NewsScope

NewsScope
NewsScope
A AG L Ad v a n c i n g M i n i m a l l y I n v a s i v e G y n e c o l o g y Wo r l d w i d e
Vol. 28 No. 1
JAN - MAR 2014
10th AAGL International
Congress on MIS
BARCELONA,
SPAIN
June 5-7, 2014
Hysteroscopic
Sterilization
PAGE 2 & 11
Post-graduate courses offered on June 4th
SEE PAGE 23
Prospective Surgical
Trials in Gynecologic
Cancers
PAGE 5
Laparoscopic Surgery for
Advanced Endometriosis
– Time for Calibration
PAGE 7
Morcellation
Member Update
PAGE 13
New
Member
Benefit
AAGL Expert Talks
– Earn CME Online
SEE PAGE 15
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
1
NewsScope
FOCUS ON AAGL
Are We Listening to Our Patients?
NewsScope
aagl vis io n
The AAGL vision is to serve women
by advancing the safest and most
efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic
techniques that provide less invasive
treatments for gynecologic conditions
through integration of clinical practice,
research, innovation, and dialogue.
e di t o r i a l s t a f f
Managing Editors
Linda Michels
Franklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG
Editorial Staff
Linda J. Bell “Lynn”
Dené Glamuzina
Barbara Hodgson
Lead Graphic Artist
Jennifer Sanchez
boa r d o f t r u s t e e s
President
Ceana H. Nezhat, M.D.
Vice-President
Arnold P. Advincula, M.D.
Secretary-Treasurer
Robert K. Zurawin, M.D.
Immediate Past President
Javier F. Magrina, M.D.
Trustees
Jubilee Brown, M.D.
Francisco Carmona, M.D.
Bernard Chern, M.D.
Pedro Escobar, M.D.
Carlos Fernandez-Ossadey, M.D.
Marie Fidela R. Paraiso, M.D.
James K. Robinson, III, M.D.
Andrew I. Sokol, M.D.
I am sure we hear our patients,
but are we always listening
to what they are saying?
I am afraid that often there
may be a disconnect. This
concern stems from a recent
meeting with some dissatisfied
Dr. Loffer
patients.
Last November, the AAGL
Board was notified that there would be a
demonstration at the 42nd Annual meeting in
Washington by an organized group of patients
who had “a hysteroscopic occlusion sterilization”
procedure, and felt they had or were still having
problems attributable to the implants.
Members of the Board met with these patients
to gain a better understanding of their concerns.
There were several common themes that ran
through their stories:
1. When they shared their symptoms with
the surgeon (who was usually the one who had
inserted the device) they were told the problems
were “not related” to the procedure.
But it sounded like some of their surgeons
were unaware that the symptoms they were
experiencing could be related to the surgery.
In several cases perforations had occurred, and
patients were relieved by removal of the device.
2. Their surgeons did not offer further evaluation
to determine the cause of their complaint.
At a minimum, requesting a second opinion
from another qualified surgeon would have
shown the patients their doctor was interested in
Publisher
AAGL
Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide
6757 Katella Avenue
Cypress, California 90630-5105 USA
Tel 714.503.6200, 800.554.2245
Fax 714.503.6201, 714.503.6202
E-mail: newsscope@aagl.org
Website: www.aagl.org
The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this
publication do not necessarily reflect those of
NewsScope, its editors, and/or the AAGL.
2
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
Franklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG, is the Medical Director
of the AAGL and resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
CONTENTS
Medical Director
Franklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG
Executive Director
Linda Michels
NewsScope [Library of Congress Cataloging in
Publication Data, Main entry under NewsScope, Vol.
28, No. 1; (ISSN 1094–4672) is published quarterly
by the AAGL for ten dollars, paid from members’ dues.
­Periodicals Postage Paid at Cypress, California.
Copyright 2013 AAGL.
helping them find an answer.
3. “The surgeon ignored the request to remove
the implants.”
Possibly the surgeon felt unprepared to perform
this procedure, that it was unnecessary, or that
agreeing to do this would make the surgeon liable
in some fashion. But a referral to someone who
could do this would have been of service to the
patient.
To increase awareness of the possible
complications arising from hysteroscopic
sterilization, please see the article on page 11
summarizing a recent analysis of reported adverse
effects.
We will be adding information to the AAGL
patient awareness website, MISforWomen.com,
advising patients to seek a specialist in Pelvic Pain
when they have such symptoms. If you want to be
identified when patients seek a physician, be sure
your member profile lists you as having a practice
focus in Pelvic Pain.
After listening to the stories these patients told,
there appeared to be a premature judgment on the
surgeon’s part that their symptoms were unrelated
to their surgeries. I encourage you to learn more
so if your patients express these symptoms, you
have a frame of reference for understanding what
may be causing the symptoms.
Listening is different from hearing.
____________________________________________
New
Member
Benefit
Focus on AAGL: Are We Listening Our Patients? .................................................................2
President’s Message: Which Came First – The Patient or the Procedure?
Putting the Patient First .............................................................................................3
SIG – Oncology: Prospective Surgical Trials in Gynecologic Cancers ..............................5
SIG – Reproductive Surgery/Endometriosis: Laparoscopic Surgery for Advanced Endometriosis – Time for Calibration .........................................................................7
Fellowship in MIGS: Make Me A MIG Surgeon Session Provides Roadmap
to Fellowship ............................................................................................................9
Perspective: Safety of Hysteroscopic Sterilization ............................................................11
AMA News: AAGL Appoints Representative to the AMA’s House of Delegates ..............11
AAGL Member Update: Disseminated Leiomyosarcoma with Power Morcellation..........13
SurgeryU: Inspiring Young Minds: AAGL SurgeryU Presents Live Surgical Webcast
at The Congress of Future Medical Leaders ..............................................................15
Education News: AAGL Expert Talks: Allows Surgeons to Earn CME Online .....................15
5th Annual Meeting on Laparoscopic, Robotic and Vaginal Hysterectomy .....................17
New Product Listings .....................................................................................................18
Spotlight on Affiliated Societies: Chapter-Section of Gynecological Endoscopy and
MIS of the Colombian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FECOLSOG) ...........19
Member News: Obituaries ...........................................................................................20
AAGL Thanks Members for RBRVS Contribution..................................20
Welcome New Members ................................................................................................21
International Hosted Meeting: Make Your Plans Now to Join Us This Summer
in the Brilliant City of Barcelona .............................................................................23
NewsScope
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Which Came First – The Patient or the Procedure?
Putting the Patient First
As the current President of
the AAGL, I am delighted
to begin by reporting that
our organization is in
excellent shape with over
7,500 members from a
total of 110 countries. Our
Dr. Nezhat
recent accomplishments
include the establishment
of the AAGL/SRS Fellowship Program, the
launch of SurgeryU, the Center of Excellence
in
Minimally
Invasive
Gynecology
designation, and a development that is near
to my heart, the Essentials in Minimally
Invasive Gynecology (EMIG) assessment
program. These endeavors are clear
indicators of a growing, diverse membership
and a fiscally sound organization. As we
bask in our success, it is time to re-examine
our responsibilities.
During my presidency, I aspire to realize
the dreams of the pioneers who spearheaded
the revolution in modern day surgery.
In order to accomplish this goal, AAGL
surgeons must use our talents and expertise
to improve and expand minimally invasive
gynecologic surgery (MIGS), and to make
ourselves readily available through channels
of “attraction and education.” The success
and physical growth of the society should
not divert us from our main goal – to better
serve our patients.
As physicians we aim to serve others,
to care for those in need. We embrace
minimally invasive surgical techniques
because of the many proven advantages they
provide for our patients, compared to more
traditional approaches. But here is the caveat
– they must be performed properly! Surgical
success is dependent upon the knowledge
and skill of the surgeon, beginning with an
accurate diagnosis and proper selection of
patients, determination of surgical access
route, and especially, recognition of the
surgeon’s own limitations.
Despite the proven advantages of MIGS,
the majority of surgeries are still being
performed using traditional approaches.
Technological advances in this field are
rapidly increasing, requiring trainees and
practicing gynecologists to become proficient
with new instrumentation and new surgical
approaches. Hence, adequate training and
continuing education are crucial for success,
particularly in preventing complications.
Medical schools, residency programs and
fellowship sites all have unique factors
that may or may not allow them to provide
adequate training across the discipline –
from hysteroscopy to vaginal surgery, and
laparoscopy to robotics. The EMIG program
grew from the need to establish mandatory
and standardized education. This is certainly
a step in the right direction, requiring
continued effort and vigilance in order to
achieve and maintain the desired level of
excellence.
MIGS is a revolutionary option for our
patients. It is imperative that proper training
is not only established, but made mandatory,
for the sake of its future and our patients’
outcomes. To receive the proper training,
we turn to the AAGL to realize this mandate.
Warren G. Bennis wrote, “Excellence is a
better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of
the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound
and original insights are to be found only
in studying the exemplary.” The AAGL is an
exemplary organization and its members
must not become complacent.
I challenge all AAGL members to be role
models and exemplary surgeons, defending
and expanding MIGS by mentoring their
colleagues and juniors. We cannot tout the
benefits of MIGS without the assurance that
it is being taught and performed correctly.
AAGL members committed to the vision of
the organization must be held to a higher
standard. Meeting CME hours, having a high
case volume, or being a COEMIG surgeon
is not sufficient. These accomplishments
are irrelevant unless one has received a
higher standard of training to ensure the
patient receives the best minimally invasive
treatment available.
In conclusion, I wish to leave you with a
quote from Shannon L. Alder: “When you
lower the definition of success to such a
level that any person can reach it, you don’t
teach people to have big dreams; instead,
you inspire mediocrity and nurture people’s
inadequacies.”
