SLS MEMBERS DO AMAZING THINGS

Advanced Laparoscopic Suturing-for the Gynecologist, Urologist, and General and Robotic Surgeon

Description: Participants will learn the uses and limitations of laparoscopic suturing. Suturing with two hands ipsilaterally allows the needle to operate in the sagittal plane, while permitting a restful and relaxed attitude of the elbows, forearms and hands. This course equips all attendees with improved suturing skills and insight into applications during surgery.

Objectives: Course participants will be better able to understand ergonomics, theory and rationale for reproducible and efficient laparoscopic suturing; learn port positions, instruments and tips to minimize fulcrum and maximize efficiency, perform interrupted suturing, continuous suturing, cinch knotting; apply learned skills in relevant surgical situations across specialties; and the prevention and management of bowel, bladder and ureteral complications by appropriate suture repair. A pre-test and post-test will demonstrate improvement in skills.

The Pain Challenge: Achieving Optimal Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Surgery

This comprehensive session that would include:

1. Pain Physiology and Anatomy: A foundational review.
2. Postoperative Pain Management: Exploring both opioid and non-opioid pathways.
3. Refractory Pain: Addressing what to do when standard management fails, including a discussion on other potential pain generators (musculoskeletal, neurological, and nociplastic).
4. Interventional Procedures: An overview of postoperative pain management blocks and Trigger Point Injections (TPI).

Endometriosis: A Multidisciplinary Disease Requiring Multidisciplinary Management

Description: Endometriosis frequently requires advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical management involving multiple pelvic organ systems. Successful minimally invasive outcomes depend on precise preoperative imaging, strategic surgical planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration. This SLS Master Class will provide surgeons with a structured, evidence-based approach to integrating targeted ultrasound and MRI into preoperative planning for complex endometriosis cases. The course will emphasize how imaging guides robotic and laparoscopic surgical technique selection, team assembly, and intraoperative decision-making to optimize outcomes while maintaining minimally invasive standards.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this SLS Master Class, participants will be able to: Interpret advanced pelvic ultrasound and MRI findings relevant to minimally invasive endometriosis surgery. Use imaging to anticipate surgical complexity and select appropriate laparoscopic or robotic techniques. Coordinate multidisciplinary surgical care for bowel, bladder, ureteral, and diaphragmatic disease. Match preoperative imaging findings to specific surgical approaches and instruments. Conduct structured postoperative debriefings to improve imaging interpretation and surgical planning.

Nuts & Bolts of Professional Practice: What They Didn’t Teach You in Medical School

This program is designed for students, residents, fellows and others interested and will discuss: employment and contracts, non-compete agreements, and malpractice insurance, how to write and review scientific papers, grants and grant writing, coaching/mentoring, career advancement.