Will you be at AAGL 2014? Here's a preview

The 43rd annual AAGL Global Congress on minimally invasive gynecology takes place November 17–21, 2014, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

In recognition of recent issues and controversies in gynecologic surgery (ie, the use of robotics, electromechanical morcellation), the theme of this year’s scientific program is “setting new standards in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through knowledge and innovation.” The scientific program chair is Arnold P. Advincula, MD.

A live interactive cadaveric demonstration called “Tackling Controversies and Optimizing Tissue Extraction in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery with Best Practice Techniques” will be held on Tuesday from 4:45 to 6 pm. The session will be an overview of the concerns about open power morcellation and an introduction to alternative tissue extraction techniques.

The Women Surgeons’ Breakfast, scheduled for 6:30 to 7:45 on Wednesday morning and open to all attendees for a fee of $50, is called “Have You Got That Inner Glow?” It will be hosted by Dr. Quyen Nguyen, who will discuss how a molecular marker can make tumors light up, showing surgeons exactly where to cut.

L to R: Ceana H. Nezhat, MD, FACOG, FACS, AAGL President; Linda Michels, AAGL Executive Director; Arnold P. Advincula, MD, FACOG, FACS, 2014 Scientific Program Chair and AAGL Vice President

A new feature of this year’s conference is “Stainless Steel Surgeon,” AAGL’s version of the television show “Iron Chef.” Three master surgeons will present their techniques for a secret procedure that will not be announced until the day of the event. The surgeons will have 30 minutes to perform portions of their procedures on cadavers in an operating theater (aka the “Surgical Stadium”) set up in the convention center. Judges will decide who used the best, most effective approach (whether laparoscopic, robotic, or vaginal) and name the winner the Stainless Steel Surgeon. The face-off will take place on Thursday from 7:50 to 9:30 am.

“The theme of AAGL’s 43rd Global Congress is ‘Setting New Standards in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery through Knowledge and Innovation’” said Dr. Advincula.

“Many new elements have been incorporated into this year’s meeting to both educate and inspire attendees with an impressive roster of esteemed faculty from all over the world. A common thread throughout all of these courses will be an emphasis on the fundamentals of minimally invasive surgery.”

On the exhibit floor, be sure to visit the Contemporary OB/GYN booth (number 842). Deputy Editor Dr. Jon I. Einarsson and Product Review Editor Dr. James Greenberg will be at the booth on Wednesday, November 19th at 2:30 to meet readers. 

For more information and to register, visit aagl.org/globalcongress.