______________________________________
Ceana H. Nezhat, M.D., FACOG, FACS is President of
AAGL, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Adjunct
Clinical at Stanford University School of Medicine in
Stanford, California; and Fellowship Director at Atlanta
Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery & Reproductive
Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology
Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (EMIG) was developed through a rigorous test development process overseen by
psychometric consultants to assess the knowledge, experience and judgment of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons.
EMIG
Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecology
The EMIG assessment is a two-part, proctored exam that covers cognitive knowledge and manual skills.
• The cognitive component is a timed multiple-choice exam administered via computer. It is designed to test the understanding and application of the essentials of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy with emphasis on clinical judgment and intraoperative decision-making.
• The skills component will assess the psychomotor skills that are unique and vital to minimally invasive surgeons.
Look for information about testing availability later this year. If you want to be the first to find out, register at www.aagl.org/emig
for email notices as we near launching this testing assessment designed specifically for you — surgeons specializing in minimally
invasive gynecology.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
3
NewsScope
S I G: O N C O LO GY
Prospective Surgical Trials in Gynecologic Cancers
Surgical trials are often
difficult to conduct, but
they are necessary to
identify the benefit of a
new technique and to
change the standard of
care. There are a number
Dr. Soliman
of ongoing prospective
trials addressing important aspects of
gynecologic cancer care, including the role
of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and
sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN). This
article serves as an introduction to these
studies as well as an invitation to collaborate.
The ConCerv study is one of several
prospective studies evaluating the role
of conservative surgery in women with
newly diagnosed, early stage cervical
cancer. Retrospective data has shown that
low risk cervical cancer (squamous or
adenocarcinoma (grade 1 or 2), tumors
< 2cm, no lymph-vascular invasion,
and <10mm stromal invasion), may not
require radical hysterectomy as their risk
for parametrial involvement is less than
1%1. Eligible women undergo cold knife
cone or simple hysterectomy and pelvic
lymphadenectomy with SLN. The primary
outcome is safety and feasibility. Other
studies evaluating a similar population
include GOG 278 and the SHAPE trial.
Retrospective studies have shown that
MIS is a safe and feasible approach to
radical hysterectomy and staging for early
stage cervical cancer2. The Laparoscopic
Approach to Cervical Cancer (LACC) trial is
an international phase III, randomized trial
comparing open radical hysterectomy to MIS
with either traditional laparoscopy or robotic
surgery. Patients with Stage IA2-IIA cervical
cancer are eligible. The primary endpoint is
disease free survival.
For women with locally advanced cervix
cancer (Stage IB2-IVA), the role of surgical
staging has yet to be defined. Previous
studies have shown that imaging with PET/
CT cannot accurately predict paraaortic
(PA) lymph node involvement in patients
that have PET positive pelvic nodes3. The
Lymphadenectomy in Locally Advanced
Cervix Study (LiLACS) is a randomized
study in women who have positive pelvic
nodes and negative PA nodes on a pretreatment PET/CT4. Patients are randomized
to laparoscopic extra-peritoneal PA lymph
node dissection, followed by tailored
chemo-radiation versus standard of care
chemo-radiation. The primary endpoints are
disease free and overall survival. A similar
study is being conducted in Europe by the
ARO/AGO (Uterus 11).
“There are a number of
ongoing prospective trials
addressing important aspects
of gynecologic cancer care,
including the role of minimally
invasive surgery (MIS) and
sentinel lymph node biopsy
(SLN).”
For endometrial cancer (EC), there
is continued debate on the role of
lymphadenectomy. Intraoperative findings
(grade, depth of invasion, tumor size)
are often used to help define low risk
women who could potentially forgo
a full lymphadenectomy. Others have
suggested that a SLN could replace a
full lymphadenectomy; however, further
validation studies are needed5. We currently
have a prospective trial evaluating the role
of lymphatic mapping in patients with grade
1 or 2 tumors. Participants undergo SLN
at the time of surgery and a full staging is
performed based on frozen section criteria.
The primary objective of the study is to
evaluate the ability of a panel of molecular
markers to predict recurrence in low risk
patients. Secondary endpoints include
sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative
predictive value of SLN mapping.
Finally, for high risk EC (grade 3, serous,
clear cell, MMMT), we are prospectively
evaluating the role of PET/CT and
SLN. Patients undergo a preoperative
PET/CT, intraoperative SLN, and full
lymphadenectomy up to the renal vessels.
The primary objective is to determine the
false negative rate of PET/CT and/or SLN in
detection of positive nodes.
The role of MIS and SLN are still being
defined in the treatment of gynecologic
cancers. We feel that these trials will further
define this role and hopefully, contribute to
standard practice in the future.
References:
1.Frumovitz, M., et al., Parametrial involvement in radical hysterectomy specimens for women with early stage cervical cancer. Obstet Gynecol, 2009. 114(1): p. 93-9.
2.Soliman, P.T., et al., Radical hysterectomy: a
comparison of surgical approaches after adoption of robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology. Gynecol Oncol, 2011. 123(2): p. 333-6.
3.Ramirez, P.T., et al., Laparoscopic extraperitoneal
para-aortic lymphadenectomy in locally advanced
cervical cancer: a prospective correlation of surgical findings with positron emission tomography/computed
tomography findings. Cancer, 2011. 117(9): p. 1928-
34.
4.Frumovitz, M., et al., Lymphadenectomy in locally
advanced cervical cancer study (LiLACS): Phase III clinical trial comparing surgical with radiologic staging
in patients with stages IB2-IVA cervical cancer. J Minim Invasive Gynecol, 2014. 21(1): p. 3-8.
5.Kim, C.H., et al., Sentinel lymph node mapping with
pathologic ultrastaging: a valuable tool for assessing nodal metastasis in low-grade endometrial cancer with
superficial myoinvasion. Gynecol Oncol, 2013. 131(3): p. 714-9.
__________________________________________________
Pamela T. Soliman, M.D., MPH, is an Associate
Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the MD
Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
This article is presented on behalf of the AAGL’s
Special Interest Group on Oncology.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
5
NewsScope
WOMEN’S HEALTH SOLUTIONS
1 in 5
women suffer
from AUB
1
Is she telling you everything?
Far too many women suffer needlessly because they’re too embarrassed to talk about their heavy periods.
Or feel their childbearing plans — or the fact they are finished — leaves them without options. Encourage her
to talk about her period. Let her know about the minimally invasive solutions from Hologic that could help
improve her life.
To learn more, visit hologic.com.
MyoSure® Tissue Removal System | NovaSure® Endometrial Ablation
1. National Women’s Health Resource Center. Survey of women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Data on file; 2005.
ADS-00957 ©2014 Hologic, Inc. All rights reserved. Hologic, MyoSure and NovaSure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks
of Hologic, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. For specific information on what products are
available for sale in a particular country, please contact your local Hologic representative or email info@hologic.com.
6
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
NewsScope
SIG: R E PRODUCTIVE SU RG E RY/ E N D O M ETR I O S I S
Laparoscopic Surgery for Advanced Endometriosis
– Time for Calibration
Pelvic deep infiltrative
endometriosis (DIE) that
extends into bowel,
ureter, bladder, vagina
and deep pelvis is a
unique condition causing
severe pain symptoms,
Dr. Koh
organ dysfunction, and
subfertility. Controversy exists today about
the timing and extent of excisional surgery to
treat pain, reduce recurrence and promote
fertility, while minimizing morbidity.
While the early 90s saw the pioneering
efforts of various methods of treating
bowel endometriosis in association with
DIE,1,2,3 including our group’s4 inception of
laparoscopic stapled EEA bowel resection
in 1992, the latter was reserved only for
extensive bowel infiltration while partial or
full thickness (disc) resection with suture
repair was employed for smaller lesions.
However, from the late 2000s there was
an explosion of segmental bowel resections
performed for bowel DIE, perhaps coinciding
with the availability of a laparoscopic bowel
surgeon in various centers. This prompted
the current debate of whether bowel
resection is overused in cases where disc
resection may be adequate. At the other
end of the spectrum is the use of ‘shaving’
to incompletely remove bowel lesions as
a surgical philosophy, in order to avoid
entering the bowel lumen.
If we consider the total DIE presence as
the denominator and the surgical excision as
the numerator, there is no way to determine
what fraction of DIE is left untreated from
current publications, and extrapolating the
efficacy of these treatments on pain, fertility
and recurrence without this denominator
is specious. A promising model for
documenting the denominator is the use of
expert TVUS for preoperative mapping, and
even postoperative determination of residual
disease.5
So what do we need to calibrate?
What is needed is a universally agreed
description of presurgical mapping of DIE
documenting the denominator, the bowel/
ureteral/bladder/other treatments performed
as numerator, and description of surgical
rationale, and outcome of surgery stratified
by the numerator/denominator. Surgical
treatment fractions of <1 or >1 can then
be evaluated against short and long-term
outcome.
“Thus pre- and post-operative
scoring should include
gynecological and CPP physical
examination scores as well as
patient reported pain score
instruments.”
Along with this would be a revision of
how we assess pain and its course after
surgery. With the current awareness of CPP
diagnoses coexisting with endometriosis,
and the impact of central, and peripheral
sensitization and depression, the use of
self reported pain as the sole instruments in
assessing efficacy of surgery is confounded.6
Thus pre- and post-operative scoring should
include gynecological and CPP physical
examination scores as well as patient
reported pain score instruments.
