SAGES Annual Meeting Program

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Video Loop Lounge (Non-CME)

Accepted Video Abstracts
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Scientific Session: New Technologies / Techniques (Non-CME)

Scientific Session: Education / Simulation Quickshot

Scientific Session: Bariatric Quickshot

Scientific Session: Colorectal 1

Scientific Session: Abdominal Wall Quickshot

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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SAGES Military Surgical Symposium: Perspectives from a Global Humanitarian Crisis

Session Chairs: Eric Ahnfeldt, Tamara Whorlton & Andrew Schlussel

In light of the many global disasters resulting in humanitarian crisis, surgeons have had to take a leading role in the management of these disasters.  Whether massive earthquakes in Haiti, intensive care units with COVID patients, or bombings and mass evacuations in Afghanistan, surgeons play a key part in both the care rendered and the conduct of these efforts.  This session will familiarize surgeons to the technical operative demands, critical thinking, and strategies that have been hard learned lessons from those on the front lines.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify what skills are necessary to provide care in demanding atmospheres that accompany crisis.
• Develop a plan to improve one’s resilience to crisis and to accomplish what’s necessary under extreme pressure.
• Solve complex problem sets with limited information and utilize non-standard methods to provide quality care.

9:00   AM               Introduction

9:10   AM               General Surgery Presentations

10:10 AM               Break

10:25 AM               Trauma/Critical Care Presentations

11:25 AM               Break

11:50 AM               Research Competition Awards Ceremony

12:35 PM               Lunch

1:35   PM               HKIA to DC the Largest Evacuation by Air in History Panel

2:35   PM               Q&A

3:00   PM               Closing Remarks

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101 Ways to Repair an Umbilical Hernia

Session Chairs: Rebecca Petersen & Abhisek Parmar

This session will provide technical options for the practicing surgeon to address umbilical hernias in a multitude of scenarios. Discussion during this session will be applicable to general, acute care, and minimally invasive surgeons with the aim of optimizing and individualizing care for the patient with umbilical hernia.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Appraise technical approaches and options for the treatment of umbilical hernia.
• Recognize the need for specific approaches and alternative adjuncts to repair alone (ie, plication of rectus diastasis, management of cirrhotic patients).
• Illustrate options for repair in specific scenarios.

9:00   AM               So for Your Next Repair… Hernia as a Chronic Disease

9:12   AM               Into the Great Wide Open: Open Umbilical Hernia Repair Techniques

9:24   AM               Stuck in the Middle with You: MIS Preperitoneal Repair vs IPOM

9:36   AM               Mind the Gap: Addressing Diastasis Recti at the Time of Umbilical Hernia Repair

9:48   AM               Highway to the Danger Zone…. It is Not Just an Umbilical Hernia in a High Risk Patient

10:00 AM               Panel Q&A

10:10 AM               Case Scenarios

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AI in Surgery (Non-CME)

Session Chairs: Ozanan Meireles & Elizabeth Raskin

It is undeniable that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be an integral part of surgery and healthcare in general. This session is designed by surgeons for surgeons, to introduce us to AI basics and beyond. Surgeons in all practice settings will find immense value in the informative talks given by academic experts and industry leaders. Attending the entire session from beginning to end will keep you up to date on how our lives as surgeons will be altered and improved due to AI innovations.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Introduce artificial intelligence basic concepts and its current applications in medicine and surgery to the practicing physician.
• Provide a thorough overview of the AI disruptive possibilities that might change the way surgery will be practiced in the near future.

9:00   AM               Opening Remarks

9:05   AM               Introduction to AI – Basic Concepts, and AI’s Relevance in Healthcare

9:20   AM               Natural Language Processing – Current and Future Applications in Healthcare

9:35   AM               Computer Vision in Surgery

9:50   AM               Current and Future Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Training

10:05 AM               Current Applications of AI in Surgery

10:20 AM               Ethics and AI – Bias and Accountability (Human vs Machine)

10:35 AM               Break

10:45 AM               DATA Governance – Surgical AI Regulations, Policies and Oversight

11:00 AM               Surgical Video Annotation

11:15 AM               SAGES Critical View of Safety Challenge

11:30 AM               Panel Q&A

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Controversies in Pediatric Bariatric Surgery

Session Chairs: Janey Pratt & Brandon Williams         

Opportunity to come to the entire session or the first or second part:  Part one:  Reason, type and timing of pediatric bariatric surgery.  Come learn everything you need to know about pediatric bariatric surgery –  Current data, best age to operate, and which operation is best in children.  What is the long term data in children and adolescents? 10 minute lectures followed by a lively panel to debate these pressing questions. Part two: Disparities, drugs and setting up a comprehensive pediatric obesity treatment program.  The future of treating obesity is prevention, so preventing children from growing up with obesity may have the most effect on the obesity pandemic.  But not all children have access to care, and how will medications help us improve outcomes.  Finally, it’s not that hard to build a pediatric obesity treatment center – all you need is a bariatric surgeon willing to work with a pediatrician and access to a hospital that treats children.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the appropriate pediatric patients who will benefit from pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the disparities in pediatric obesity care and management.
• Recognize the pressing need to treat obesity in childhood and the need for more comprehensive obesity centers.

9:00   AM               What Does the Data Show? – Risks and Benefits of Bariatric Surgery in Children

9:10   AM               How Young is Too Young? 

9:20   AM               Which Operation is Best in Children?

9:30   AM               Panel One: Why, Who, and Which Operation?

9:45   AM               How Do We Address Disparities in the Treatment of Pediatric Obesity?

9:55   AM               Weight Loss Medications in Pediatric Obesity – Before or After Bariatric Surgery?

10:05 AM               How Do I Start a Program? MBSAQIP Standards

10:15 AM               Panel Two: How You Can Help – Starting a Pediatric Obesity Treatment Center

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Pearls and Perils For Same Day Discharge in Colorectal Surgery

Session Chairs: Elisabeth McLemore & Lawrence Lee

Same Day Discharge (SDD) following colorectal surgery is a rapidly evolving next step in the advancement of enhanced recovery after surgery programs.  This session will help attendees identify readiness or gaps in the current ERAS program and readiness to proceed with SDD.  Participants will learn more about patient selection for safe SDD, evolving surgical technique associated with successful SDD, surrogates for post operative monitoring, and identify the new advances in SDD ERAS Programs that are associated with the highest safety and success with SDD.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Implement a new and validated metric for measuring PO tolerance and gastrointestinal recovery assessment following GI surgery (iFEED Score).
• Identify gaps in their current ERAS programs including intra-operative and post-operative interventions and strategies.
• Appraise the utility of SDD in their own individual practice.

9:00   AM               Discharge Criteria Re-Defined: How your current ERAS Program Will Need to Evolve in preparation for SDD

9:08   AM               Why Bother? I’m Comfortable with My ERAS Program               

9:16   AM               Surgical Techniques You Need in Order to Be Successful with SDD

9:24   AM               Same Day Discharge is Not for Everyone – Patient, Surgeon, & Facility Selection Considerations

9:36   AM               Surrogates for Post-operative Hospitalization Monitoring

9:44   AM               ERAS ‘Must Haves’ Prior to Implementation of Same Day Discharge Following Colorectal Surgery

9:52   AM               ERAS ‘PEARLS’: Advanced Elements in ERAS Protocols That are Required for Same Day Discharge Following CRS

10:00 AM               Pitfalls / Barriers to Same Day Discharge Implementation

10:08 AM               Panel Discussion & Audience Polling

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Educating the Surgeon in Practice

Session Chairs: John Mellinger & Caprice Greenberg

This session will focus on the critical issue of lifelong learning and the continuing education of surgeons in practice.  Speakers will provide updates on optimal strategies for maintaining as well as adding to the practicing surgeon’s cognitive foundation, technical skills, and non-technical skills.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify optimal and evidence-based strategies the practicing surgeon might use for maintaining a current working knowledge of their field.
• Implement video based assessment and coaching strategies to enhance operative skills and fulfillment in work as a surgeon.
• Appraise the value of various strategies that might be effectively used to acquire new skills after completion of residency and/or fellowship training.

9:00   AM               Introduction: Educating the Surgeon in Practice – Practice Based Learning in 2022

9:05   AM               Staying Current in Cognitive Knowledge – How I Take it from Theory to Practice

9:22   AM               Teaching New Tricks to Old(er) Dogs – How to Do It (ADOPT and Beyond)

9:34   AM               Reflections on Technical Mastery and its Pursuit

9:46   AM               Video-based Assessment and Coaching in Skill Advancement – Where are We Now?

9:58   AM               The Ethics of Practice Innovation: How do We Do New Things Right?

10:10 AM               Panel Discussion

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10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Scientific Session: Education / Simulation

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures

Session Chairs: James Ellsmere & Farah Husain

Surgeons, physicians and allied health providers who manage obesity should attend. This session will review the endoscopic bariatric procedures that are currently being performed with particular attention to mid-to-long term results and evolution of technique. Emerging technologies that are expected to impact practice will also be reviewed.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Appraise the current endoscopic procedures performed for weight loss.
• Plan how to integrate endoscopic procedures within a bariatric practice.
• Recognize the emerging products likely to impact endoscopic bariatrics.

10:30 AM               Introduction

10:35 AM               Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

10:50 AM               Endoscopic Suturing for Weight Regain

11:05 AM               Balloon Therapy and its Role in Current Practice

11:20 AM               Technologies That Will Impact Endobariatrics in the Future

11:35 AM               Panel Discussion

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Surgery in Space: The Next SAGES Frontier! (Non-CME)

Session Chairs: Gordon Wisbach & Aurora Pryor

During future space missions to near-Earth objects (NEO) and Mars, the total mission time can be 3 years or longer and flight crew will suffer from medical conditions. These challenges will include surgical diseases that require invasive medical/surgical treatment while inflight. The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) has promoted the research and clinical adaptation of many technologies such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, robotic surgery, and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Is it time to channel our focus towards ‘surgery in space’ to extend the reach of surgical technology beyond what we can currently grasp so someday we can boldly go where surgery has not gone before?

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Articulate the challenges of performing Surgery in Space.
• Identify surgical diseases common among long (greater than 3 years) space missions.
• Recommend innovative knowledge, skills and abilities to develop in support of Surgery in Space.

10:30 AM               SAGES’ Next Frontier

10:40 AM               Why Deliver Surgery in Space?

10:55 AM               Medicine in Space

11:10 AM               Telementoring to Telesurgery

11:25 AM               An Astronaut/Navy SEAL Perspective

11:40 AM               Panel Discussion

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How I Deal with Complications in Colorectal Surgery

Session Chairs: Laila Rashidi & Alan Harzman     

Colon and rectal surgery can be difficult, especially in re-operative and complex cases. Intra-operative and post-operative complications are some of the nightmares for any surgeon, but surgeons need to be prepared to recognize and manage any intra operative complication. During this session the audience will learn from experts how to manage intraoperative and post-operative complications. A special dedication to open and minimally invasive surgery technique is demonstrated.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe and choose the appropriate therapy for various types of anastomotic complications such as leak, abscess and bleeding.
• Recognize and manage common stoma complications, such as parastomal hernia, prolapse, and ischemia.
• Describe surgical management of intraoperative complications such as ureteral injury based on the location of injury and presacral bleeding.

10:30 AM               Intestinal Stomas and Complications-What Should I Do?

10:42 AM               Prevention and Management of Iatrogenic Injuries During Colorectal Surgery

10:54 AM               Management of Different Types of Anastomotic Leak

11:06 AM               Bleeding Stoppage Method – Prevention and Management of Presacral Venous Bleeding

11:18 AM               GI Anastomosis – Tips and Tricks of Avoiding and Management of Anastomotic Leaks

11:30 AM               Management of Anastomotic Complications (Bleeding, Stricture,…) – Does the Location of Anastomosis Matter?

