolutionary milestones include surgical treatments for deep endometriosis, pelvic nerve stimulation for paraplegic patients, and even a recent laparoscopic womb transplant which led to the birth of the first baby via transplanted uterus.
AAGL’s 47th Global Congress on MIGS is the premier scientific conference for gynecologic surgeons from around the world, offering the latest education and best practices in MIGS. This year the congress is expected to welcome more than 2,000 physicians from across the globe for this collegial five-day gathering, which will feature two days of postgraduate courses offering continuing medical education (CME) credits as well as three full days of high-quality, evidence-based presentations in both CME and non-CME sessions. Additionally, almost 80 companies will be exhibiting, with 1,000 industry representatives and executives in attendance, as the AAGL Global Congress is the ideal conference for medical device and technology innovation and product launches.
About the AAGL:
The AAGL (http://www.aagl.org) is the first and one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 47 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit http://www.aagl.org.
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AAGL Announces First “Late Breaking News” Session at Upcoming 47th Annual Global Congress
AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) is excited to announce that it will present its first “Late Breaking News” session during the upcoming 47th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), November 11-15, 2018 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This session is titled “Where Have All the Devices Gone? Presentation and Panel Discussion: The Evolution of Medical Device Regulation and Litigation,” and will be presented in a special session on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:00am – 9:00am in the Premier Ballroom. It will be followed by the annual Congress’s traditional final General Session of live surgeries broadcast from operating rooms all over the world into the ballroom in high definition via cutting edge telesurgery technology. This year’s international surgical presentations will be performed in Italy, Switzerland, Australia, and Japan, with an additional surgical presentation in Massachusetts.
The “Late Breaking News” session will focus on the “ever-increasing scrutiny” that medical devices, especially those developed for use in the treatment of women’s health, have become subject to in recent years. The session aims to explore the “development of medical device regulation and litigation, starting with the silicone breast implant saga to present day controversies including uterine power morcellators, pelvic floor mesh, the Essure™ device and vaginal rejuvenation.” Panel members will additionally discuss the “impact of traditional and social media on public perception, regulation, and litigation” and how this has potentially created media bias. Further in the area of medical device product liability, the session will aim to explain the “emergence of third-party funding and its effect on mass tort/product liability litigation,” and will look to scrutinize the “disparity between science and the law.” The session will feature lectures on the above topics by panel members and will conclude with a panel discussion titled “Where Do We Go from Here” that will explore the role of the surgeon, the medical device industry, the FDA, the media, professional medical societies and litigators, and a question and answer session.
The addition of this “Late Breaking News” session shows AAGL’s commitment to bringing its members the most current developments in the field of women’s health and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. The panel members will be comprised of physicians from across the country: Dr. Amy Brown and Dr. Bruce Kahn from San Diego, California; Dr. Stacey Scheib from New Orleans, Louisiana; and Dr. Eric Sokol from Stanford, California; and attorney Christopher Campbell, a partner at DLA Piper in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Medical devices used in women’s health are under increasing medico-legal scrutiny and several devices are subject to increasing regulatory oversight or have been/are being removed from the market,” says Dr. Dr. Marie Fidela R. Paraiso, FACOG, FPMRS, the AAGL’s 2018 Scientific Program Committee Chair and Vice President of the AAGL Board of Directors. “Our expert panel will explore this controversy from several perspectives, highlighting recent events and where the future may lie.”
AAGL’s congress is the premier scientific conference for gynecologic surgeons from around the world, offering the latest education and best practices in MIGS. This year the congress is expected to welcome over 2,000 physicians, both domestic and international, for the collegial 5-day gathering, which features 2 days of postgraduate (PG) courses offering CME (continuing medical education) credits and 3 days of high-quality, evidence-based presentations in both CME and non-CME sessions. Additionally, almost 80 companies will be exhibiting, and 1,000 industry representatives and executives will be in attendance, as the AAGL global congress is the ideal conference for medical device and technology innovation and product launches.
About the AAGL:
The AAGL (http://www.aagl.org) is the first and one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 47 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit http://www.aagl.org.