Finally the most contentious but
needed calibration – Credentialing of the
Expert Endometriosis Surgeon. The AAGL
Reproductive Surgery/Endometriosis SIG can
lead in this. The requirements would include
the gynecologist’s ability to independently
perform the full spectrum of procedures
encountered in DIE surgery, including
resection and suture repair of bladder,
ureteral, vaginal and bowel endometriosis.
Segmental bowel resection may be with a
general surgeon who only comes in at the
last stage of surgery. Nerve sparing technique
may be relevant.
The primary basis of credentialing would
be evaluation of unedited videotapes by
an expert panel as has been successfully
implemented for Urologists in Japan.7
References:
1.Reich H, McGlynn F, Salvat J. Laparoscopic treatment of cul-de-sac obliteration secondary to retrocervical deep fibrotic endometriosis. J Reprod Med 1991; 36:516–522.
2.Nezhat C, Nezhat F, Pennington E. Laparoscopic treatment of infiltrative rectosigmoid colon and rectovaginal septum endometriosis by the technique of videolaparoscopy and the CO2 laser. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1992;99:664–667.
3.Redwine DB. Aggressive laparoscopic excision of endometriosis of the cul-de-sac and uterosacral ligaments. J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 1997;
4:540–541.
4.Koh CH, Janik GM. The surgical management of deep rectovaginal endometriosis. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2002;14:357–364.
5.Gonçalves MO, Dias JA Jr, Podgaec S, Averbach M, Abrão MS. Transvaginal ultrasound for diagnosis of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet
2009;104(2):156–160.
6.Stratton P, Berkley K, Human Reproduction Update, Vol.17, No.3 pp. 327–346, 2011
7. Matsuda T, Ono Y, Terachi T, et al. The endoscopic
surgical skill qualification system in urological
laparoscopy: a novel system in Japan. J Urol.2006;176:2168-2172.
__________________________________________________
Charles H. Koh, M.D., is Co-Director of
Milwaukee Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also is Chair of the
AAGL’s Special Interest Group on Reproductive
Surgery/Endometriosis.
This article is presented on behalf of the AAGL’s
Special Interest Group on Reproductive Surgery/
Endometriosis.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
7
NewsScope
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM CHAIR
Arnold P. Advincula, M.D.
43rd AAGL
GLOBAL CONGRESS
ON MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY
NOV. 17-21, 2014 | Vancouver, British Columbia
IMPORTANT DATES
Mar 1
Apr 15
Call for Abstracts Opens
Deadline to submit abstract
without payment
Apr 16-30 Deadline to submit abstracts
with payment
May 15
Aug 1
Nov 16
Registration opens
Abstract acceptance emails sent
Last day to pre-register for the meeting
(additional $50 fee applies after this date)
Nov 17-21 43rd AAGL Global Congress on MIGS
Are you traveling to this year's AAGL Global Congress from outside of Canada? Be sure to apply
for your visa and update your passport now so that you're ready to travel to Vancouver in November.
IS YOUR PASSPORT
UP-TO-DATE?
8
OCT - DEC 2013
You can generate an official letter of invitation to the Global Congress automatically on our web site,
which you can use when applying for a visa. Please visit http://www.aagl.org/visaletter
to download your personalized letter of invitation.
www.aagl.org
NewsScope
F E L LOWS H I P I N M I G S
Make Me A MIG Surgeon Session Provides
Roadmap to Fellowship
At the 42nd Annual
AAGL Global Congress
last November, a course
entitled, “Make Me A MIG
Surgeon” debuted, aimed
at providing guidance for
prospective applicants
Dr. Dassel
to the Fellowship in
Minimally Invasive
Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS). The course
consisted of educational overviews of both
the AAGL and the Fellowship, including a
comparison of the laparoscopic educational
experiences between two generations of
laparoscopists, practical tips and tricks for
prospective applicants, and a glimpse into
the future of the Fellowship, the AAGL, and
gynecologic surgery in general.
The session began with a brief, yet
informative overview of the Fellowship and
the AAGL by Fellowship President, Keith
Isaacson. Next, listeners were engaged in
a discussion between Franklin D. Loffer,
Medical Director of the AAGL and pioneer
of its Fellowship program, and Mark Dassel,
a recent FMIGS graduate. Stark differences
in the speakers’ routes of training were
highlighted. Perhaps most notable is the
opportunity to receive training in multiple
minimally invasive techniques with greater
ease and expediency for Fellows who
participate in the FMIGS program.
Following this discussion, Matthew
Siedhoff, a current Fellowship Preceptor, and
Maryam Hadiashar, a current Fellow, outlined
the goals of the Fellowship and AAGL,
offering practical information about the way
the Fellowship application system works,
how Fellows are matched into programs, and
recent advancements made by the Fellowship
and AAGL.
A panel of two current Fellowship
Preceptors, Ted L. Anderson and David H.
Eisenstein, presented their “tips and tricks” to
becoming accepted into the FMIGS program.
In their entertaining presentations, they
discussed which attributes they find most
desirable in a fellowship candidate, as well
as some pitfalls that applicants should avoid.
The course was rounded out with a
presentation from Jessica A. Shepherd, a
former FMIGS Fellow, and Aarathi CholkeriSingh, a current Fellowship Board Member
and Preceptor. These two accomplished
Chicago-based surgeons gave broad
overviews of the future of the AAGL and
FMIGS. In their presentation, they discussed
what skills a graduate can expect to gain
while participating in the FMIGS program,
and presented upcoming initiatives of the
AAGL and the Fellowship. Their presentation
concluded with a look at the Fellowship and
AAGL as a whole, and where we expect to
be in the future within the ever-changing
landscape in the field of medicine.
Immediately following the course, the
speakers spent time meeting applicants and
answering further questions.
Based on brief informal interviews of
the attendees, the program seemed to hit
its mark, providing information to a cadre
of approximately 75 prospective Fellow
candidates. We received many positive
comments, which included appreciation
for the opportunity to learn about the “nuts
and bolts” of the institutions, the application
process, as well as the Fellowship experience
of the speakers. Several attendees expressed
a desire to meet and greet current Fellows,
former Fellows and current Fellowship
Preceptors. As a result, we plan to provide
a more open forum at future events such as
these, to allow participants to speak with
those who are involved in the Fellowship
program in a more intimate atmosphere.
________________________________________
Mark W. Dassel, M.D., is Assistant Professor, Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at the University of Utah
School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah.
3rd Annual “Stump the Professors” Call for Cases
Have You Ever Seen a Case that Stumped You and Your Colleagues or a Case
that was Challenging and Exciting to Manage?
When was the Last Time You Heard, “What an Amazing Case?”
The quest is on for cases relating to women’s health that are intriguing, mind-boggling, and arduous for the next “Stump the Professors”
program. The cases should require thought, attention to potential change in practice and represent the depth and breadth of minimally
invasive gynecology, oncology or urogynecology.
We are currently accepting cases to be considered for the “Stump the Professors” program that will be held during the 43rd AAGL
Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology in Vancouver, BC, November 17-21, 2014. A review panel will choose three cases
that will be presented for discussion at the meeting with each case presenter receiving free registration as well as one night lodging.
Who is eligible?
All AAGL members, nationally
and internationally
Outline:
One-page case summary, including
final diagnosis (750 word MAX).
Submit electronically to:
Art Arellano (aarellano@aagl.org,
714-503-6200)
Include: Name (as to appear on printed materials), contact numbers and email address. Please note that all contact information will
be blinded prior to being reviewed by the review panel. Deadline: August 30, 2014.
Cases should be HIPPA compliant. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Cases must not exceed one-page, 10-point
font, with 1” margins.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
9
NewsScope
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OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
NewsScope
PERSPECTIVE
Safety of Hysteroscopic Sterilization
In recent months
complications related
to Essure hysteroscopic
sterilization have gained
media attention and
online exposure via
women’s social networks.
Dr. Loffer
Al-Safi et al examined
the Manufacturer and
User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE)
database for such events during the ten-year
period 2002-2012 and reported their findings
in the November/December 2013 issue of
JMIG.1
There were 457 reported adverse events,
including events that occurred during the
procedure, symptoms the patient experienced
afterward, and findings diagnosed later. The
incidence and types of these events are
summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Type and frequency of adverse events
related to Essure in the MAUDE database
Description
Frequency
(n. 457)
Pain
47.5%
Delivery catheter malfunction
26.4
Perforation
19.7
Pregnancy
13.3
Abnormal bleeding
9.6
Micro-insert malposition
7.2
Allergic reaction
4.4
Other
5.3
The MAUDE data are not intended to be
used to establish rates of adverse events, but
they are useful for clinicians because they
cover infrequent complications that may not
be published and/or those that may not come
to light until substantial clinical experience
with a device has accrued.
Standard follow-up after an Essure
procedure is hysterosalpingography (HSG) at
three months to document tubal occlusion.
This test and/or patient symptoms prompted
further evaluation and management for
adverse events as summarized in Table 2.
Notably, 30.6% of cases warranted additional
imaging studies and 59.1% of cases required
an additional surgical procedure, including
44 hysterectomies.
Table 2. Evaluation and management of
complications
Description
Frequency (%)
Imaging studies (n. 140)
-- ultrasound..........9.8%
-- CAT scan...........4.8
-- x-ray...................4.8
-- MRI....................0.7
30.6
Surgical procedures (n. 270)
-- Laparoscopy.....28.6%
-- Hysteroscopy...10.3
-- Hysterectomy.... 9.6
-- Laparotemy....... 2.0
-- D&C.................. 1.1
-- Unspecified....... 7.4
59.1
Symptoms, conditions and lessons learned
Pain was the symptom most often reported
(47.5%). Although some postoperative
pain is normal, pain that persists after the
procedure should alert the physician to the
possibility of complications such as improper
placement (7.0%) or perforation (24.9%).