11:42 AM               Q&A

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Inguinal Hernia: The Best Approach (Who Wore it Best)      

Session Chairs: Edward Felix & Conrad Ballecer

The purpose of this session is to attempt to compare and contrast several approaches to MIS inguinal hernia repair in an attempt to describe the best approach. We will cover routine as well as complex scenarios. The lecturers will put forward their personal opinions based on both data and their own experiences. The indications and contraindications for their approaches will be stressed.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate the risks and benefits of different MIS inguinal hernia repairs for individual patients.
• Identify the inguinal hernia approach that best fits an individual patient.
• Evaluate what approach best fits your own expertise.                 

10:30 AM               Introduction to MIS Hernia

10:40 AM               TAPP Inguinal hernia Repair for Routine Repairs

10:50 AM               TEP Inguinal hernia Repair for Routine Repairs

11:00 AM               RTAPP for Routine Inguinal Hernia

11:10 AM               Non-Mesh Inguinal Hernia Repair for Routine Repairs

11:20 AM               eTEP Inguinal Hernia Repair for Complex Repairs

11:30 AM               Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair for Complex Repairs

11:40 AM               MIS/Open Approach for Complex Inguinal Hernias

11:50 AM               Q&A

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The 16th Annual SAGES Foundation Awards Luncheon (Non-CME)

This annual ticketed event celebrates and honors distinguished leaders in minimally invasive surgery. Proceeds benefit the SAGES Foundation and its mission to advance endoscopic, laparoscopic, and emerging minimal access surgical methods and patient care. The 2022 Awards Luncheon features awards and research grants presented to outstanding surgeons and educators for their work in minimally invasive surgery and raises funds to keep patient safety and surgical innovation in the forefront.

How to RSVP: To become an event sponsor, purchase individual tickets, tables, or virtual ads, please contact the Foundation office at (310) 347-0544, ext. 114 or foundation@sages.org. Individual tickets are $175 each and tables of eight are available for $1,300. Since this event benefits the SAGES Foundation, a portion of your purchase is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Note: After January 28, 2022 a late registration fee will apply as follows: individual tickets will be $195 and tables of ten will be $1,325. On-site registration for individual tickets will be $225 and for tables of ten will be $1,375.

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1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Scientific Session: Abdominal Wall 1

Scientific Session: HPB 1

Scientific Session: Acute Care

Scientific Session: DEI

Scientific Session: COI

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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Fellowship Council Session: My Fellow is Struggling With….

Session Chairs: Adnan Alseidi & Shanu Kothari

This course is designed for Fellowship Directors, Co – Directors, and core teaching faculty. We shall review cases of fellows struggling with a variety of situations including technical skill advancement, professionalism, substance abuse, judgement, and academic productivity.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the fellow that is not progressing technically.
• Implement programs to help the fellow who is struggling.
• Recommend best practices to aid fellows that are struggling with professionalism issues.

1:30  PM                                Introduction

1:35  PM                                My Fellow is Struggling with Professionalism

1:45  PM                                Q&A

1:52  PM                                My Fellow is Struggling with Technical Proficiency

2:02  PM                                Q&A

2:09  PM                                My Fellow is Struggling with Finding a Job

2:19  PM                                Q&A

2:26  PM                                My Fellow is Struggling with Work Ethic

2:36  PM                                Q&A

2:43  PM                                My Fellow is Struggling with Academic Productivity

2:53  PM                                Q&A

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ADOPT Hands-On Course: Dominating the Hiatus

Session Chairs: Caroline Reinke & Jayleen Grams

In this hands-on course, participants will have the opportunity to review hiatal anatomy and approaches to management of hiatal hernia.  This course will cover a wide variety of scenarios and we will discuss the surgical options and decision-making.  This course aims to provide surgeons with the tools to confidently incorporate hiatal hernia repair – including basic and complex skills such as esophageal lengthening and relaxing incisions – into their practice. This immersion experience provides learners with personalized in-person, hands-on experience.  This individually tailored experience will be based around the learners’ goals and skill level.  The ratio in the course will be 2:1 attendee: faculty. After the hands-on session, our mentorship continues through the year-long program with ongoing group virtual webinars to share experiences, give advice, and improve adoption rates of new procedures with a supportive environment.

Each participant in the hands-on course will have the opportunity to learn:

• Dissection of the hiatal hernia
• Closure of the hiatal defect
• Mesh reinforcement of the hiatus
• Creating relaxing incision in the diaphragm
• Esophageal lengthening
• Fundoplication

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of dissection and repair of hiatal hernia.
• Perform advanced techniques for the difficult hiatal hernia.

1:30  PM                Introduction

1:40  PM                Hands-On Course           

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Innovation and Investment for the Surgical Entrepreneur (Non-CME)

Session Chairs: Christopher Schlachta & Steven Schwaitzberg

For practicing surgeons, trainees, students and innovators of any background, this course will provide insight, advice and instruction on how to bring your ideas and inventions into meaningful clinical practice, advise means of obtaining necessary financial support for product development, and reinforce the perseverance required for success. In addition, attendees will learn about investment strategies used by venture capitalists to identify promising opportunities both for those seeking investment capital and those seeking investment opportunities.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Organize device commercialization opportunities into successful enterprise for the benefit of patient care.
• Recognize opportunities to move intellectual property into the clinical realm.
• Appraising opportunities for resource development.

2:00  PM                Introduction and Objectives      

2:05  PM                How to Own Your Innovative Idea

2:20  PM                How to Make Your Innovation a Reality

2:35  PM                How to Commercialize Your Surgical Innovation

2:50  PM                Panel Discussion

3:05  PM                Break

3:15  PM                Introduction to Keynote

3:20  PM                The Determination and Persistence to Succeed as a Successful Innovator

3:50  PM                Investing in the Future: What Can a Surgeon Do?

4:05  PM                Understanding Investment Startups

4:25  PM                The SAGES Investment Network

4:45  PM                Panel Discussion

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Masters Hernia: All Things Component Separation

Session Chairs: Brent Matthews & Vedra Augenstein

This session will be an in depth overview of component separation techniques, risks and benefits associated.  The lectures will discuss evidence in the literature as well as provide detailed instruction on when and how to perform different component separations.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate indications for different component separations.
• Demonstrate techniques and convey possible complications.
• Identify literature and evidence based outcomes related to component separation.

3:00  PM                Introduction/Component Separation Overview

3:05  PM                Anterior Component Separation

3:15  PM                Posterior Component Separation

3:25  PM                eTEP

3:35  PM                MIS Component Separation

3:45  PM                Robotic Component Separation in Acute Surgery Setting

3:55  PM                Chemical Component Separation

4:05  PM                Complications of Component Separation

4:15  PM                Q&A         

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Thriving, Not Surviving

Session Chairs: Taylor Riall & Laura Cavuto

Physician well being is essential to high quality health care and extends far beyond the absence of burnout. Wellbeing is about the whole person…our physical health, emotional health, and social support. If someone is conflicted, struggling, or feeling powerless in any aspect of their lives, it impacts their performance in other areas and keeps them from realizing their full potential. This session will focus on not simply surviving, but thriving in our surgical careers. It will focus on optimizing all of the previously mentioned domains and simultaneously creating an environment that supports these behaviors.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the challenges in their surgical career and personal lives that create stress and challenge physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Prioritize their health and well-being, while advancing their academic surgical careers.
• Implement changes in their day-to-day lives that improve their physical, emotional, and mental health in order to optimize their performance and promote career longevity.

3:00  PM                Introduction

3:03  PM                Optimizing Your Environment: Ergonomics in the Operating Room

3:18  PM                Life and Leadership Coaching: Optimizing Well-being, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Ability, and Career Longevity

3:33  PM                Benefits of Early Career Coaching to Set You Up For Success

3:48  PM                Mindfulness and Wellbeing in Surgery

4:03  PM                Strategic Diet, Exercise, and Sleep to Optimize Performance

4:18  PM                Sports Psychology and Performance Optimization in Surgery and High Stress Clinical Situations

4:33  PM                Q&A

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Masters HPB: Safety, Quality and Collaboration in HPB

Session Chairs: KMarie King & Horacio Asbun

This session puts into focus the intersection of hepatobiliary and pancreas surgery (HPB) and general surgery.  HPB surgeons are called upon to participate in the care of patients with advanced biliary disease and or complications resulting from adjacent organ injury during abdominal surgeries. It is important for the general surgeon to understand how they can be supported by their HPB colleagues and important for the HPB surgeon to understand how they can support other surgical subspecialties.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the patient’s surgical risk in patients with biliary disease in the setting of cirrhosis.
• Illustrate the role for the HPB surgeon in iatrogenic biliary or pancreatic injuries.
• Employ advanced techniques to assist with complex biliary conditions such choledochal cysts and non-anatomic resections.

3:00  PM                Introduction

3:02  PM                The Management of Gallbladder Disease in a Cirrhotic

3:12  PM                Supporting a Call from the Operating Room When a Bile Duct Injury has Occurred

3:22  PM                Dealing with Mirizzi Syndrome: Taming the Lion

3:32  PM                Supporting a Call from the Operating Room When Iatrogenic Injury to Tail of Pancreas Occurs During a Colectomy

3:42  PM                Panel Discussion

3:57  PM                Management of a Choledochal Cyst Laparoscopically – Video

4:07  PM                How to Repair a Bile Duct Injury MIS – Video

4:17  PM                Acute Pancreatitis, Step Up Approach – Video

4:27  PM                Tips and Tricks in Non-anatomic Live Resections – Video

4:37  PM                Panel Discussion

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Variation in Esophagectomy – Different Approaches in the Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Session Chairs: Hans Fuchs & Lorenzo Ferri

The incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing. Minimally invasive surgery and lately the usage of robotic technology has reduced the invasiveness of procedures, leading to improved patient outcomes after esophagectomy. This session is intended to give an overview on current surgical approaches across the world.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate and apply the right surgical approach relating to the individual patient.
• Implement new surgical techniques and technologies to treat esophageal cancer.
• Develop a strategy to manage complications after esophagectomy.

3:00  PM                MIE vs open vs Hybrid Esophagectomy– Short Overview of the State of the Art

3:05  PM                Expert Video Presentations with Focus on Reconstruction Techniques: Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy – Left Lateral: North American Approach

3:15  PM                Expert Video Presentations with Focus on Reconstruction Techniques: Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy – Prone: European Approach

3:25  PM                Expert Video Presentations with Focus on Reconstruction Techniques: Robotic Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (RAMIE)

3:35  PM                Expert Video Presentations with Focus on Reconstruction Techniques: Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy with Extended Lymphadenectomy: Japanese Approach

3:45  PM                Panel Discussion

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Last Night On Call…

Session Chairs: Arielle Perez & Michael Cripps

Surgeons are faced with a multitude of emergency surgery cases while on call.  As techniques and technology evolve, the ability of safely and comfortably performing what once was deemed to be an open case is being successfully completed in a minimally invasive fashion – laparoscopically, robotically, and even endoscopically.  In this session, experts in acute care surgery will offer insights into safe methods of treating surgical emergencies using minimally invasive techniques.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify common scenarios in Acute Care Surgery where MIS techniques may be beneficial.
• Articulate the risks and benefits of MIS techniques to selected procedures commonly encountered in the Acute Care setting.
• Evaluate the appropriate use of MIS techniques versus open surgery for managing common Acute Care Surgical and/or Trauma procedures.