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AAGL Honors its Legacy and Unites for the 47th Annual Global Congress
AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) proudly presents the 47th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), November 11-15, 2018 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Convention Center in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the organization’s 13th visit to the ever-growing oasis in the desert. AAGL’s congress is the premier scientific conference for gynecologic surgeons from around the world, offering the latest education and best practices in MIGS. This year the congress is expected to welcome over 2,000 physicians, both domestic and international, for the collegial 5-day gathering. Additionally, almost 80 companies will be exhibiting, and 1,000 industry representatives and executives will be in attendance, as the AAGL global congress is the ideal conference for medical device and technology innovation and product launches.
The theme/guiding charter of “Honoring Our Legacy as We Unite to Elevate Minimally Invasive Gynecology” is the foundation that the diverse and talented group of volunteer AAGL members that make up the Scientific Program Committee developed this year’s program on. The focus was on “honoring our founding members and the inclusion of many participants, paying particular attention to gender and cultural diversity, scientific and intellectual contributions, and surgical and academic prowess,” as described by Dr. Marie Fidela R. Paraiso, FACOG, FPMRS, the AAGL’s 2018 Scientific Program Committee Chair and Vice President of the AAGL Board of Directors.
The congress begins with 2 days of 28 postgraduate (PG) courses offering CME (continuing medical education) credits. The PG courses include didactics, hands-on simulation labs, and cadaver labs and will cover a wide range of topics, including laparoscopic suturing, with fundamental courses in English and one in Spanish, and the first advanced suturing course using anatomical organ models; the next tier of robotic-assisted surgery; neuropelveology and neurogynecology; and a comprehensive course on the current state of transgender care and the important role of the gynecologic surgery, among several other topics. AAGL will embrace the new AMA (American Medical Association) approved gamification format with an 18-hole “course on the course” golf-themed PG course at the prestigious Las Vegas Country Club titled “Plan and Learn with the Masters: 18 Pearls of Surgical Excellence.” The next 3 days are dedicated to high-quality, evidence-based presentations during the 6 Surgical Tutorial Sessions, 6 Panel Sessions, 8 Plenary Sessions, and 5 General Sessions, all of which are CME-offering. Additional non-CME presentations will be offered in 11 Video Sessions, 17 Open Communication Sessions, and 4 Video and Virtual Poster Sessions. Per Dr. Paraiso, “this year’s congress is sure to be one of the most innovative, academic, and engaging meetings in AAGL’s history.”
The General Sessions of AAGL’s congresses are always hugely educational, inspiring, and entertaining, and this year will be no different. As 2018 marks a milestone in the surgical treatment of gynecologic conditions, a true highlight of the congress will be in General Session 1, titled “120 Years of Radical Hysterectomy: Origin, Evolution, and Influence.” World-renowned surgeon, Dr. Marcello Ceccaroni of Verona, Italy, will moderate this session that will feature simultaneous live interactive cadaveric dissections, showcasing laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and vaginal approaches to radical hysterectomy, emphasizing the specific techniques that apply to benign gynecologic procedures. Other General Sessions will continue the focus from recent congresses on the mentor/mentee relationship with a novel presentation on surgical “coaching”, as well as the artistic skill and efficiency of surgery and the nuances of intraoperative surgical teaching. The very popular “Stump the Professors” session returns for the 7th consecutive year. And the final General Session will close the meeting with the technological marvel of broadcasting live surgeries to the auditorium from operating rooms across the globe.
AAGL is honored to welcome this year’s Jordan M. Phillips Keynote Speaker, Colonel Edward Horvath, MD, a Bronze Star Medal and Legion of Merit honoree from the U.S. Navy, and his presentation titled, “Good Medicine in Bad Places.” The Honorary Co-Chairs are Dr. Stephen L. Corson, a past president of AAGL and former editor-in-chief of its scientific journal, the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (JMIG); and Dr. Anthony Luciano, also a past president of AAGL. Additionally, AAGL will publicly welcome its new incoming Medical Director, Dr. Linda Bradley, an AAGL past president and Vice Chair of the Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, as she accepts the baton from AAGL’s first and long-serving Medical Director, Dr. Franklin D. Loffer.
About the AAGL:
The AAGL (http://www.aagl.org) is the first and one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to gynecologic endoscopic surgery. Founded in 1971, AAGL works to advance the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that afford less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through the integration of clinical practice, research, and innovation. For the past 47 years, the organization has educated the world’s finest surgeons while improving the lives of women everywhere. For more information visit http://www.aagl.org.
Contact:
Michelle Conry
AAGL
714-503-6200 x 238
http://www.aagl.org