Proper placement of the microinserts may
be affected by such factors as abnormalities
of the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes,
tubal spasm and fluid collection under
the endometrium. Al-Safi et al note that
even in the hands of experienced surgeons,
misplacement, perforation and expulsion of
Essure microinserts can occur, and therefore,
HSG screening may be appropriate earlier
than three months for patients who present
placement challenges.
Twenty-nine of the 61 postoperative
pregnancies were ectopic pregnancies, a fairly
high occurrence that should alert physicians
to consider this possibility in any woman
who becomes pregnant following the Essure
procedure. In 23 of the reported cases of
pregnancy, tubal occlusion was documented
by HSG. This suggests that the results of
the test were misinterpreted and highlights
the importance of physician experience in
interpreting the HSG.
Pain may also signal an allergic reaction,
including hypersensitivity to the nickeltitanium alloy used in the Essure micro-insert,
although itching, nausea, rash and hives
may be more common symptoms. Of the
20 reported cases of allergic reactions in the
MAUDE database, only 4 had been confirmed
by allergy testing. Patient allergies may be
revealed during the preoperative screening
process, and nickel hypersensitivity testing
may be indicated for some patients.
There were 16 reports of concomitant
use of Essure with endometrial ablation
techniques. The most frequent symptom was
pain, which in two cases was severe enough
to warrant hysterectomy. The instructions for
use of the Essure procedure state that it should
not be performed concomitantly with any
endometrial ablation technique.
This review of the MAUDE database
helps not only to alert physicians of possible
complications related to Essure, but also to
place these events in perspective.
References
1. Al-Safi ZA*, Shavell VI, Hobson DTG, Berman
JM, Diamond MP. Analysis of Adverse Events With
Essure Hysteroscopic Sterilization Reported to the
Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience
Database. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2013; 20, 825829.
________________________________________
Franklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG, is the Medical
Director of the AAGL and resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
AMA NEWS
AAGL Appoints Representative to the AMA’s House of Delegates
The AAGL Board of Trustees recently appointed Michael Frumovitz, M.D., MPH as its representative to the American
Medical Association’s House of Delegates. Dr. Frumovitz is a gynecologic oncologist practicing at MD Anderson in
Houston, Texas. He has been a member of the AAGL since 2006, and he was on the Executive Board of the AAGL’s
Oncology Special Interest Group from 2011 to 2013.
The AMA House of Delegates meets twice a year and is an advocate for medicine in the United States. While the AMA
has no direct value to our many international members, it has a clear indirect value since it is a platform for the AAGL to
present issues that affect our efforts to promote minimally invasive surgery.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
11
NewsScope
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12
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OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
www.karlstorz.com
© 2013 KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc.
NewsScope
AAGL MEMBER UPDATE:
DISSEMINATED LEIOMYOSARCOMA WITH POWER MORCELLATION
A recent case of dissemination of an occult uterine leiomyosarcoma in a patient with uterine
fibroids has given rise to a discussion about the use of power morcellators in gynecology.
We understand the concerns that have been raised and we sympathize deeply with those
individuals who have been seriously impacted.
The AAGL is reviewing the scientific evidence and best practices reported by our members
to provide readily accessible, comprehensive information to our members. Look for an
announcement about this in the near future. We recognize that in rare cases the use of
power morcellators can lead to the dissemination of an occult malignancy of endometrial or
myometrial origin, and also of dissemination of benign morcellated tissues. We encourage
our members to fully research and understand the risks of power morcellation and to learn
more about when alternative methods of tissue extraction may be appropriate.
We trust that our members will appreciate that the AAGL is taking a cautious and measured
approach to this serious issue. As the leading medical society for gynecologists who
practice minimally invasive procedures, the AAGL supports current efforts to mitigate and/
or eliminate the potential risks associated with tissue extraction. We are establishing a
task force to examine this issue. We encourage members to submit descriptions of tissue
extraction methods to TissueExtraction@aagl.org.
The AAGL’s primary role is to provide information and training opportunities for our
members. We plan to provide comprehensive education on all methods of tissue extraction
in webinars, NewsScope, SurgeryU, The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, and
hands-on workshops.
Since our founding in 1971, AAGL has been committed to advancing safe minimally
invasive procedures for the benefit of women. We remain committed to this cause and, in
particular, to ensuring the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
13
NewsScope
AAGL
Patient Awareness
MIS forWomen
¶
www.MISforWomen.com
WEBSITE
ACCESS
INFORMATION & VIDEOS
to over 7,500 physicians
through the AAGL Physician
Finder
explaining gynecologic conditions
and minimally invasive surgical
procedures in easy-to-understand
terms
{
MISforWomen.com
to take advantage
ARTICLES
written by our AAGL doctors that
aim to shed light on the many new
MIS options that are available to
women
MISforWomen.com
• Connect with New Patients
• Share Your Physician Profile
• Detailed Information for Your Patients
CAN PATIENTS FIND YOU?
Encourage your
patients to visit
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE TODAY
Get your
MISforWomen
notepads at
aagl.org/notepads
of these great
educational resources
AAGL Members receive a personalized
profile page, which includes a bio,
affiliations, location and photo. Update your
information and photo
by logging in to
www.aagl.org.
Edward F. Shams, M.D.
Louisville, KY 40202
USA
Contact Edward F. Gordon, M.D.
Key Details:
Member of the AAGL since 2/24/1994
Specializes in Gynecology, Urogynecology
Edward F. Shams, M.D. – Biography
Dr. Shams is certified in advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy and he is an international educator of gynecologic endoscopy. He
has published three books on Laparoscopy, Hysteroscopy, and Minimally invasive surgery, respectively. He has published a number of
scientific papers. He serves on the OBGYN.net editorial board and is an ad- hock reviewer for several scientific journals. He has been
a demanded speaker at conferences and courses and he has performed numerous live tele-surgeries world-wide.
(SAMPLE MEMBER PROFILE)
14
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
Proudly wear your
MISforWomen pin to
show your support for
minimally invasive surgery.
Request yours at aagl.org.
NewsScope
SU RG E RYU
Inspiring Young Minds: Live Webcast at the Congress
of Future Medical Leaders Meets with Enthusiasm
and Excitement
On
February
15,
2014, AAGL SurgeryU
presented
a
live
surgical
demonstration
in affiliation with The
National
Academy
of Future Physicians
Dr. Stepanian
and Medical Scientists
(NAFPMS) to 5,000 high
school students that were in attendance for
the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in
Washington, D.C. The NAFPMS was founded
to recognize medical talent at the earliest
possible age and provide students with the
necessary experience and skill acquisition to
take them to the doorstep of vital careers as
physicians, medical scientists, technologists,
engineers and mathematicians.
Dr. Steven Palter was invited to moderate
the hour-long general session that was held
at the D.C. Armory and featured Dr. Charles
Miller performing a robotically-assisted
laparoscopic myomectomy from Advocate
Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge,
IL. The high definition session was viewed
on multiple screens that were 16’ x 25’ in
diameter. Both Drs. Palter and Miller fielded
a myriad of questions from the audience of
students who wanted to know everything
from the qualifications necessary to become
a surgeon, to the benefits and drawbacks to
minimally invasive surgery.
“We are pleased to expand our reach to
inspire these young people who will be the
next generation of surgeons and our future
constituents,” said Linda Michels, Executive
Director of the AAGL. “If we were able to
encourage just a few of the 5,000 assembled
students to consider minimally invasive
gynecology as a career path, then I believe
that it was a worthwhile venture in our
mission of advancing minimally invasive
surgery worldwide.”
______________________________________
Assia A. Stepanian, M.D., is Editor-in-Chief of
SurgeryU. She is also in private practice at the
Academia of Women’s Health and Endoscopic Surgery
in Atlanta, Georgia.
AAGL Expert Talks: Allows
Surgeons to Earn CME Online
New
Member
Benefit
AAGL has launched its new “AAGL Expert Talks” series on AAGL.org. This video series features presentations on minimally invasive
gynecologic surgery by noted experts in the field, and will offer viewers the opportunity to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by
watching the videos and then completing a short post-test. The videos in the AAGL Expert Talks series were captured at the 42nd
AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology last November in Washington, D.C.