3:00  PM                Introduction

3:02  PM                It’s All Twisted – Gastric Volvulus, Paraesophageal Hernias, and Internal Hernias

3:16  PM                It’s Out – Feeding Tube Complications

3:30  PM                They Swallowed What? – Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Retrieval of Ingested Objects

3:44  PM                It Wasn’t Just Appendicitis – Crohn’s Ileitis, Mucocele, Meckels, Ovarian Torsion, Etc

3:58  PM                OB/Urology Just Paged Me to Their OR – MIS Treatment of Surprise Findings and Surgical Misadventures – Bowel Fistula, Enterotomy, Ventral Hernia, Inguinal Hernia, Liver Lesion Biopsy, Vascular Injury

4:12  PM                It’s Perforated – Tips on Staying MIS with Diverticulitis

4:26  PM                It’s Fine – Trauma Laparoscopy

4:40  PM                Panel Discussion

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Worldwide Variation in Gastrectomy (SAGES/JSES)

Session Chairs: Kaitlyn Kelly & Naoki Hiki

Surgeons and gastroenterologists involved in the treatment of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma should attend this session. The session will cover endoscopic and surgical approaches for the treatment of gastric cancer at various stages.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand when limited resection techniques, for example EMR, ESD, or wedge gastrectomy, might be appropriate.
• Understand and discuss different techniques for lymphadenectomy and minimum extent of lymphadenectomy required in gastrectomy for cancer.
• Understand laparoscopic and robotic techniques for gastrectomy and advantages / disadvantages of each.

4:00  PM                Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery for Gastric Cancer

4:12  PM                Variations on Gastrectomy with Focus on Postoperative Quality of Life

4:24  PM                Variations in Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: ‘Modified D2’, ‘D1 + Alpha or Beta’, and Lymph Node Sampling

4:36  PM                Laparoscopic and Robotic Approaches to Gastrectomy for Cancer

4:48  PM                Panel Discussion

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5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Opening Session – Welcome Ceremony (Non-CME)

We encourage everyone to attend the opening session and welcome ceremony where the highlights for the conference and SAGES updates will be presented.

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5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Exhibits Opening Welcome Reception (Non-CME)

Complimentary to all paid registrants & guests.

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8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Video Loop Lounge (Non-CME)

Accepted Video Abstracts
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Scientific Session: Foregut Video
Scientific Session: Biliary

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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Measuring Success in Surgery

Session Chairs: Jonathan Dort & Mercedeh Baghai

This session will explore the different definitions of success in Surgery. Your point of view will depend on your practice setting, career stage, background, experience, and expectations. The professional benchmarks for success may or may not be consistent with your personal values. We will have an interactive session with surgeons from different practice settings and viewpoints to help define those benchmarks. We will then compare our personal definitions of success with those set for us professionally. The session will conclude with a question and answer period. Grab your coffee and come join us for a personal and professional introspective hour to determine if you are meeting your own definition of success! The session will be split into success definitions from four surgeon viewpoints: private practice, academic, leadership, and lastly, personal.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the different benchmarks currently subscribed to as measures of success in Surgery based on established practice models.
• Recognize different points of view as related to the definition of success in surgery.
• Evaluate your professional and personal definition of success to ensure you are on the pathway to maximize your success and happiness.

8:00  AM                Introduction

8:05  AM                Measuring Success in Surgery: The Private Practice Perspective

8:15  AM                Measuring Success in Surgery: The Academic Surgeon Perspective

8:25  AM                Measuring Success in Surgery: Department Leadership Perspective

8:35  AM                Measuring Success in Surgery: Personal Perspective

8:45  AM                Q&A

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Parastomal Hernia: What Surgery for Which Surgeon?

Session Chairs: Jeffrey Blatnik & Melissa Phillips

This session will review management options for patients with Parastomal Hernia.  Who needs an operation and at what time in their course should a surgery be performed.  Discussion of procedure selection and also when to resite the stoma.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate patients with parastomal hernia for ideal timing for repair.
• Select the ideal technique for repairing patients with parastomal hernia.
• Recognize when stomas should be relocated to a new location.

8:00  AM                How Long Can You Wait? Does Every Parastomal Hernia Need Surgery

8:10  AM                Latest Options in Open Parastomal Hernia Repair

8:25  AM                Latest Options in MIS Parastomal Hernia Repair

8:40  AM                Call in the Stoma Nurse, it is Time to Move the Stoma

8:50  AM                Panel Case Discussion

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Worldwide Variations in TME: Improving Outcomes in Rectal Cancer Surgery Around the World

Session Chairs: Patricia Sylla, Daniel Popowich & Suk-Hwan Lee

There have been significant advances in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer, but none more important than the surgical principles of Total Mesorectal Excision described by Heald in the 1980’s.  TME has become the standard of care in the curative resection of rectal cancer around the world, along with standardized pathologic assessment of TME specimens in order to ensure quality of resections and optimize oncologic outcomes.  Over the past 3 decades, TME has been adapted to minimally invasive approaches with acceptable oncologic outcomes, and include laparoscopic, robotic and transanal TME. In this video-based session, the various MIS TME approaches will be demonstrated by an expert international panel, with emphasis on the best use of each approach to achieve sphincter-preservation in cases ranging in complexity from 1.0 (tumors located >6cm from the anal verge in patients with BMI <30) to 2.0 (tumors located ≤6cm from the AV in patients with BMI >30). Hybrid and rescue techniques will also be demonstrated to manage unexpected findings and intraoperative adverse events. Lastly, MIS techniques to optimize APR will be reviewed, when sphincter preservation is not possible.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Review TME standards and quality indicators.
• Demonstrate laparoscopic, robotic, transanal and hybrid TME techniques in uncomplicated (1.0) and complicated (2.0) scenarios.
• Demonstrate rescue strategies to avoid conversion and manage intraoperative complications.

8:00  AM                Introduction

8:02  AM                Optimizing TME Quality – Lessons Learned

8:10  AM                Laparoscopic TME 1.0 and 2.0

8:18  AM                Robotic TME 1.0 and 2.0

8:26  AM                Transanal TME 1.0 and 2.0

8:34  AM                Real World TME: When Your Standard Approach Fails -Hybrid, Rescue, Bailout

8:42  AM                When APR is Unavoidable – Optimizing Pelvic and Perineal Approaches

8:50  AM                Panel Discussion

_______________________

Worldwide Variation in Bariatrics (SAGES/IFSO)

Session Chairs: Omar Ghanem, Rana Higgins, & Giovanni Dapri

The goal of this session is for attendees to receive an overview of the recognized and popular bariatric procedures around the world while focusing on the long-term outcomes of these procedures among specific populations worldwide. This includes the endorsed procedures, such as intra-gastric balloon, gastric band, duodenal switch/SADI, sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Our goal is to have representatives from the 5 continents.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Highlight the different bariatric procedures across various continents.
• Discuss long-term outcomes of these bariatric procedures among specific populations worldwide.
• Recognize the unique application of these procedures in different environments.

8:00  AM                Why Has the Band Not Gone Extinct in Australia?

8:09  AM                Balloons in South America: The Future is Now?

8:18  AM                Bariatric Surgery in the Middle East: Sleeve is King

8:27  AM                Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in the United States: Progression or Regression?

8:36  AM                Duodenal Switch in Europe: A Success Story

8:45  AM                Q&A

_______________________

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Keynote: Gerald Marks Lecture – From Undesirable to Compassionate Leader

Dr. King has over 100 combined peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. She earned her medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis, completed her residency in general surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, a fellowship in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and a masters degree in Biomedical Sciences at Mayo Clinic. She completed a MBA at Brandeis University.

_______________________

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibits / Learning Center in Exhibit Hall (Non-CME)

_______________________

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Scientific Session: Exhibit Hall Theater Session 1 (Non-CME)
Scientific Session: Foregut Quickshot
Scientific Session: Bariatric 1
Scientific Session: Colorectal 2
Scientific Session: QI

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
_______________________

Current and Future Issues with Robotics (Non-CME)

Session Chairs: L. Renee Hilton & Andrew Eppstein

With an increasing number of bariatric and general surgeons using robotic platforms it is necessary to understand the current issues surgeons face when trying to expand their practice to accommodate this new technology as well as what issues might arise as more and more robotic platforms achieve FDA approval and become available for use in the US. The purpose of this session is to highlight some of the most common issues that surgeons using robotic platforms feel that they face and to offer solutions for these common issues.  In addition we will take a closer look at future robotic platforms as well as what issues a surgeon might encounter as they try to bring these platforms into their current practice.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand current issues facing implementing and maintaining a robotic surgery practice including cost and access.
• Develop strategies to address current obstacles and enhance support of the expanded use of robotic platforms by hospital administration.
• Highlight and discuss new platforms on the horizon for robotic surgery including specific case videos showing FDA-approved platforms as well as new technology awaiting approval.
• Demonstrate how to incorporate a new platform into your surgical practice.

10:00 AM               Introduction

10:01 AM               How to Make the Robot Part of Your Practice – Addressing the Issues of Access to Console Time and Platform Training

10:11 AM               Addressing the Issue of Cost … Is the Robot Really More Expensive?

10:21 AM               The Future of Robotic Surgery – An Overview of New and Exciting Platforms

10:31 AM               How to Incorporate a New Robotic Platform Into Your Practice Successfully – See One of the New Platforms in Action

10:41 AM               Panel Discussion

_______________________                                                                            

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Surgery: Meeting the Needs of a Changing World

Session Chairs: Courtney Collins & Shaneeta Johnson

The surgical community is becoming increasingly diverse, as is our patient population. However, underrepresented individuals such as racial, ethnic, and sexual/gender minorities face significant challenges during training and beyond, leading to increased rates of stress, burnout, and attrition. Similarly, addressing health disparities for minority groups and providing culturally competent care for vulnerable populations will become increasingly important as our patient population continues to diversify and change.  This session will explore the experiences and needs of underrepresented minorities in surgery and describe best practices for ensuring equity and inclusion in surgical training as well as in the clinical setting.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate the current state of diversity in SAGES and MIS as well as highlight future directions and goals for equity and inclusion in our field.
• Provide practical advice for how to support underrepresented colleagues and trainees.
• Identify unique needs and considerations for underrepresented patient groups and describe ways in which to optimize their care.

10:00 AM              Part 1 – What We’re Doing Here and Why This Matters/Panel Introduction

10:04 AM               State of the Specialty: Where Do We Stand with Diversity and Where Do We Go From Here?

10:16 AM               Supporting Underrepresented Learners: How to Ensure Equity and Inclusion During Training

10:28 AM               Microaggressions, Allyship, and Bystander Training: How to Advocate for Our Colleagues

10:40 AM               Panel Discussion

11:00 AM               Part 2 – Panel Introduction

11:04 AM               The LGBTQIA Community: Unique Needs and Considerations

11:16 AM               Providing Culturally Competent Care in an Increasingly Diverse World

11:28 AM               Ensuring Health Equity and Optimizing Outcomes for Underrepresented Populations

11:40 AM               Panel Discussion

_______________________

How I Deal with Inguinal Hernia Complications

Session Chairs: Dana Telem & David Chen

Inguinal Hernia Repair remains one of the most common operations performed. Despite advances in operative technique and outcomes, complications of this high volume procedure remain significant. This session will help surgeons to identify, diagnose, and treat patients who have complications of inguinal hernia repair.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the most common and most significant complications encountered in inguinal hernia repair.
• Employ algorithms to diagnose and treat complications of inguinal hernia repair.
• Evaluate surgical and non-surgical options for patient management and treatment.