AAGL members with membership accounts in good standing will be able to access the videos and apply for CME by going to
AAGL.org and clicking on “AAGL Expert Talks” in the left sidebar. The following courses will be available at launch, with additional
courses added to the web site on a monthly basis:
• Applied Anatomy in Female Pelvic Surgery – Presented by Dr. Andrew I. Brill
• Complications during Radical Gynecological Procedures for Endometriosis – Presented by Dr. Arnaud Wattiez
• Prevention and Management of Laparoscopic Complications – Presented by Dr. Shailesh P. Puntambekar
We hope that our members will take advantage of this great new way to quickly and easily earn Continuing Medical Education
(CME) credits from your home or office! Look for additional courses to become available online in the coming months.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
15
NewsScope
AAGL
CENTER
of
EXCELLENCE
in Minimally Invasive
Gynecology
Congratulations to the Newest COEMIG Designees
Apply for COEMIG at www.surgicalreview.org/coemig/
Berkshire Medical Center
Pittsfield, MA
Daniel Eduardo Barraez-Masroua, MD
Andrew Beckwith, MD
Herbert Kantor, MD
Bon Secour Maryview Medical Center
Portsmouth, VA
Bunan Alnaif, MD
Rachel Delores Lee, MD
Rebecca Thibodeau Khan, MD
Bon Secours St. Francis
Eastside Hospital
Greenville, SC
Brandi Kay Alt, MD
Vanessa Ammen Mazzoli, MD
Everett P. Fuller, MD
David Godwin, MD
David Griffin, MD
Edward Heidtman, MD
Rebecca A. Keith, MD
Todd Robert Lantz, MD
Ralph Edward Lattimore, Jr., MD
Laura LeBel, MD
Fleming Mattox, MD
James Frederick Metherell, MD
John Edwin Nichols, Jr., MD
Tiffany Lynn Rhodes
Harvey Allen Sikes, MD
Matthew Lester Smith, MD
Holy Cross Hospital
Silver Spring, MD
James Barter, MD
Roy Khoury, MD
Randolph Lizardo, MD
Imad Mufarrij, MD
Anita Pillai-Allen, MD
George Anthony Resta, MD
Carla Sandy, MD
Shobha Sikka, MD
Albert Steren, MD
Laurie Tyau, MD
Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills, CA
Larry R. Hess, MD
Longmont United Hospital
Longmont, CO
Amy Johnson, MD
Heather M. Keene, MD
Brian Nelson, MD
Lowell General Hospital
Lowell, MA
Minerva T. Domingo, MD
Nonnie-Marie Lina Estella, MD
William Galvin III, MD
John Cullimore Hughes, MD
Norton Suburban Hospital
Louisville, KY
Nancy Jane Newman, MD
Kenneth Payne, MD
P&S Surgical Hospital
Monroe, LA
William Belsom, MD
P.R. Hall, MD
Laurie R. LeBleu, MD
Dawn W. Pennebaker, MD
Amber Salas, MD
Tonya H. Sheppard, MD
Adrienne M. Williams, MD
Piedmont Medical Center
Rock Hill, SC
Ansley L. Hilton, MD
Joe C. Robinson, MD
Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical
Scottsdale, AZ
Patricia A. Grade, MD
Spotsylvania Regional
Medical Center
Fredericksburg, VA
Allyson Hilliard, MD
Texas Health Arlington
Memorial Hospital
Arlington, TX
R.J. DiLena, MD
Karan R. Moseley, MD
Ignacio Nunez, MD
Angela Watson, MD
West Los Angeles Kaiser Permanente
Los Angeles, CA
Diana J. Friend, MD
Elisa D. Lansdowne, MD
Luciette V. Saad, MD
Tracey N. Sylvester
Woman’s Hospital of Texas
Houston, TX
Nicole Ngoc Tran, MD
16th Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic
Laparoscopic Anatomy & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Including Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
Sponsored by the AAGL Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide
Register online at www.aagl.org/events
May 16-17, 2014
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM CHAIR:
Resad P. Pasic, M.D., Ph.D.
CO-CHAIR:
Arnaud Wattiez, M.D.
LAB DIRECTOR:
Shan M. Biscette, M.D.
16
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
There are a few spots left. Register Today!
Course Overview
This course is designed for gynecologists with advanced laparoscopic skills who wish to expand
their knowledge of retroperitoneal and Space of Retzius anatomy and the various surgeries
performed therein. This extensive two-day course will expose the participants to the knowledge
and expertise of world-renowned laparoscopic surgeons who will guide them through didactics
and hands on cadaveric sessions utilizing unembalmed female cadavers.
No more than three participants are assigned to each cadaver and are 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, preparation for
laparoscopic hysterectomy, uterosacral colposuspension, Burch retro pubic colposuspension
and paravaginal defect repairs through the laparoscopic approach.
Pelvic floor reconstructive procedures will be highlighted during breakout sessions to
accommodate those with a particular interest in furthering their skills in these procedures.
NewsScope
WORKSHOP WRAP-UP
5th Annual Meeting on Laparoscopic, Robotic and
Vaginal Hysterectomy Attracts Attendees from
Around the World
On behalf of the Scientific
Program Co-Chairs,
Drs. Camran and Ceana
Nezhat I wish to thank
each of you who attended
our 5th annual meeting
on Laparoscopic, Robotic
Dr. Nezhat
and Vaginal Hysterectomy,
which took place in New York City, December
5-6, 2013. I would like to extend my deepest
gratitude to the faculty, preceptors and our
industry partners for their dedicated and
tireless efforts to make this year’s meeting
a success. We were delighted to host
participants from 15 different countries in the
stimulating and highly informative scientific
program, which provided an excellent
opportunity for participants to share their
expertise and learn from world leaders in the
field of MIGS.
Just as in previous years, our goal was to
offer a diverse educational experience with
new faculty and topics covering the latest
advances, while maintaining our commitment
to perfecting the art and science of laparoscopic
suturing and knot-tying, to improve patient
outcomes. The scientific program addressed
the fundamentals of laparoscopic and
robotic surgery, as well as current evidence
and recommendations for laparoscopic,
robotic and vaginal hysterectomy. The
program provided a comprehensive update
on techniques and technologies, allowing
participants to determine individualized
educational needs and improve their
surgical skills. The bulk of the curriculum
focused on advanced laparoscopic skill sets,
utilization of innovative energy devices, and
prevention and management of intra and
postoperative complications. Each approach
of hysterectomy was broken down to simple
and reproducible steps.
The hands-on session included suturing
stations with step-by-step instruction in how to
perform extracorporeal knots, intracorporeal
knots, slip knots, and the use of barbed
sutures, as well as stations for different energy
sources and morcellators. This meeting was
unique in that it allowed attendees to use
their own suturing pelvic trainer under the
guidance of a proctor, for up to 5 hours per
day. In addition, attendees had an opportunity
to test-drive the latest da Vinci Robot and
participate in the Mimic simulation exercises.
The Keynote Address was presented by Pam
D’Apuzzo, President of RR Health Strategies,
and recognized industry expert in the area
of coding and compliance. She presented a
comprehensive overview on ICD-10 coding
and its impact on clinical practice, reporting,
and analysis.
One of the highlights of this two-day
meeting was the live surgery webcast.
The procedures were performed by Dr.
Fatih Sendag from Edge University, Izmir,
Turkey, and Dr. Kathy Huang, Director of
Minimally Invasive Gynecology at New York
Hospital Queens, New York. The enthusiastic
response to these surgeries was evident by
the attendance in the general meeting room.
Every seat was taken and a robust discussion
followed both events. I would like to thank
Drs. Sendag and Huang, the moderators
and patients, for making this one of the most
motivating parts of the meeting.
I would also like to thank our Industry
supporters for contributing to the educational
component of the meeting. The hands-on
experience would not have been possible
without their exceptional support and
involvement. We received educational grants
and equipment (in-kind) from the following
companies: 3-Dmed, Blue Endo, CareFusion,
Covidien, Inc., ETHICON, Intuitive Surgical,
Mimic Technologies, Olympus America,
Inc., Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.,
and Richard Wolf Medical Instruments
Corporation. In addition, we had a full exhibit
hall with the following companies present:
3-Dmed, Baxter Biosurgery, Blue Endo,
CooperSurgical, Covidien Inc., ETHICON/
Biosurgery, Hologic, LiNA Medical, Plasma
Surgical, Karl Storz Endoscopy-America,
Inc., SurgiQuest, Teleflex, and Richard Wolf
Medical Instruments Corporation.
The evaluation data indicates that 98%
of the attendees expressed that the course
was helpful in the areas of patient selection,
determining appropriate surgical instruments,
and improving their knowledge of anatomy.
In addition, 90% stated that the course helped
improve their laparoscopic skills and gave
them increased exposure to new innovations.
Half of the participants stated that before this
course, they could not do or needed more
practice with intracorporeal knot tying.
I would like to recognize and thank all
faculty and preceptors for their contribution
to the program’s success. Your expertise
continues to be our most valuable resource.
Special thanks to Linda Michels, Dr. Franklin
Loffer, Art Arellano, Jane Kalert, Lynn Bell,
Roman Bojorquez, Craig Cocca and Gerardo
Galindo for their support, time and effort
in making this a dynamic and effective
educational program. Last, but not least,
I wish to thank my brothers, Camran and
Ceana, whose tireless efforts and commitment
to improving the treatment choices for all
women continue to challenge and inspire
us all.
Although the meeting was only two days
in length, many of the attendees took this
opportunity to stay the weekend and enjoy
the sights and sounds of the holiday season
in New York City.
For those of you who missed the meeting
this year, we encourage you to mark your
calendars now so that you do not miss this
exceptional meeting in 2014!
______________________________________
Farr R. Nezhat, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is a Professor
in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and
Reproductive Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine
at Mount Sinai. He is an Adjunct Professor for the
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive
Medicine at the State University of New York, College
of Medicine. Dr. Nezhat is also Director of Minimally
Invasive Gynecologic & Robotic Surgery, and
Fellowship, Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Luke’s
and Roosevelt Hospitals, Member Hospitals of Mount
Sinai Health System. He is Director of Minimally
Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology at Winthrop University
Hospital in New York, NY.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
17
NewsScope
NEW PRODUCT LISTINGS
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Teleflex
Teleflex is a global provider of medical devices used in critical care and surgery. Today
we strengthen the brand with the new additions to our access portfolio coming from
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Vermillion
Through the discovery, development and commercialization of high-value, multimarker diagnostic tests, Vermillion is dedicated to the advancement of women’s
health by providing innovative methods to detect, monitor, and manage the
treatment of gynecologic cancers. Vermillion’s flagship product, OVA1®, was the
first FDA-cleared multi-biomarker blood test to help physicians assess the probability
that ovarian masses are malignant or benign prior to a planned surgery. Before a
gynecologist removes an ovarian mass, OVA1® can help identify patients at higher
risk of malignancy and for whom specialist involvement is appropriate.
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18
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
NewsScope
S P OT L I G H T O N A F F I L I AT E D S O C I E T I E S
Chapter-Section of Gynecological Endoscopy and MIS
of the Colombian Federation of Obstetrics and
Gynecology (FECOLSOG)
The Chapter of Gynecological Endoscopy
and MIS is organized as a section under
the Colombian Federation of Obstetrics
and Gynecology. They have grown rapidly
and now involve over 35% of Colombian
obstetricians and gynecologists in providing
MIS for their patients.
They have a strong commitment to
education. Their level of expertise in providing
learning experiences has been recognized
by the fact they are one of two finalists for
hosting an AAGL International Meeting.
– Franklin D. Loffer, M.D. is Medical
Director of AAGL
______________________________________
When and how was your society established?
The Chapter-Section of Gynecological
Endoscopy and MIS of the Colombian
Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology
(FECOLSOG) was created in response to
a clear need to recognize a specific area
within the Federation that would include
gynecologists who perform gynecological
endoscopic procedures in the country, and
to encourage the practice of minimally
invasive surgery, following international
advances in the field. The MIS Chapter was
founded on June 7, 2006 during the XXV
FECOLSOG National Congress of Obstetrics
and Gynecology, held in the city of Medellin.
What is your society’s mission statement or
primary goal?
Acknowledging the important role of
minimally invasive surgery, the FECOLSOGMIS Chapter encourages its members to
continue their medical education, gain
access to research, focus on patient safety
and to adhere to a high standard of quality
in their practice.
scientific events endorsed by FECOLSOG
around the country. The MIS Chapter is
also responsible for organizing the National
Endoscopy Meeting every two years. The
next meeting will take place in 2015. Active
members of the MIS Chapter receive free
access to the Colombian National Congress
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which is held
every two years.
Approximately how many members are in
your society?
FECOLSOG
is
comprised
of
Ob/
Gyn specialists in Colombia and has
approximately 2,000 active members.
Currently, there are 735 active members in
the MIS Chapter of Endoscopy. Physicians
are required to become active members of
FECOLSOG before they can join the MIS
Chapter of the society.
What are some of the benefits of
membership?
Active members of the MIS Chapter have
priority and reduced fees for all of the MIS
hapter-Section of Gynecological
C
Endoscopy and MIS of the Colombian
Federation of Obstetrics and
Gynecology (FECOLSOG):
President:
José Duván López-Jaramillo, M.D.
Vice President:
Byron Cardoso, M.D.
Secretary:
Jimmy Castañeda, M.D.
Treasurer:
Rafael Padrón-Burgos, M.D.
Executive Director:
Diana Cuintaco-Gonzalez
The Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
MINIMAL
LY
N
RY
GY
TM
SIVE
VA
IN
FELLO
W
S
The Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic
Surgery (FMIGS), an affiliate of the AAGL and the
Society of Reproductive Surgeons, is sponsoring
Affliliated
fellowships in advanced gynecologic endoscopy. These
with
AAGL
and
fellowships were created with the goal of producing
SRS
EC
a standardized training program. The Fellowship
E
G
OL
R
O GIC SU
in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery actively
encourages applications from postgraduate physicians
aspiring to develop their surgical skills in minimally invasive gynecology.
Educational objectives focus on evidence based medicine, anatomical
P in
HI
principles, instrumentation, operative laparoscopy and operative hysteroscopy.
The Fellowship offers in depth experience using state-of-the-art techniques.
The overall goal of fellowship training in minimally invasive gynecology
is for the graduate to serve as an independent specialist and consultant in
the surgical management and techniques of minimally invasive gynecology
surpassing competence expected at the end of a categorical residency. The
graduate is anticipated to serve as a scholarly and surgical resource for the
community and have the ability to care for patients with complex gynecologic
disease and manage complications using minimally invasive techniques.
IMPORTANT DATES OF THE FELLOWSHIP
PROGRAM
START DATE:
July 1, 2015
APPLICATION
DEADLINE:
July 1, 2014
RANK ORDER LIST
ENTRY OPENS:
August 2014
RANK ORDER LIST
CERTIFICATION DEADLINE:
September 2014
APPLICATIONS
AVAILABLE ONLINE:
February 1, 2014
MATCH OPENS:
June 2014
QUOTA CHANGE
DEADLINE:
September 2014
MATCH DAY:
October 2014
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
19
NewsScope
MEMBER NEWS
Maurice A. Bruhat, M.D. (1934-2014)
Professor Maurice A. Bruhat, who died on February 25, 2014, will always be remembered as one of the great leaders
in the teaching and development of gynecological endoscopic surgery. Until his retirement, he headed one of the
world’s foremost endoscopic centers in Clermont-Ferrand, France. He introduced new techniques in endoscopy to
France and the world, and populated the worldwide gynecologic community with talented surgeons.
Professor Bruhat was an Honorary Member of the AAGL and attended many of its meetings, both in the United States
and Europe. He was instrumental in the formation and growth of the European Society of Gynecological Endoscopy.
All are invited to write a message in the electronic condolence registry at the following address: http://www.esge.org/
home/news/tribute-to-prof-bruhat. Read more at www.AAGL.org/bruhatobit.
Robert S. Neuwirth M.D. (1933-2013)
Friends and colleagues were saddened to learn that Robert S. Neuwirth M.D, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, passed on December 17, 2013. Dr. Neuwirth
graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and did his residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.
He served as chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Luke’s Roosevelt from 1971 to 1991,
and was the first Babcock Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University.
He was a true pioneer of gynecologic endoscopy excelling in both laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. In 1976, he
published the first report of using a urological resectoscope for the removal of submucosal fibroids. He later invented
the balloon endometrial ablation system.
Dr. Neuwirth leaves a legacy of dedication to scholarship, research, teaching, and the excellent and compassionate
care for patients. His obituary in the New York Times quoted Alan DeCherney and others, who described him as “a
modest man who was not inclined to professional networking or self-promotion.” He was a true gentleman.
AAGL Thanks Members for RBRVS Contribution
In November, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology asked the AAGL to enlist its members in completing important surveys
required to update the RBRVS (Resource Based Relative Value Scale) for laparoscopic hysterectomies. This was an extremely important
assignment and the results will be used to benefit members living in the United States. On behalf of the AAGL, we would like to thank the
14 members below, that participated in completing more than 8 hours of surveys.
Ted Anderson, M.D.
Radwan Asaad, M.D.
Jose Carugno, M.D.
Brian Day, M.D.
Donald DeBrakeleer, M.D.
Tiffany Jackson, M.D.
Bilal Kaaki, M.D.
Bruce Kahn, M.D.
Stephanie Morris, M.D.
Mona Orady, M.D.
Michael Patriarco, M.D.
Leonard Rosen, M.D.
Kimberly Swan, M.D.
AAGL Career Scope
Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide
Are you looking for a new job in minimally invasive gynecology, or are you looking to take
your career to the next level? AAGL members can access AAGL CareerScope as a benefit
of their membership through our web site at AAGL.org to access hundreds of positions
in MIG surgery. The CareerScope job board is updated several times per day as new
positions are added to the jobs database. Additionally we offer members the opportunity
to post jobs to CareerScope to attract surgeons from our highly qualified membership
to their practice. To access CareerScope, visit AAGL.org and enter your member ID and
password at the top of the screen. Once you are logged in, you will see CareerScope in the
left side bar of the web site.
20
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
If you have questions or
comments regarding the
CareerScope, please
contact Craig Cocca,
Interactive Services Manager,
at ccocca@aagl.org
NewsScope
MEMBER NEWS
Welcome New Members
December 1, 2013 – February 28, 2014
Suleiman Abuanzeh, M.D.
Aroti Achari, M.D.
Rebecca Adami, M.D.
Brandi N Adams, M.D.
Deepika Aggarwal
Sangeeta Agnihotri, MBBS
Elizabeth O. Alabi, M.D.
Roa Alammari, MBBS
Serene Alexander, M.D.
Ebtisam M. Alfaid, M.D.
Clatyon Aldon Alfonso, M.D.
Jennifer B. Allen, M.D.
Martin Augustus Allen, M.D.
Sarah Allen, M.D.
Allessa Danielle Allison, M.D.
Matthew Jay Allred, D.O.
Ana Gloria Alonso Mejia, M.D.
Elham Altaf, M.D.
Hannah Brotzman Anastasio, M.D.
Ana Marie Antonetti, M.D.
Kelsey Arbogast, M.D.
Ryan Christopher Arnold, M.D.
Jordan Alexis Arora, M.D.
Yitzhack Asulin, M.D.
Andrew Cyril Awadalla, M.D.
Divya Awasthi, M.S., DNB
Burghardt Babbel, Ph.D., MRCOG
Nitu Bajekal, M.D., FRCOG
Tieneka Baker, M.D.
Kimberly Barrett, M.D.
Megan Rebecca Barrett, M.D.
Dina Bastawros, M.D.
Priya Batra, M.D.
Erleine Bautista, M.D.
Patricia Beauzile, M.D.
Andrea Sue Benton, M.D.
Benjamin Beran, M.D.
Alexander Berger, M.D. M.P.H.
Jill Berkin, M.D.
Paula Bidder
Yachun Bie, M.D.
Kathleen Mae Bochardt, M.D.
Nicholas Bodenheimer, D.O.
Helen Bolton, M.D.
Helen Boothman
Alcides C. Bracho Ch, M.D.
Naima Bridges, M.D. MPH
Crystal Aja Brogan, M.D.
Elena Brown, M.D.
Karen Browning, M.D.
Lucie Buck
Angela Busletta, B.Sc., M.D.
Emmary Butler, M.D.
Kristina Ashley Butler, M.D.
Rebeca Caban, M.D.
Ricardo Carranza Ortega, M.D.