10:00 AM               Understanding Inguinal Anatomy: Key Anatomic Considerations to Prevent Inguinal Complications

10:10 AM               When Things Go Wrong in Inguinal Hernia Repair: Intraoperative Considerations

10:20 AM               Complications After Inguinal Hernia Repair: How Do I Work Up the Patient?

10:30 AM               Fix It: Surgical Management of Inguinal Hernia Complications

10:40 AM               Not Everything Can Be Fixed with a Hammer: Alternative Approaches to Patients with Inguinal Complications

10:50 AM               Q&A

_______________________

All Things Foregut Physiology

Session Chairs: Leena Khaitan & Michael Ujiki

This session will review ongoing challenges in understanding foregut physiology. The speakers will review tips to interpret esophageal manometry studies, what to do with gastric emptying studies and management of gastroparesis, FLIP panometry, and adjunctive physiologic studies that can help with patient management. The speakers will review the nuances of manometric findings and how those are used to guide patient management in various clinical scenarios. The session will end with some complex patient scenarios and a panel discussion management.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand nuances of interpretation of high resolution manometry and how to apply in clinical scenarios.
• Understand the up to date utilization of esophageal FLIP panometry and how to integrate this technology with other physiologic studies.
• Better interpret findings of gastric emptying studies and how to apply to clinical presentation.

11:00 AM               Audience Poll for Various Clinical Scenarios and Management

11:05 AM               The Manometry Shows IEM by Chicago Classification 4.0 – What is This? Will FLIP Panometry Help?

11:15 AM               The Manometry Shows EGJOO – What Does This Mean if It is Not Achalasia?

11:25 AM               My Patient Has Achalasia – How Do I Determine What Type and Best Management? Will FLIP Help?

11:35 AM               Evaluation of Gastroparesis: Available Technologies and Clinical Application

11:45 AM               Clinical Scenarios and Discussion

_______________________

How I Deal With Ventral Hernia Complications

Session Chairs: Ajita Prabhu & Stephen McNatt

This session will be a high-yield discussion regarding postoperative complications related to ventral hernia repair.  Attendees will hear about superficial and deep wound problems, postoperative catastrophic complications and their workup, and managing acute and chronic mesh infections.  The anticipated audience would be surgeons at all levels who perform ventral hernia repair.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify serious complications after ventral hernia surgery that may require operative intervention.
• Develop strategies to address common superficial and deep wound issues in the inpatient and outpatient setting.
• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic mesh infections.

11:00 AM               Wounded: Common Wound Complications and Their Management After Ventral Hernia Repair

11:15 AM               What Lies Beneath: The Workup and Management of Intra-abdominal Postoperative Complications After Ventral Hernia Repair

11:30 AM               When Good Meshes Go Bad: Acute and Chronic Mesh Infections and How to Manage Them

11:45 AM               Discussion

_______________________

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Complimentary Eat & Greet Lunch in the Exhibit Hall for All Attendees

Enjoy lunch while you explore latest products and technologies offered by our exhibits.

_______________________

Lunch Symposia (Non-CME)

Attendance is free to all meeting attendees.

_______________________

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Scientific Session: Exhibit Hall Theater Session 2 (Non-CME)
Scientific Session: New Technology (Non-CME)
Scientific Session: Colorectal Quickshot
Scientific Session: Cool Miscellaneous Videos

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
_______________________

Hands-On Course: Endoscopic Stenting and VAC for Bariatric Complications

Session Chairs: Brian Davis & Amber Shada

This course is for practicing bariatric surgeons and surgical endoscopists who wish to add endoluminal negative pressure therapy and endoluminal stent placement to their skill set in managing bariatric surgical complications. We will focus on how to identify and classify leaks, and how to understand what technique will be best for any given scenario.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• List radiographic and endoscopic methods for identification of leak after gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
• Employ techniques of endoluminal stenting for treatment of leak after gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
• Employ techniques of endoluminal negative pressure therapy for treatment of leak after gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

1:30  PM                Utilization of Endoscopy to Identify and Prevent Bariatric Complications

1:45  PM                Q&A

1:50  PM                How I Manage Gastrojejunostomy Leak After Bypass: The Case for Endoluminal Stent Placement 

2:05  PM                Q&A

2:10  PM                How I manage Sleeve Leak: The Case for Endoluminal Negative Pressure Therapy

2:25  PM                Q&A

2:30  PM                How I Manage Leaks After Bariatric Surgery: The Case for Internal Drainage

2:45  PM                Q&A

2:50  PM                Hands-On Course

_______________________                                                                                             

Biliary Disease Following Gastric Bypass

Session Chairs: Erin Baker & Shawn Tsuda

Biliary disease after gastric bypass surgery for weight control presents unique challenges to practitioners, including bariatric, general, acute-care, and hepato-biliary surgeons. This session will explore the recognition and management of biliary tract disorders in the setting of a gastric bypass patient including cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, biliary dilatation, and biliary strictures.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe trans-gastric approaches to common bile duct stones in gastric bypass patients.
• Formulate diagnostic and management approaches to Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in gastric bypass patients.
• Identify diagnostic and management algorithms for biliary ductal dilatation and strictures in gastric bypass patients.
• Evaluate the current state of evidence regarding cholecystectomy in pre- and post-gastric bypass patients.

1:30  PM                Trans-gastric Approaches to Common Bile Duct Stones in the Gastric Bypass Patient

1:42  PM                Approach to Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction after Gastric Bypass

1:54  PM                Diagnosis and Management of Biliary Ductal Dilation and Stricture After Gastric Bypass

2:06  PM                Panel Discussion

_______________________

How I Deal with Complications in Foregut Surgery

Session Chairs: Carlos Galvani & Hope Jackson

In this session, masters of foregut surgery will describe their techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat complications in Foregut procedures. Surgeons looking to advance their Foregut practice should attend this course to learn best practices and learn how to manage some of the well known complications.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize common complications in Foregut Surgery.
• Employ management strategies to diagnose and treat Foregut Surgery complications.
• Understand endoscopic and surgical approaches to manage complications.

1:30  PM                Landmines in Foregut Surgery – Managing Intraoperative Complications

1:44  PM                And You Thought You Were Done: Managing Postoperative Complications

1:58  PM                When Things Don’t Stay Put – Handling Post Fundoplication Dysphagia

2:12  PM                Second Time is the Charm – Revisional Foregut Surgery

2:26  PM                POEMS Can be Tricky Too – Complications in Peroral Endoscopic Surgery

2:40  PM                Robot to the Rescue? – Role of Robotics in Foregut Surgery

2:54  PM                The Lord of the Rings – Complications During LINX Procedures

3:08  PM                Q&A

_______________________

Journey to Robotic AWR

Session Chairs: Gina Adrales & Eric Pauli

This session will provide insight from expert robotic abdominal wall reconstruction surgeons about how they made the transition from open/laparoscopic surgery to robotic-assisted procedures.  The goal is to provide non-robotic or novice robotic surgeons with concrete steps to safely and efficiently transition to robotic AWR procedures.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Articulate steps needed to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency in robotic AWR procedures.
• Select ideal hernia patients for one’s early robotic AWR experience.
• Choose the appropriate robotic AWR procedure for the type of hernia.

1:30  PM                Robotic Inguinal Hernias

1:50  PM                Robotic TAPP Ventral Hernia

2:10  PM                Extended Total Extraperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair

2:30  PM                Robotic Transversus Abdominis Release

2:50  PM                Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repair

3:10  PM                Panel Discussion/Q&A

_______________________

Mitigating Unconscious Bias as a Leader in Surgery

Session Chairs: Ellen Morrow & Andre Campbell

Anyone who is interested in promoting equity in Surgery should attend. We will discuss mitigating unconscious bias as a leader/educator, allyship, and how to avoid and respond to microaggressions.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand unconscious bias with increased self-awareness.
• Develop skills to promote an environment that is welcoming to colleagues, learners and patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Develop skills that allow leaders to respond to microaggressions.

1:30  PM                Recognizing Unconscious Bias

1:42  PM                Mitigating Unconscious Bias

1:54  PM                Responding to Microaggressions

2:06  PM                Q&A

_______________________

The Evil Gallbladder: Subtotal Cholecystectomy and Beyond

Session Chairs: Michael Meara & Sujata Gill

As general surgery has evolved into minimally invasive techniques, acute care surgery services, and widened access to rural communities, the difficult gallbladder has come to light as an essential aspect of care and surgical training to prevent bile duct injury complications. Through the safe cholecystectomy task force, SAGES has developed educational modules to support surgeons’ techniques in cases where cholecystectomy is a challenging feat to accomplish. This session will focus on the indication and consequence of performing a subtotal cholecystectomy on short and long-term outcomes.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Employ safe strategies intraoperatively to prevent BDI in a case of difficult cholecystectomy which may result in STC performance.
• Recommend postoperative management considerations for a patient after STC in terms of follow up, recurrent cholecystitis, and completion cholecystectomy.
• Develop an understanding of special patient populations, such as cirrhosis, in the surgical treatment of the difficult gallbladder to include indications and contraindications to a STC.

2:30  PM                Introduction

2:35  PM                The Safe Cholecystectomy – Preoperative, Intraoperative, Postoperative Considerations for a STC

2:45  PM                Difficult Cholecystectomy and Considerations of STC in the Cirrhotic Patient

2:55  PM                Bailout Maneuvers for the Difficult Cholecystectomy and Performing a Safe STC

3:05  PM                Minimally Invasive and Robotic Adjuncts to the Difficult Cholecystectomy

3:15  PM                Q&A

_______________________  

MIS in Complex IBD

Session Chairs: Alexis Grucela & Samuel Eisenstein

Operating on IBD can be challenging and intimidating, especially when attempting laparoscopic or robotically.  This session will present minimally invasive approaches including skills and techniques, tips and tricks, with guidance to manage Complex Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis. This includes approaches with Robotic and Laparoscopic platforms, along with current data supporting their use.  This session is for General and Colorectal surgeons who already perform these operations, or those looking to make the transition.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Implement and Develop skills and techniques to manage complex Crohn’s Disease with MIS approaches.
• Implement and Develop skills and techniques to manage Ulcerative Colitis with MIS approaches.
• Evaluate MIS techniques and data in managing complex IBD.

2:30  PM                Introduction

2:31  PM                Laparoscopic Management of Complex Crohn’s Disease

2:41  PM                Robotic Management of Complex Crohn’s Disease

2:51  PM                Minimally Invasive Management of Complex Perianal Crohn’s Disease: Stem Cell Therapy

3:00  PM                Laparoscopic Management of UC

3:10  PM                Robotic Management of UC

3:20  PM                Q&A

_______________________

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Refreshment Break/Happy 1/2 Hour in Exhibit Hall

_______________________

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Scientific Session: Bariatric 2
Scientific Session: Abdominal Wall 2

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
_______________________

Masters Foregut: Controversies in GERD

Session Chairs: Jon Gould & Alia Qureshi

The recent multidisciplinary GERD consensus conference hosted at the 2021 SAGES annual meeting highlighted many areas in the evaluation and management of GERD where controversy and practice variation exists.  This session will further explore many of these issues with an examination of the evidence and plenty of expert opinion and debate.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe new technologies and data on the evaluation of a patient with GERD.
• Articulate different technical steps and options in a surgical fundoplication.
• Articulate the circumstances when TIF and C-TIF are an option for patients with GERD.

4:00  PM                Introduction

4:04  PM                GERD Outcomes – A Call for Standardized Reporting

4:14  PM                Updates in the Diagnosis and Pre-op Evaluation of GERD

4:24  PM                Large Hiatal or a Small Paraesophageal Hernia? Why the Lack of a Clear Definition is Hurting Us All

4:34  PM                Full and Partial Fundoplications – Expert Perspective on the Role for Each Approach

4:49  PM                When & Why to Use a Bougie to Calibrate a Fundoplication Including the Role of EndoFLIP Intra-op

4:59  PM                When TIF? Why C-TIF vs Lap HH and Fundoplication?

5:09  PM                Is Morbid Obesity a Contraindication to Fundoplication?

5:19  PM                GERD Devices, the FDA, and Payors – Challenges to Innovation

5:29  PM                Is it Possible to Standardize the Fundoplication? A Review and Discussion of Technical Variations and Evidence to Support Common Teachings

5:44  PM                Q&A

_______________________

Avoiding Opioids

Session Chairs: Tonia Young-Fadok & Jonah Stulberg

The Opioid Epidemic existed before the COVID pandemic and worsened during it. For some people, their first exposure to opioids is post-operatively, and the dose and duration is related to future use and abuse. All staff who care for surgical patients – trainees, surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and patients themselves – can utilize non-opioid medications and non-pharmaceutical methods to reduce or obviate the need for opioids.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Employ knowledge of different pain receptors and classes of non-opioid medications to formulate a multi-modal pain management program to address their patients’ needs.
• Assess the risk of dose and duration of opioids on their patients’ risk of long-term use and abuse, and adjust prescribing practices.
• Acknowledge surgeons can be part of the problem, but also part of the solution, and recognize and adopt new techniques and medications.

4:00  PM                Where Does It Hurt? Seriously – Understanding Pain Receptors and the Pain Response

4:10  PM                Routine Opioid Prescribing is Not Needed After MIS: Fact or Fiction?

4:20  PM                High Quality Blocks for High Quality Pain Management

4:30  PM                Post-op Pain Management for Chronic Opioid Users

4:40  PM                Patient Education and Reducing Post-op Opioid Prescriptions

4:50  PM                Q&A

_______________________

Robotics and Acute Care

Session Chairs: Sara Hennessy & Ankit Patel

This session will focus on how to integrate robotic surgery into your Acute Care Surgery practice and implementation after hours.  Participants will specifically learn about the use of robotic surgery in acute cholecystitis, colonic emergencies, and abdominal wall emergencies.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Integrate robotic surgery in an Acute Care Surgery practice and in after-hours surgery.
• Apply robotic surgery in common surgical emergencies, including acute cholecystitis, colonic emergencies and abdominal wall hernias.

4:00  PM                Using the Robot for Acute Cholecystitis

4:12  PM                Abdominal Wall Emergencies – Role for Robotics?

4:24  PM                Don’t Poo-poo the Robot – Dealing with Colonic Emergencies

4:36  PM                Integrating Robotics into Your Practice

4:50  PM                Q&A

_______________________

*&$!… Now What?!?! – Complications and How I Got Out of It

Session Chairs: Scott Davis & Marina Kurian

Welcome to the Rocky Horror Picture show, where surgeons will present intraoperative complications and difficult surgical situations to finish the meeting day.   A panel of Ex-Presidents will preside over the case presentations and collaborate to generate options for correction and bail out.   The audience will vote on the presented options before the speakers finish the case presentation.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify warning signs for complications.
• Learn a variety of ways to deal with complications.
• Implement some of the techniques in their practice.

4:00  PM                Now What?!?! – Bariatric

4:07  PM                Panel Discussion

4:17  PM                Now What?!?! – Foregut or Bariatric

4:24  PM                Panel Discussion

4:34  PM                Now What?!?! – Colorectal

4:41  PM                Panel Discussion

4:51  PM                Now What?!?! – Hernia

4:58  PM                Panel Discussion

5:08  PM                Now What?!?! – Hernia or Foregut

5:15  PM                Panel Discussion

5:25  PM                Now What?!?! – HPB, Solid Organ or Biliary

5:32  PM                Panel Discussion

5:42  PM                Now What?!?! -Foregut or Bariatric

5:49  PM                Panel Discussion

_______________________

Closing the Evidence to Practice Gap: Controversies in the Management of Acute Diverticulitis

Session Chairs: Nader Francis & Traci Hedrick

This practical session will explore the most relevant and controversial issues in the management of patients with diverticular disease including when to operate on patients with uncomplicated disease and diverticular abscess, management of the patient with low volume extraluminal air, surgical decision making in the setting of generalized peritonitis, and the patients with chronic diverticular complications.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe indications for surgery in uncomplicated diverticular disease.
• Describe indications for surgery in diverticular abscess.
• Demonstrate techniques for surgical management of perforated diverticulitis.

5:00  PM                Introduction

5:03  PM                Acute Management and Surgical Indications in the Setting of Uncomplicated Diverticulitis

5:11  PM                Management of Diverticular Abscess

5:19  PM                Management of Stable Patient with Extraluminal Air/Localized Perforation

5:27  PM                Management of Generalized Peritonitis/Perforation

5:35  PM                Management of Complicated Diverticular Fistula

5:43  PM                Q&A

_______________________

Worldwide Variations in Creating an HPB Program (SAGES/IHPBA)

Session Chairs: Kevin El-Hayek, Marc Besselink & Sharona Ross

Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery is a field of rapid change where the value of an international exchange of ideas has never been more crucial. In this session, we will hear from experts around the globe who will share their experiences of building HPB programs in their country or region. We will then spend time focusing on how to improve the international collaboration of surgeons who treat HPB diseases.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Illustrate the tremendous value of the variation in the global practice of HPB surgery.
• Recognize the challenges and strategies for launching a new HPB surgery program in one’s locale.
• Identify potential opportunities to collaborate between areas of differing resources.

5:00  PM                Setting the Global Stage: The SAGES/IHPBA Collaboration Overview

5:10  PM                Rising to the Challenge: Developing a High Quality HPB Service in Nigeria

5:20  PM                A Word from the East: Addressing the HPB Need in the Philippines

5:30  PM                Polishing the Diamond: Lessons Learned Building the Research Powerhouse in the Netherlands

5:40  PM                Expanding HPB Cancer Care in South America

5:50  PM                Panel Discussion/Q&A

_______________________

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Video Loop Lounge (Non-CME)

Accepted Video Abstracts
_______________________

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Scientific Session: Plenary 1

Accepted Best Papers Oral Presentations
_______________________

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Keynote: Presidential Address – Surgical Revolutions and Revelation

_______________________

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibits / Learning Center in Exhibit Hall (Non-CME)

_______________________

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Refreshment Break/Morning Mimosas in Exhibit Hall

_______________________

Presidential Session: Coming home to SAGES – A Conversation About the Joys of a Surgical Career

Session Chairs: Liane Feldman & John Mellinger

This program will feature a ‘fireside chat’ conversation with several SAGES leaders.  The focus will be on how we individually and collectively cultivate and celebrate joy in our surgical careers, across the full spectrum from training to finishing well.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe how a surgeon can find sources of joy in their work through the full spectrum of their career path.
• Outline ways in which they can celebrate and leverage the opportunities for meaning and sustained fulfilment in their career path as surgeons.

10:45 AM               Introduction: Welcome Home to SAGES!

10:47 AM               The Joy of Training: Developing Surgeons

10:55 AM               The Joy of Beginnings: Starting the Journey

11:03 AM               The Joy of Serving Communities: Serving Patients Through Clinical Practice

11:11 AM               The Joy of Innovation: Making Things Better

11:19 AM               The Joy of Leadership: Being an Influence for Good

11:27 AM               The Joy of Endings: Finishing Well

11:35 AM               Panel Discussion

_______________________

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Keynote: Karl Storz Lecture – FutureProof: Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation

Recently, that has meant a lot of coverage of companies like Facebook and YouTube, as well as profiles of internet personalities like PewDiePie, and social phenomena like online radicalization and workplace automation.

_______________________

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Complimentary Eat & Greet Lunch in the Exhibit Hall for All Attendees

Enjoy lunch while you explore latest products and technologies offered by our exhibits.

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ADOPT Hands-On Course: eTEP

Session Chairs: Andrew Wright & Andrea Pakula

This innovative program transforms the usual hands-on course conducted during the SAGES annual meetings into a gateway to a one-year longitudinal curriculum designed to facilitate successful procedural adoption. In this hands-on course participants will have the opportunity to learn and adopt the eTEP retromuscular approach to ventral/incisional hernias.

This course aims to provide surgeons with the tools to incorporate this innovative approach into their clinical toolbox including:

• Safe access into and development of the retromuscular tissue plane
• Contralateral cross-over
• Transversus abdominus release
• Fascial closure
• Mesh placement

This immersion experience exposes our learners to a personalized 3-4 hours of cadaveric experience individually tailored to their goals and skill level. The ratio in the lab will be 2:1 attendee:faculty. Our mentorship continues through the year long program with ongoing individual interactions with assigned mentor and group webinars to share experiences, give advice and improve adoption rates of new procedures with a supportive environment.

For maximal learning, attendees should already have basic laparoscopic hernia repair skills including preperitoneal (TAPP inguinal and/or ventral) repair and be facile with robotic dissection and suturing.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Safely obtain retromuscular eTEP access.
• Perform robotic crossover and dissection of contralateral retromuscular space.
• Perform fascial closure and mesh placement in retromuscular space.

2:00  PM                Hands-On Course

_______________________

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Scientific Session: Exhibit Hall Theater Session 3 (Non-CME)
Scientific Session: Foregut
Scientific Session: SAGES Spanish

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
_______________________

Masters Foregut: Controversies in Paraesophageal Hernia Surgery

Session Chairs: Anne Lidor & Ruchir Puri

Over the last two decades operations for gastro-esophageal reflux have fallen but a substantial number of operations are performed for repair of paraesophageal hernias.  Despite being a common foregut operation numerous controversies exist related to work up and management of these patients. The objective of this session is to address some of these controversies.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of controversies related to work up and management of patients with paraesophageal hernias.
• Identify the role of high resolution manometry in management of these patients.
• Articulate the value of robotic technology in the management of these disorders.
• Formulate appropriate strategies related to the use of mesh reinforcement in patients with paraesophageal hernias.

2:00  PM                Introduction

2:05  PM                Pre-operative HRM in PEH Can be Avoided

2:21  PM                Short Esophagus is a Myth

2:37  PM                Everyone Needs a Wrap After PEH Repair

2:53  PM                Gastropexy/Gastrostomy Tubes Help in Large PEH

3:09  PM                All PEH Require Mesh Reinforcement

3:25  PM                Robotic PEH Repair Offers Value in Large Hernias

3:41  PM                Q&A

_______________________

How I Deal with Complications in Bariatric Surgery

Session Chairs: Matthew Kroh & Judy Chen

With the dramatic rise of obesity as a worldwide epidemic, metabolic and bariatric surgery is being used increasingly for treatment of obesity and weight-related disease.  Improved safety has occurred, however, complications remain a source of morbidity and mortality.  This session aims to review common- and uncommon- complications and management in the acute and chronic setting, for existing and emerging bariatric operations.  With a focus on videos and tips-and-tricks, the speakers will address topics pertinent to general surgeons taking care of bariatric patients, bariatric surgeons in practice, and trainees at all levels.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the common complications seen in bariatric surgeries, specifically Roux en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch/single anastomosis duodenal intestinal bypass.
• Evaluate new strategies for early recognition of acute and chronic bariatric complications and practice best standards for operative management.
• Employ endoscopic management, if indicated for complications of bowel perforation and leak after bariatric surgeries.