Eugenio Castillo Huerta, M.D.
Olivia Chang, M.D., MPH
Brandon Yufan Chen, M.D.
Jessica Carol Cherry, D.O.
Diana Cholakian, M.D.
Veena Choubey, M.D.
Michelle Chu, M.D.
Grace Chung, M.D.
Bogdan Cioata, M.D.
Gaynor Clayson, M.D.
Lauren Patterson Cobb, M.D.
Brendan Collins, D.O.
Fiona Connell, M.D.
Shannon Connole, D.O.
Elizabeth Stephens Constance, M.D.
Jennifer Conti, M.D.
Christina Cordeiro, M.D.
Teresa Danielle Cothern, M.D.
Amy T. Cruz, M.D.
John M. Csokmay, III, M.D.
Scott Curtis, M.D.
Elise Marie Dalton, M.D.
Daniel De Los Heros, M.D.
Laura Emily Dean, MD
Robert Louis DeBernardo, Jr., M.D.
Roberto Del Rio Rosales, M.D.
Stephanie Delvo, M.D.
Meghan Desale, M.D.
Jessica M. Detrick, D.O.
Hemikaa Devakumar, M.D.
Yves-Richard Dole, M.D.
Carmen Doom, M.D.
Marieli Dosso, M.D.
Shannon Snook Dralla, M.D.
Sonia Dutta, M.D.
Laura K. Eastep, M.D.
Jennifer Eggebroten, M.D.
Jenna B. Emerson, M.D.
Eki Emovon, MBBS, MRCOG
Paula Espino, M.D.
Islam Mohamed Fahmi, M.D.
Amy Falcone-Wharton, M.D.
Melinda Ann Frame, M.D.
Seifi Farinaz, M.D.
Alberto Ferriani, M.D.
Jocelyn Fitzgerald, M.D.
William Fletcher, M.D.
Marco Antonio Flores Miranda, M.D.
Erin L. Fortenberry, M.D.
Cynthia Fountain, M.D.
Alexandra Holly Freeman, M.D.
Naomi Fridhandler, M.D.
Heather Fryer
Lise Colette Gagnon, M.D.
Arcelia Galvan Garcia, M.D.
Meera S. Garcia, M.D.
Jose Eduardo Garcia Correa, M.D.
Becken Leonardo Garcia Zalapa, M.D.
Ferando Garibay Oropeza, M.D.
Katherine Garvey, M.D.
Sicily Garvin, M.D.
Kristin Marie Gattuso, D.O.
Stéphanie Gaulin, M.D.
Roopan Gill, M.D.
Akira William Gillingham, M.D.
Jennifer Gleason, PA-C
Kristin Gold, M.D.
Jose Gonzalez Macedo, M.D.
Jose Inez Gonzalez Tapia, M.D.
Husnu Gorgen, M.D.
Artur Gosturani, M.D.
Robert R. Gould, M.D.
Robert Graebe, M.D.
Jessica Greenblatt, M.D.
Meredith K. Grey, M.D.
Frances Grimstad, M.D.
Reinou Groen, M.D.
Amy Gueye, M.D.
Karina Haber, M.D.
Jennifer Hallock, M.D.
Trisha Halvorsen, M.D.
Vanessa Han, M.D.
Erin Hecker, M.D.
Brooke High, D.O.
David W. Hobson, M.D.
Rafik Laurent Hodeib, D.O.
Kellye Arianna Hoffman, M.D.,
FACOG
Dana Lester Homer, III, M.D.
Margaret C. Howe, M.D.
Gwang-Yi Hwang, M.D.
Kayla Ireland, M.D.
Rasim Iriskic, M.D.
George Iskander, M.D.
Joseph Iskaros, MRCOG
Abraham Jacobo Jacobo, M.D.
Brenda P. Jacobs, M.D.
Karl Jallad, M.D.
Eduardo Leon Jaramillo, M.D.
Sarah Jarrell, M.D.
Alexandra Jen, M.D.
Cathy Jones, M.D.
Christopher Lee Jones, M.D.
Michael Reesal Jones, M.D.,
FACOG
Dipa Joshi, M.D.
Lance Justice, D.O.
Freshta Kakar, D.O.
Ali Kalay, Jr., M.D.
Liliana Adaku Kanu, M.D.
Regina Kaplan, M.D.
Bradley L. Kasavana, D.O.
Narmada Katakam
Madhurima Krishna Keerthy, M.D.
Carolyn Kenney, D.O.
Matthew J. King, M.D.
Shelby Kleweis, M.D.
Peter Klippenstein, M.D.
Miranda Knight-Brown, M.D.
Martha B. Kole, M.D.
Diana Sophia Kolettis, M.D.
Kerry E. Krauss, M.D.
Deniz Kulaksiz, M.D.
Katherine Kurnit, M.D.
Anne Ladenburger, M.D.
Jasmine Lai, M.D.
Sarah Lamoreaux, M.D.
Katherine (Kat) Latimer, M.D.
Eileen Yeelam Lau, M.D.
LaKesha Yolanda Lawrence, M.D.,
FACOG
Joohyun Lee, M.D.
Rebecca Lee, M.D.
Georgia Mary Lefas, M.D.
Jovana Lekovich, M.D.
Pippa Letchworth
Shannon Leveridge, M.D.
Erin I. Lewis, M.D.
Adolfo Leyva Lopez, M.D.
Adrienne Ligouri, M.D.
Chou Phay Lim, BM
Amy K Lindgren, M.D., Ph.D.
Abigial R. Litwiller, M.D.
Jenny Litwin, M.D.
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
21
NewsScope
MEMBER NEWS
Welcome New Members (Continued)
December 1, 2013 – February 28, 2014
Prashanti Logeswaran, M.D.
Mindyn Longinotti, M.D., FACOG
Jose A. Lopez, PA
Jose Hilario Cardenas Lopez, Jr., M.D.
Fangxian Lu, M.D.
Chatburn Luke, M.D.
Elizabeth Lunsford, M.D.
Mary Ma, M.D.
Kristi Ann Kozola Maas, M.D.
Erin MacLellan, M.D.
Hailey MacNear, M.D.
Jaclyn Lauren Madar, M.D.
Obianuju Sandra MaduekeLaveaux, M.D.
Katherine Maillou
Stephen Martin, M.D.
Leslie Badra Masiky, M.D.
Mary Masotti, M.D.
Richard Edward Mayerchak, M.D.
Stephanie Christina Mayes, M.D.,
FACOG
Erik C. Mazur, M.D.
Elizabeth McCarrell, M.D.
Katherine W. McHugh, M.D.
Connette Pearl McMahon, M.D.,
FACOG
Erin McNulty, M.D.
Carroll A. Medeiros, M.D.
Maria Lucia Medina
Ariel Rachelle Mendlowitz, M.D.
Juan Manuel Mendoza Avila, M.D.
Virginia Mensah, M.D.
Abbey Merryman, M.D.
Erin Meschter, M.D.
Laura Daniela Michelis, M.D.
Magued Mikhail
Amanda Miles, M.D.
Devin Tatcher Miller, M.D.
Elizabeth Kaitlyn Mize, M.D.
Susan Colleen Mobley, M.D.
Emily Mohebali, M.D.
Martha Anice Andrea Monson, M.D.
Denise J. Montagnino, D.O.
Kiersten Moreno, M.D.
Christopher Brooks Morse, M.D.
Susan Mueller, M.D.
Hiba Mustafa, M.D.
Claudia Naber, M.D.
Marvin Najjar, M.D.
Maryam Nasr, M.D.
22
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
Shriddha Nayak, M.D.
Tahereh Nazari, M.D.
Maiuyen Thi Nguyen, M.D.
Gregory Scott Nichols, D.O.
Tara D. Nielsen, D.O.
Lindsay Raye Nordwald, M.D.
Mariah North, M.D.
Melica Nourmoussavi, M.D.
Isabel Ochoa Arreola, M.D.
Deirdre O’Connor, M.D.
Kjerstin Oglebay, M.D.
Pamela Oliver, M.D.
Micaela O’Neil-Callahan, M.D.
Cheryl Onwuchuruba, M.D.
Paulina Magdalena Osial, M.D.
Lauren Owens, M.D.
Bryan Alcides Pablo, M.D.
Michelle Pacis, M.D.
Ana Maria Pagan, M.D.
Sarah M. Page-Ramsey, M.D.
Marguerite Palisoul, M.D.
Apurva Pancholy, M.D.
Jessica Parrott, M.D.
Nita Patel, M.D.
Jay Ram Patibandla, M.D.
Latoya Cherry Patterson, MD
Jennifer H. Peng, M.D.
Jane Elizabeth Perrini
Janelle Perrone, M.D.
Sigrid Vingerhagen Pethick, M.D.
Saurabh Phadnis
Spencer Edmond Pierson, M.D.
Veronica Maria Pimentel, M.D.
Aaron P. Pink, M.D.
Sheena Plamoottil, M.D.
Kenneth Poppen, D.O.
Travis Joseph Powell, M.D.
Eve Preus, M.D.
Sarah Pucillo, M.D.
Rebecca Pugh
Shawn Quinlan, M.D.
Amir Reza Radjabi, M.D.
ruxandra radu-radulescu, M.D.
Monique Rainford, M.D.
Sanjay M. Ramchandani, M.D.
Amanda Ramos, M.D.
Jose David Ramos, M.D.
Nina Resetkova, M.D.
Rebecca Rich, M.D.
Leopoldo Rio De La Loza Cava, M.D.
Elizabeth Mae Roberts, M.D.
Carlos Rodriguez-Ortiz, M.D.
Emily Roemer, M.D.