2:00  PM                Acute Complications of Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass: Bleeding, SBO, Leak

2:15  PM                Chronic Mechanical Complications of Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass: Ulcers, Internal Hernia, Intussusception, Biliary

2:30  PM                Chronic Physiologic Complications of Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass: Nutritional Deficiencies, Hyperinsulinemia Hypoglycemia, Enteral Access

2:45  PM                Acute Complications of Sleeve Gastrectomy: Leak, Bleeding, Stenosis

3:00  PM                Chronic Complications of Sleeve Gastrectomy: Reflux, Hiatal Hernia, Barrett’s

3:15  PM                Acute and Chronic Complications of Duodenal Switch: BPD-DS and SADI

3:30  PM                Endoscopic Management of Leak After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery 

3:45  PM                Q&A

_______________________

Next Big Thing (Non-CME)

Session Chairs: David Renton & Nadine Haram

Learn what technology is coming to impact your surgical career and to benefit your patients.  Open to both industry and physician presenters.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand how technology will affect their future career and learn some of the new inventions that are new to the medical field.

2:00  PM                Augmented Reality in the Operating Room, Remote Surgery

2:10  PM                Accelerated Learning

2:20  PM                Q&A

2:30  PM                NBT Abstract Presentations

3:50  PM                Q&A

_______________________

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Residents & Fellows Session

In this session, residents and fellows representing the next generation of SAGES members will present their best research to a panel of expert faculty. A selection of the top submitted abstracts will ensure top quality research with a broad range of current topics.

After each presentation, expert panelists/judges will rank each resident/fellow presenter with regards to study contents, significance in clinical surgery, originality, study designs/methodology, interpretation and analysis of study findings/results, appropriate use of statistical tests, and overall presentation skills (including slides, clarity of presentation, and audience engagement). Awards will be given to two (2) top presenters at the conclusion of the session.

_______________________                 

How I Deal with Complications in HPB Surgery

Session Chairs: Mihir Shah & Melissa Hogg

This session will discuss management strategy for intraoperative and postoperative common hepatobiliary complications during surgery of the gallbladder, liver and biliary tract. General surgeons, Hepatobiliary surgeons, Gastrointestinal surgeons, Surgical endoscopists, Minimally invasive surgeons, Nurse practitioners, Physician assistants, Residents and Fellows.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Manage biliary complications during and after cholecystectomy.
• Integrate multidisciplinary management in caring for patients undergoing Hepatobiliary surgery.
• Formulate evidence-based plans to manage complications based on experience of experts.

4:00  PM                Intra-operative Bile Leak During Cholecystectomy

4:12  PM                Intra-operative Bile Leak During Hepatectomy

4:24  PM                Intra-operative Bile Leak During Biliary-enteric Anastomosis

4:36  PM                Post-cholecystectomy Bile Leak

4:48  PM                Post-hepatectomy Bile Leak

5:00  PM                Bile Leak s/p Biliary-enteric Anastomosis

5:12  PM                Bile Duct Stricture s/p Biliary-enteric Anastomosis

5:24  PM                Bile Duct Stricture s/p Hepatectomy

5:36  PM                Q&A

_______________________                               

I Could Do It, but Should I Do It

Session Chairs: Sharon Bachman & John Paige

We’ve all been there as surgeons, knowing we ‘technically’ can perform an intervention or treatment, but wondering if that is the ‘right’ thing to do for a patient.  In such situations, we often find ourselves asking ‘Would another surgeon in my shoes do the same thing?’  This session attempts to provide insight into such a question by presenting both pro and con views to common surgical quandaries encountered in a variety of settings and types of operations.  The audience will then have the opportunity to vote on what it thinks is the most convincing and appropriate path forward.  Don’t worry if you are on the minority side of the vote, the end-of-session discussion will allow plenty of time to revisit topics.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of interventions related to difficult surgical decision making using examples from hernia, foregut, bariatrics, and colorectal cases.
• Formulate a treatment algorithm for challenging surgical situations in which no correct answer exists.
• Decide on the proper course of action for at least one of the surgical dilemmas presented based on the data presented by the speakers. 

4:00  PM                Introduction

4:10  PM                The Symptomatic UHR in the Obese – I Should

4:16  PM                The Symptomatic UHR in the Obese – I Shouldn’t

4:22  PM                Summary/Audience Vote

4:26  PM                Takedown of Nissen During Redo HH Repair– I Should

4:32  PM                Takedown of Nissen During Redo HH Repair – I Shouldn’t

4:38  PM                Summary/Audience Vote

4:42  PM                Hartmann’s in Complicated Diverticulitis – I Should

4:48  PM                Hartmann’s in Complicated Diverticulitis – I Shouldn’t

4:54  PM                Summary/Audience Vote

4:58  PM                Gastric Sleeve in Setting of Moderate Reflux– I Should

5:04  PM                Gastric Sleeve in Setting of Moderate Reflux– I Shouldn’t

5:10  PM                Summary/Audience Vote

5:14  PM                Cholecystectomy After 8 Days of Symptoms– I Should

5:20  PM                Cholecystectomy After 8 Days of Symptoms– I Shouldn’t

5:26  PM                Summary/Audience Vote

5:30  PM                Discussion

_______________________

Optimizing the Surgical Patient NOW

Session Chairs: Deborah Keller & Ross Goldberg

Improving surgical quality and patient outcomes remains paramount, and enhancing perioperative care and postoperative recovery through the implementation of evidence-based practice, audit, education and collaborative research are key targets to achieve these goals. It is vital that surgeons evolve and become increasingly aware of the distinct areas which are greatly enhancing patient functionality and recovery post-surgery. As the science of surgical optimization evolves, surgeons should also be conscious of the patient’s perspective and needs in preparing and recovering from surgery. We propose a cutting edge session that considers the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative elements of the surgical experience, while promoting a multi-disciplinary collaborative culture.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the current best practices for preparing patients for surgery.
• Employ practical solutions that can be applied in practice.
• Recognize what matters most to patients and implement effective communication and tracking tools.

4:00  PM                Introduction to the Session and SAGES SMART and OpiVoid Materials

4:04  PM                Prehabilitation- I Know What It is, How Do I Actually Do It?

4:16  PM                Iron Repletion- Transfuse to be Strong for Surgery?

4:28  PM                Radionomics- Body Composition Imaging to Help Identify Fitness for Surgery

4:40  PM                Intra-operative Management- the Action Behind the Drape

4:52  PM                Opioid Sparing Pain Management- ‘OpiVoiding’ Before and After Surgery

5:04  PM                Technology for Post-discharge Monitoring and Patient Engagement

5:16  PM                The Patient Perspective on Prehabilitation and Enhanced Recovery

5:28  PM                Patient Health Literacy: Ensuring Effective Communication

5:40  PM                Q&A

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Masters Colorectal: Left Colectomy for Benign and Malignant Lesions and Approaches for Splenic Flexure Tumors

Session Chairs: Marylise Boutros & Rahila Essani

This is a masters level course for surgeons wishing to learn minimally invasive management of left colon/splenic flexure cancers. Speakers will discuss left colectomy versus extended resection for both benign and malignant lesions. Minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic techniques will be discussed.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Employ various minimally invasive techniques for management of left colon/splenic flexure lesions.
• Recognize and manage when colon length is not adequate for a tension free anastomosis.
• Compare different surgical techniques based on their own technical skills.

4:00  PM                Introduction

4:05  PM                Extended vs Limited Resection for Splenic Flexure Tumors – What is the Evidence

4:17  PM                How I Do It: Extended Resection of the Splenic Flexure is the Way to Go!

4:29  PM                How I Do It: Limited Resection of the Splenic Flexure is the Way to Go!

4:41  PM                What Does ICG Add to the Management of Splenic Flexure?

4:53  PM                How I Do It Lap ICA Left Hemicolectomy

5:05  PM                How I Do It Robotic ICA Left Hemicolectomy

5:17  PM                Done My Mobilization! But the Colon Doesn’t Reach the Rectum?!?!

5:29  PM                Panel Discussion

_______________________

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Shark Tank (Non-CME)

Session Chairs: Christopher Schlachta & Steven Schwaitzberg

The Shark Tank forum is meant to be an opportunity for innovators and companies to be able to showcase non-marketed innovative ideas and concepts. This venue will allow for feedback from an expert panel of innovators, investors, and larger companies in a safe environment so concepts can get refined and pitches can reach maximum effectiveness.

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Residents and Fellows Part 2

Session Chairs: Maria Altieri & Konstantinos Spaniolas

Residency and fellowship doesn’t prepare you for the next step of your career.  This forum will be a primer to transition to practice.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Implement teaching techniques in and out of the operating room.
• Evaluate best ways of starting a practice, either academic or private.
• Develop methods to succeed as a researcher, educator, and a clinician.

4:00  PM                What I Wished I Knew When I Started My Practice

4:15  PM                Choosing Between Academic vs Private Practice

4:30  PM                The Surgeon as an Educator: Tips for Transitioning from a Trainee to a Trainer!

4:45  PM                How to Become a Successful Researcher Early  in Your Career?

5:00  PM                Implementing New Technology/Techniques in Your Surgical Practice

5:15  PM                Dealing with a Complication/Difficult Situation at the Workplace

5:30  PM                Panel Discussion

_______________________      

Getting Innovations to Rural Surgeons

Session Chairs: Robert Lim & Laura Doyon

Rural surgeons face a complicated ‘double whammy’: needing to deliver broad care to underserved populations – and without the advantage of access to newer technology or procedures seen in urban settings.  Here are some practical solutions to this dilemma.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Articulate the various challenges facing rural surgeons in providing a more advanced type or level of care.
• Classify the various resources available to further your skill set – whether in training or as an attending.
• Develop an action plan to bring the next level of care to your practice.

4:30  PM                Introduction

4:33  PM                So What’s So Tough About Being a Rural Surgeon?

4:48  PM                Q&A

4:50  PM                Education: What’s the Role of the Residency Program?

5:05  PM                Q&A

5:07  PM                Considerations for Utilizing Industry Support

5:22  PM                Q&A

5:24  PM                Working Towards Mastery – How Can SAGES Help?

5:39  PM                Q&A

5:41  PM                What If I Want to Build My Own Technology?

5:56  PM                Q&A

_______________________          

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meet the Leadership Reception for Residents, Fellows & New Members

Invitation only event

_______________________          

7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
SAGES Gala The Main Event & International Sing-Off

Join us at the Grizzly Rose Saloon for the “SAGES Main Event and Sing Off” to celebrate being together again in person! Transportation to the venue will be provided.

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8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Video Loop Lounge (Non-CME)

Accepted Video Abstracts
_______________________

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Scientific Session: Plenary 2

Accepted Best Papers Oral Presentations

_______________________

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Scientific Session: HPB 2

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
_______________________

Hernia Videos – What Would You Do?

Session Chairs: Matthew Goldblatt & Sara Holden

This session will have surgeons who will present the work up, operation and post-operative management of different ventral and inguinal hernia cases.  The audience will be involved in the decision-making process as the surgeon reveals how they handled the case.  Surgeons of all levels should attend, from early trainee to seasoned veteran.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe indications for open and minimally invasive approaches to complex inguinal hernias.
• Describe multiple strategies for treating primary ventral hernias, including those with a concomitant inguinal hernia.
• Describe multiple strategies for treating recurrent or incisional ventral hernias.
• Describe multiple strategies for treating parastomal hernias.

9:30   AM               Operative Approaches for Large Inguinoscrotal Hernias

9:50   AM               Operative Approaches for Primary Ventral Hernias, With and Without Concomitant Inguinal Hernia

10:10 AM               Operative Approaches for Recurrent or Incisional Ventral Hernias

10:30 AM               Operative Approaches to Complex Parastomal Hernias

10:50 AM               Q&A

_______________________

Masters Bariatrics: Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Session Chairs: Corrigan McBride & Philip Schauer

According to the ASMBS, revisions were 16.7% of the bariatric operations performed in 2019. This Masters Level Course will discuss the revision options for long term complications and weight regain.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the revision procedures for GERD for a sleeve gastrectomy.
• Describe the revision procedures for weight regain for sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
• Understand the revision procedures for nutritional complications after bariatric surgery.

9:30   AM               Introduction

9:32   AM               Endoscopic Revision

9:44   AM               Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Reflux

9:56   AM               Sleeve Revision for GERD

10:08 AM               Sleeve to Duodenal Switch

10:20 AM               Sleeve to OAGB

10:32 AM               Gastric Bypass TALL vs Duodenal Switch

10:44 AM               Lap Band Conversions – 1 vs 2 Stage

10:56 AM               Revision for Nutritional Complications

11:08 AM               Q&A

_______________________

Routine Video Recording in the Operating Room: Ethical, Legal and Educational Issues

Session Chairs: Gerald Fried & Kunoor Jain-Spangler

Image-guided surgery lends itself to video recording. Most surgeons have recorded at least some of their procedures, and edited and unedited videos are widely available for teaching purposes, but the practice of routine video recording has not yet been widely adopted. Despite the exciting opportunities for surgical education and quality improvement offered by artificial intelligence and computervision, the adoption of routine video recording must address ethical and legal concerns and balance these with the benefits of these emerging technologies. This session will address these ethical and legal issues and provide the experience and opportunities of surgeons who already embrace routine video recording in the operating room.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Illustrate educational and quality initiatives available by routinely recording surgical videos.
• Balance opportunities provided by routinely recording their surgery with concerns about privacy and liability.
• Articulate a plan to mitigate the risks of routine surgical video recording.

9:30   AM               Introduction

9:35   AM               Summary of First Global Conference on Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Routine Video Recording in the Operating Room

9:50   AM               Ethical and Legal Framework for Routine Surgical Video Recording

10:05 AM               Routine Video Recording: A Potential Data Goldmine for Quality Initiatives

10:15 AM               Why I Would Welcome Routine Video Recording: The View of an Academic Department Chair

10:25 AM               Routine Video Recording in the OR: The View of a Surgical Educator

10:35 AM               How Routine Video Recording has Impacted Surgical Quality and Education

10:45 AM               Panel Discussion

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FES: Past, Present, and Future

Session Chairs: Jose Martinez & Heidi Miller

The SAGES Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery program has been a marquee offering by the society as the only validated high stakes exam in flexible endoscopy.  In this session, we explore the history of FES, the impact of FES on surgical training, options available for FES training and share what the future holds from data analysis on the performance of the exam over the past decade.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the impact the SAGES FES program has on surgical education.
• Employ strategies residency programs can use to prepare for FES testing.

9:30   AM               Introduction

9:35   AM               FES Exam: Value Added to Surgical Education

9:45   AM               FES Updates

9:55   AM               Training for FES: What Does It Take to Pass

10:05 AM               FES: Outcomes Research and Potential Bias

10:15 AM               Discussion/Q&A

_______________________                           

FLS 2.0 – Coming Soon to a Testing Center Near You

Session Chairs: Melina Vassiliou, Allan Okrainec & Neal Seymour

The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Program has been a cornerstone of minimally invasive surgery training and assessment for many years.  As the field of laparoscopic surgery has evolved, so too must the exam. SAGES has undertaken a thorough validity examination of the FLS Program to document the past and present uses and interpretations of FLS, in order to guide the future of this important program.  This session summarizes the methodology used and the findings of this process including the changes that the FLS program will undergo based on the results.  We will share the theoretical framework that was developed through this work and that will be the backbone of FLS moving forward (and we will also give you a taste for some of the fun ways we elicited the information from our experts). Come join us to find out the latest and greatest about FLS 2.0!

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the changes being implemented to the FLS Program and exam as part of FLS 2.0.
• Articulate some of the methods used to conduct the validity examination of FLS.
• Recognize how SAGES will continue to update the content, relevance and appropriateness of the FLS program now and into the future.

10:30 AM               Introduction

10:32 AM               Why Do a Validity Examination for FLS, and by the Way, What is That and How is it Done?

10:44 AM               So What Did We Find? Results of the FLS Validity Examination

10:56 AM               What are the Fundamental Skills Required to Perform Laparoscopic Surgery?  We Asked and You Answered!

11:04 AM               FLS 2.0 – Virtual Testing is Here to Stay!

11:12 AM               So What is FLS 2.0 and What Does the Future Hold?

11:20 AM               Panel Discussion

_______________________

Meshpocalypse? Mesh Risks, Removal and Lawsuits, Oh My!

Session Chairs: David Urbach & Shirin Towfigh

This session will review the recent history of surgical mesh, and why it has attracted so much popular attention as well as mass litigation. What is the evidence about the risks of mesh products that are used to repair abdominal wall hernias, and how do the clinical outcomes of mesh hernia repair compare with tissue repair techniques? The session will provide guidance about how to talk to patients pre-operatively about hernia mesh, including its potential risks and why it is used. The session will also discuss how to manage patients with problems that are attributed to mesh, including how to talk to patients about chronic post-operative pain, and the indications for removing hernia mesh.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate the evidence about the risks and benefits of mesh for abdominal wall and inguinal hernia repair.
• Diagnose and manage mesh related complications.
• Discriminate among active class action lawsuits against the mesh industry.

11:00 AM               Introduction

11:05 AM               What Evidence is there for Risks with Mesh-Based vs Tissue-Based Hernia Repairs and How Do I Communicate this with My Patients?

11:15 AM               Can New and Future Mesh Materials Reduce the Risk of Mesh-Related Complications?

11:25 AM               International Trends in Hernia Repair with Mesh: Is the US over-using Mesh?

11:35 AM               How to Diagnose and Manage Mesh-related Complications after Hernia Repair- Up to But Not Including Mesh Removal

11:45 AM               Tips on How to Remove Mesh Without Causing Further Injury

11:55 AM               A Review of Past, Active and Pending Lawsuits Against the Hernia Mesh Industry

12:05 PM               Q&A

_______________________

Educators Session: Video Based Assessment

Session Chairs: E. Matthew Ritter & Virginia Shaffer

Video is a powerful tool for performance measurement and improvement.  Used extensively for decades in professional sports, the concept is rapidly gaining traction in the world of surgery.  Growing interest in both competency-based education and coaching have fueled interest in the increased use of video.   While many discussions on video based assessment focus on the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence & machine learning, this session will focus on the development of robust tools for assessment of surgical performance and how tools like these may be used in the near future by organizations such as SAGES and the American Board of Surgery.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize the 5 types of validity evidence that support the intended use of any assessment tool.
• Discuss how robust assessment tools have been developed and implemented for gastrointestinal surgery.
• Describe how SAGES and the American Board of Surgery plan to incorporate use of video-based assessment in the near future.

11:00 AM               Introduction

11:05 AM               Validity Evidence – How Do We Know that We are Measuring What We Want?

11:20 AM               VBA for Colon and Rectal Surgery – CAT and TEM

11:35 AM               VBA for Foregut Surgery: Getting SQR’d Away

11:50 AM               VBA for the ABS and SAGES

12:05 PM               Q&A

_______________________

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Scientific Session: Flexible Endoscopy

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
_______________________

FUSE

Session Chairs: Jaisa Olasky & Dean Mikami

The number and complexity of energy devices used in surgery and endoscopy is constantly increasing.  Despite their frequent use, they remain poorly understood by many who use them.  This session will help attendees gain knowledge on ways to make their operating room and endoscopy suites safer.  Attendees will learn how to safely use energy devices and how to mitigate the risks of surgical smoke and aerosolized particles.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify ways to improve energy use safety in their own practice.
• Recognize surgical energy related complications, especially during laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
• Understand how a variety of standard and cutting edge energy and filtration devices work.

11:30 AM               Introduction

11:32 AM               FUSE – Why and How?

11:40 AM               Monopolar Devices and Injury Prevention

11:50 AM               Advanced Energy and Cutting Edge Devices

12:00 PM               Smoke and Aerosolized Particles

12:10  PM               FUSE Around the World

12:20 PM               Q&A

_______________________

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Session Chairs: Nicolo Pecorelli & Susanne Warner

In this session, a multidisciplinary panel will discuss the hottest topics in the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). The first part of the session will be dedicated to the management of localized pNETs, while the latter to the different treatment modalities available for metastatic liver disease. HPB surgeons of all levels, surgical oncologists and general surgeons looking to increase their knowledge in pNETs should join this session to meet the top experts in the field and learn the best available evidence.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe which patients may benefit from surgery versus active surveillance for small non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
• Plan the follow-up for patients who underwent pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor resection.
• Integrate multiple treatment strategies for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor liver metastasis.

11:30 AM               Introduction

11:31 AM               Small Non-functioning Pancreatic NETs: Active Surveillance or Surgery?

11:41 AM               To Spare or Not to Spare? Formal vs Atypical Resections for Localized Pancreatic NETs

11:51 AM               Follow-up Modalities for Resected pNETs: How and How Long?

12:01 PM               Panel Discussion

12:11  PM               Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastasis – Tailored Oncologic Treatment: Are We There Yet?

12:24 PM               Embolization and Ablation Therapy for Pancreatic NET Liver Metastasis: Indications and Outcomes

12:37 PM               When is Surgery Indicated for Pancreatic NET Liver Metastasis? What Role for Hepatic Cytoreduction and Synchronous Resection?

12:50 PM               Panel Discussion

_______________________

Surgical Smoke and Aerosolization Safety

Session Chairs: Amin Madani & Kinga Powers 

The COVID-19 pandemic has led surgeons and institutions to re-evaluate their safety standards related to workplace injury that result from surgical smoke and aerosolization.  These can lead to significant short-term and long-term disability to surgeons and other members of the operating team.  This session is designed for surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals who work in the operating room.  Topics will include potential health risks, transmission risks, risk-mitigation strategies, as well as national guidelines and legal implications of surgical smoke and aerosolization-related workplace injuries.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• List and predict the risk of potential workplace injuries that can result from surgical smoke.
• List and predict the risk of potential workplace injuries that can result from aerosolization during both open and minimally-invasive surgery.
• Identify risk-mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of injury from surgical smoke and/or aerosolization.
• Apply national guidelines and policies to the operating room to optimize safety relating to surgical smoke and/or aerosolization.

12:30 PM               Surgical Smoke from Energy Devices

12:40 PM               Aerosolization During Open and MIS Surgery

12:50 PM               Risk Mitigation Strategies for Surgical Smoke and Aerosolization

1:00   PM               Guidelines, Policies and Legal Implications from Surgical Smoke/ Aerosolization Safety

1:10   PM               Q&A

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Updates in Biomaterials for Hernia

Session Chairs: David Krpata & Megan Nelson

This session will focus on Biomaterials used in hernia repair with an emphasis on material properties and selecting the right material for the right patient.  Surgeons interested in advancing their knowledge of how biomaterials can improve patient outcomes should attend.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the regulatory process by which hernia mesh makes it from inception to the operating room.
• Illustrate an understanding of various hernia repair biomaterials and they may have recently changed.
• Differentiate between the appropriate clinical settings for various biomaterials.

12:30 PM               How Does Hernia Mesh Make it to the Market?

12:45 PM               What’s New with Synthetic Mesh!?!

1:00   PM               Absorbable Synthetic Mesh: Is Bioabsorbable Mesh the Future of All Hernia Repairs?

1:15   PM               Does Biologic Mesh Still Have a Role in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?