Rina Roginsky, M.D.
Kristin Emilia Rojas, M.D.
Matthew Peter Romagano, D.O.
Brianne Dela Rama Romeroso, M.D.
Christine B. Ross, M.D., Ph.D.
Michelle Ross
Jennifer Rowland, M.D.
Natasha N. Rushing, M.D.
Sharman Maurissa Russell, M.D.
Erika Ruud, M.D.
Timothy Ryntz, M.D.
Mary Sabatini, M.D., Ph.D.
James David Saint John, M.D.
Christina Salazar, M.D.
Deborah Sasges, M.D.
Sarah Ann Scattolon, M.D.
Jessica Schechtman, D.O.
Jennifer Schuchmann, M.D.
Sara Seifert, M.D.
Farinaz Seifi, M.D.
Nidhi Shandil
Anthony Shanks, M.D.
Julia Shaw, M.D.
Alison Shea, M.D., Ph.D
Suzanna Shears-Hutt, M.D.
Katherine Shepherd, D.O.
Deborah Shin, M.D.
Andrea Simpson, M.D.
Paul Simpson
Lauren Slater, M.D.
Rebecca Smith
Anna Soendker, M.D.
Karla Nyreen Solheim, M.D.
Todd J. Stanhope, M.D.
Linda Ann Starace-Colabella, M.D.
Kayvahn Pierce Steck-Bayat, M.D.
Jenna Marie Steffen, M.D.
Jordan Stevens, M.D.
James Ryan Stewart, D.O.
Katherine Stewart, M.D.
Nicole Stornelli, M.D.
Claudine Storness-Bliss, M.D.
Mallory Stuparich, M.D.
Monica Sulliman, M.D.
Aya Sultan, M.D., Ph.D, FACOG
Martina Sunderland
Lauren Sundheimer, M.D., MS
Alexander Swanton, M.D., MRCOG
Lori Sweitzer, D.O.
Sharon Sykes
Lily Meiyu Tan, M.D.
Steven Jay Tanner, D.O.
Meltem Tekelioglu, M.D
Amy Teng, M.D.
Flora F. Teng, M.D.
Lawrence Tiglao, M.D.
Stewart B. Tolar, M.D.
Shih Wei Tsai, M.D.
Jill Tseng, M.D.
Berendena (Dena) Vander Tuig, M.D.
Monique Shenette Turner, D.O.
Kimberly Tustison, M.D.
Kristin Ashley Van Heertum, M.D.
Jenny Leigh Van Winkle, M.D.
Hugo Vazquez, M.D.
Jennifer Clair Villavicencio, M.D.
Julie Vircks, D.O.
Kristin Wadsworth, M.D.
Chantel Washington, M.D.
Abby Jo Watson, M.D.
Jessica Weddington, M.D.
Jennifer Weidner, M.D.
Julie Weigandt, M.D.
Melissa Weinrobe, M.D.
Clarissa J. Weiss, M.D.
Melinda Weiss, D.O.
Ellerie Weissbrot, M.D.
John Welsh, M.D.
Erica Weston, M.D.
Nicola C. White, M.D.
Michele Wickert, M.D.
Morgan Bernard Wolfe, Jr., M.D.
Samantha Robyn Wong, M.D.
Irene Woo, M.D.
Julie Anne Wood, M.D.
Karen M. Wood, M.D.
Jillian Woodruff, M.D., FACOG
Emily Wu, M.D.
John Wu, M.D.
Lauren Zakarin, M.D.
Cindy Zhang, M.D.
NewsScope
I N T E R N AT I O N A L H O S T E D M E E T I N G
Make Your Plans Now to Join Us This Summer
in the Brilliant City of Barcelona
As President of the
Organizing Committee
f o r t h e 1 0 t h A AG L
International Congress
on Minimally Invasive
Gynecology to be held at
the Hotel Barcelo Sants in
Dr. Carmona
Barcelona, Spain on June
4-7, 2014, I encourage all
AAGL members to join us for this very special
congress to be held in one of the most exciting
cities in the world.
Under the theme “Join to Scope for
Women’s Health,” the Scientific Committee
has developed a comprehensive program
populated with international expert faculty.
Pre-congress workshops have been planned
for Wednesday, June 4th and continuing on
Thursday, June 5th covering topics such as:
Surgical Anatomy, Practical Laparoscopy and
Hysteroscopy, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy,
Hysteroscopic Sterilization and Robotics.
The Congress opens Thursday afternoon,
June 5th with three major lectures on The
Future of Gynecologic Laparoscopy, an
Endometriosis Session and Complications.
We will open each day of the congress with
live surgery that will be broadcast from the
Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. We are pleased
that in addition to the scientific sessions on
Benign Pathology, Extreme Laparoscopy,
Oncology, Endometriosis, Hysteroscopy,
Pelvic Pain, Clinical Research and Training
we have also received a healthy response to
the Call for Papers and we look forward to
sharing these presentations with all of you.
The entire meeting will be housed at the
Hotel Barcelo Sants, located in the Sants
Railway Station. Known as the “best
connected hotel in the city”, the Sants offers
direct access to the AVE and Barcelona metro
and train stations. If you fly into the El Prat
International Airport, you will simply jump on
a train and arrive at the hotel in 15 minutes. In
addition to its convenient location, the hotel
recently underwent a major remodel and
re-opened its doors to a more modern, avant
garde image. There are 364 “Orbital Rooms”
that feature large windows with spectacular
city views. The hotel has been described as
a space station offering all of the necessary
services to enjoy an outer space trip.
Barcelona has a dynamic and open
personality so typical of Mediterranean
cities. It is a perfect walking city and the
cradle to many cultures as evidenced by its
fascinating history. No matter what your
interests, this city will satisfy you. From
our magnificent cathedrals to our cafes on
the beach, Barcelona has something for
everyone and with the meeting in summer,
we encourage you to bring your families and
extend your stay. I am certain that you will
fall in love with Barcelona and all that it has
to offer. To make your stay more interesting,
we have engaged BarcelonaTurisme (www.
barcelonaturisme.com) to assist you with
your activities.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to attend
a rich educational congress in the brilliant city
of Barcelona.
______________________________________
Francisco Carmona, M.D. is President of
the Organizing Committee for the 10th AAGL
International Congress on Minimally Invasive
Gynecology and a member of the AAGL Board of
Trustees. He practices at the Institut Clinic de
Gynecologia, Obstetrica I Neonatalogia, Hospital
Clinic de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
For more information regarding the educational program and tours, please go to www.aaglbarcelona2014.com
OCT - DEC 2013
www.aagl.org
23
NewsScope
PERIODICALS
6757 Katella Avenue
Cypress, California 90630-5105
Tel 714.503.6200 Fax 714.503.6201
E-mail newsscope@aagl.org • Web site www.aagl.org
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CYPRESS, CA
EDUCATION CALENDAR
The following educational meetings are sponsored, endorsed or acknowledged by the AAGL.
Educational Workshops
April 18-20, 2014
AAGL Regional Meeting on
Minimally Invasive Gynecology
Scientific Program Chair: Professor Zhiqing Liang
Chongqing, China
April 30-May 4, 2014
X. Turkish German Gynecology Congress
Scientific Program Chairs: Cihat Unlu & Peter Mallmann
Titanic Deluxe Hotel
Belek, Turkey
May 1-4, 2014
XVI Congreso Internacional de la Federación
Mexicana de Endoscopía Ginecológica
Scientific Program Chair: José M. Mojarra Estrada
Huatulco, Oaxaca Mexico
November 17-21, 2014
43rd AAGL Global Congress on
Minimally Invasive Gynecology
Scientific Program Chair: Arnold P. Advincula
Vancouver Convention Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia
June 4-7, 2014
10th AAGL International Congress on Minimally
Invasive Gynecology in partnership with the
Spanish Gynaecological and Obstetrics Society
(Gynaecological Endoscopy Section)
Scientific Program Chair: Francisco Carmona Herrera
Barcelona, Spain
May 15-17, 2014
13th Surgical Masters Course in Total
Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Advanced
Laparoscopic & Oncologic Procedures
Scientific Program Chair: Kate O’Hanlan
The Palace Hotel | San Francisco, California
May 16-17, 2014
16th Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic
Laparoscopic Anatomy & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Including Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
Scientific Program Chair: Resad P. Pasic
University of Louisville | Louisville, Kentucky
June 12-14, 2014
Hysterectomy and Managing Complications in
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Scientific Program Chair: Bernard Chern
Academia, SGH Campus | Singapore
AAGL Annual Meetings
November 15-19, 2015
44th AAGL Annual Global Congress on
Minimally Invasive Gynecology
MGM Grand Hotel | Las Vegas, Nevada
AAGL International Hosted Meetings
June 15-19, 2015
11th AAGL International Congress on Minimally
Invasive Gynecology in partnership with the
Israel Society of Gynecological Endoscopy
Scientific Program Chair: Moty Pansky
Jerusalem, Israel
June 25, 2014
Masters Series in Gynecology: A Case-Based
Review of Cervical Cancer Screening & Colposcopic
Evaluation
Scientific Program Chair: Michael Nimaroff
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research – Goldman
International Conference Center
Manhasset, New York
September 22, 2014
Benign Abdominal Surgery
Joint RCOG/BSGE Meeting
Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
London, England
November 14-18, 2016
45th AAGL Annual Global Congress on
Minimally Invasive Gynecology
Rosen Shingle Creek | Orlando, Florida
June 2-5, 2016
12th AAGL International Congress on Minimally
Invasive Gynecology in partnership with the Indian
Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists
Scientific Program Chair: Prakash Trivedi
Renaissance Convention Center & Hotel
Mumbai, India