1:30   PM               Panel Discussion

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Virtual & Augmented Reality                           

Session Chairs: Carla Pugh & Paul Szotek

Virtual & Augmented Reality in the surgical practice today has limited but growing use.  Early published work has demonstrated that VR/AR training improves operating room performance.  Surgeons interested in reviewing the current state of VR/AR in surgical practice and what the future might look like are encouraged to attend and participate in the panel discussion to conclude the session.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize current uses of VR/AR for training and information exchange.
• Identify future uses of VR/AR for training and information exchange.
• Compare the pros and cons of VR/AR application in a real-world surgical setting.

12:30 PM               Introduction

12:40 PM               Real World Application of AR/VR Technology in the Operating Room: Case Presentation  

12:50 PM               Use of AR/VR in Surgical Training and Data Visualization

1:00   PM               Past, Present, and Future Uses of AR/VR in Surgery

1:20   PM               Fundamental VR Technology and Demo

1:40   PM               Panel Discussion

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1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Scientific Session: AI

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Scientific Session: Bariatric 3

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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The Business of Surgery: What We Don’t Learn in Residency

Session Chairs: Caitlin Halbert & Azure Adkins

This is a session of tips and salient points on the business of surgery.  Learn about practice and employment models, billing/coding advice, marketing and much more.  Expert panel sessions will focus on tips and tricks and discuss paths to leadership in practice.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the various types of community practice models.
• Gain salient points related to contracts, billing and coding, marketing, leadership and ongoing education in Community Practice.

1:30  PM                Community Practice Models: Private Practice

1:42  PM                Community Practice Models: Hospital-Employment

1:54  PM                Community Practice Models: Integrated Managed Care

2:06  PM                Rural Surgery: The Renaissance Surgeon

2:18  PM                Panel Discussion: Paths to Leadership in Community Practice

2:30  PM                Contracts 101

2:42  PM                Billing and Coding Tips and Tricks

2:54  PM                Building Your Brand

3:06  PM                Who’s Going to Teach Me Now?!

3:18  PM                Panel Discussion: What I Wish I Knew Earlier

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2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Scientific Session: HPB Quickshot

Accepted Oral & Video Presentations
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Addressing Healthcare Disparities Through SAGES Guidelines

Session Chairs: Dimitrios Stefanidis & Nova Szoka

The session will focus on recent SAGES clinical guidelines on a variety of topics and their role in addressing Healthcare Disparities. Guidelines for GERD, achalasia, diverticulitis, and bile duct injury will be presented and their value in addressing Healthcare disparities will be discussed.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Discuss the recommendations of various recent SAGES guidelines.
• Identify how SAGES guidelines are addressing healthcare disparities.
• Determine how future guidelines should best address healthcare disparities.

2:00  PM                Brief Overview of the Importance of Guidelines in Clinical Practice

2:05  PM                Brief Overview of the Importance of DEI in Healthcare

2:10  PM                How the Guidelines for the Treatment of GERD are Addressing DEI

2:25  PM                How the Guidelines for the Treatment of Achalasia are Addressing DEI

2:40  PM                How the EAES/SAGES Diverticulitis Guidelines Address DEI

2:55  PM                How the Guidelines on Bile Duct Injury Address DEI

3:10  PM                How do Guidelines Best Address DEI?

3:20  PM                Q&A

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Defining Foregut Surgery (SAGES/SSAT/ASMBS/AFS)

Session Chairs: Christopher DuCoin & Matthew Hutter

It is a powerful moment when a new subspecialty of surgery is identified, and this is the moment we are in regarding FOREGUT surgery.  Over the past decade foregut surgery emerged as a standalone subspecialty cultivated by surgeon leaders, many of whom belong to SAGES.  Yet, it has only been within the past few years that foregut surgery has started to become more defined and taught.  This culminated in the ‘Foregut’ Fellowship now accredited by the Fellowship Council and Sponsored by SAGS, SSAT, ASMBS, and AFS. In this session we will have surgical and educational leaders from these societies reviewing and updating the progress of the Foregut Fellowship.  We will review outcomes of their first year foregut fellows, the Fellowship’s effect on resident education, how their Foregut Curriculum has been developed, and next steps with this new subspecialty.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Further define foregut surgery among experts, while educating the audience on the topic.
• Evaluate the status of the current Foregut Curriculum, while identifying any gaps for future improvement.
• Create an open line of communication between members of SAGES who are dedicated to Foregut surgery and to those interested in the topic.

2:00  PM                Introduction

2:03  PM                Why Foregut Needs Fellowship – the Fellow Council Perspective

2:13  PM                Curriculum Development & Review

2:23  PM                Foregut, What Endoscopy Must We Teach

2:33  PM                Bariatric Surgery – Friend or Foe of Foregut

2:43  PM                Deep Dive into What Sets a Foregut Surgeons Fellow Apart from Their Colleagues

2:53  PM                Why Start a Foregut Fellowship

3:03  PM                Foregut Fellowship Affecting Residency

3:13  PM                Q&A

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Industry Education Events

Industry presentations on a variety of topics will take place throughout the week. All symposia will be held in the Colorado Convention Center. Registration is FREE for all SAGES meeting attendees.

**These sessions are not planned nor accredited for CME by SAGES.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

3:30 – 5:00 pm – Concurrent Session

Essential Complication Prevention Techniques for Bariatric Surgeries 

Presented by Ezisurg Medical

Speakers: Natan Zundel, MD; Marina Kurian, MD; Fernando Elli, MD; Carlos Galvani, MD; Erik Wilson, MD; Giovanni Dapri, MD

This is a  non-CME activity presented and supported by Ezisurg Medical

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Thursday, March 17, 2022

12:15 – 1:15 pm – Lunch Symposia

Clinical Utility of the Senhance Surgical System and Novel Decision Support Capabilities

Presented by Asensus

Speakers:  Amit Trivedi, MD, HMH Pascack Valley; Michael Cook, MD, LSU; Francesco Bianco, MD, University of Illinois at Chicago

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Asensus

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12:15 – 1:15 pm – Lunch Symposia

Why Do Materials Matter in AWR? Five Years of Clinical Data and Case Experience with an Innovative Hybrid Biomaterial

Presented by Gore & Associates

Speakers: Garth Jacobsen, MD, FACS; John G. Linn, MD, FACS

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Gore & Associates

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12:15 – 1:15 pm – Lunch Symposia

Seeing is Believing: Potential Efficiencies with a Live daVinci Cholecystectomy Case

Presented by Intuitive Surgical

Operating Surgeon: Rez Gamagami, MD; Moderators: Andrea Pakula, MD; Alisa Coker, MD

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Intuitive Surgical

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12:15 – 1:15 pm – Lunch Symposia

The Transition from Inpatient to 23 Hour Stay in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Procedures

Presented by Pacira BioSciences

Speaker: Howard Kaufman, MD, Huntington Colorectal Surgeons, Inc.

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Pacira BioSciences

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1:30 – 3:00 pm – Concurrent Session

There’s Nothing Artificial About It: Surgical Intelligence

Presented by Theator Inc.

Speakers Liane Feldman, MD; Gerald Fried, MD; Hon. David Shulkin, MD; John Mellinger, MD; Gideon Sroka, MD; Tamir Wolf, MD, PhD

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Theator Inc.

Friday, March 18

12:45 – 1:45 pm – Lunch Symposia

Endoscopic Suturing: A Necessary Tool in the Surgeon’s Toolbox

Presented by Apollo Endosurgery

Speaker: Michael Ujiki, MD

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Apollo Endosurgery

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12:45 – 1:45 pm – Lunch Symposia

The Role of TissueCypher® in the Management of Barrett’s Esophagus

Presented by Castle Biosciences

Speaker: Hilary Frayer, Castle Biosciences

This event is free to all registered meeting attendees; Castle Biosciences requests that attendees register here: https://tissuecypher.com/rsvp/sages

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Castle Biosciences

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12:45 – 1:45 pm – Lunch Symposia

Controversies in Bariatric Surgery

Presented by Gore & Associates

Moderator: Aurora Pryor, MD, FACS, FASMBS; Speakers: Paul Kemmeter, MD, FACS; George Woodman, MD, FACS

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Gore & Associates

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12:45 – 1:45 pm – Lunch Symposia

Residents and Fellows Forum: Navigating the Transition to Practice and Maximizing Patient Access to MIS by Leveraging the Intuitive Ecosystem

Presented by Intuitive Surgical

Speakers: Megan Jenkins, MD; Loic Tchokouani, MD

This is a non-CME activity presented and supported by Intuitive Surgical

Visiting Learning Center is a Non-CME Activity

Advanced Laparoscopic Suturing of Anastomoses (ALSA)
Coordinators: Francisca Belmar, MD and Julian Varas, MD

Description: The ALSA station allows the participants to acquire advanced laparoscopic suturing skills to perform permeable and leak-free anastomosis of different sizes and positions. Participants will practice on validated real-tissue simulation models in high definition endotrainers. The main goal is to learn how to safely perform hand-sewn and mechanical small bowel anastomosis and the principles to perform small duct-to-mucosa anastomosis. Instructors will give tips and feedback and an iOS App with video tutorials will guide participants through the training. Each exercise has a time goal and all anastomoses performed are tested for permeability and leakage.

Objectives:

• Understand the principles of laparoscopic anastomosis in different sizes and positions
• Perform various laparoscopic anastomoses in real-tissue simulation models inside an HD endotrainer (jejuno-jejunostomy, hepatico-jejunostomy and pancreatico-jejunostomy)
• Practice laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing with 3-0, 4-0 and 6-0 needles

Bariatric Station: Learn from the Experts
Coordinators: Matthew Kroh, MD and Farah Husain, MD

Description: As bariatric surgery continues to grow, new advanced technology and complex cases will be seen. The Bariatric station allows participants to learn from the experts in a variety of ways. Bariatric surgeon expert will be available for complex case discussions. Surgeon will review tips and tricks for the most challenging situations. The BE-SAFE didactic course modules, created to help surgeons master techniques for safe laparoscopic surgery, will be available for members to complete or review. The station will also have hands-on exposure to endoscopic bariatric techniques such as stents. Experts will be available to coach about the technique and answer questions about pros/cons of the devices and how to best utilize each device. 

Objectives:

• Understand the principles of endoscopic balloons and other interventions
• Expose the learner to BE-SAFE curriculum and offer the first step to certification
• Discuss complex cases with an expert

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration and Safe Cholecystectomy
Coordinators: B. Fernando Santos, MD & Jessica Koller-Gorham, MD

Description: The LCBDE/Safe Chole station will allow participants to gain cognitive knowledge and hands-on experience with the technique and instruments used for transcystic common bile duct exploration, and gain familiarity with principles of safe cholecystectomy.  The station will feature several hands-on stations where participants will utilize instruments and choledochoscopes for LCBDE on a validated LCBDE simulator, with coaching from experienced proctors.  There will also be an option for participants to perform a competitive LCBDE time trial and qualify for an LCBDE competition to be held in collaboration with Dr. Rosser’s Top Gun Station.  The station will also allow participants to review and learn from interactive multi-media didactic modules on LCBDE and Safe Cholecystectomy. 

Objectives:

• To gain a greater understanding of bile duct injuries (BDI) in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and learn how to minimize this risk in clinical practice
• To gain the cognitive knowledge and technical skills necessary to perform transcystic common bile duct exploration
• Compete in a LCBDE time-trial and quality for a final competition at the Top Gun station

Safe Cholecystectomy Group Modules

Description: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains one of the most common surgical procedures performed annually.  The SAFE Cholecystectomy Didactic Modules have recently been released by SAGES.  The purpose of the booth is to introduce the modules to practicing surgeons and those in training.

Objective: Introduce the SAFE Cholecystectomy Didactic Modules

Fluorescence Imaging
Coordinators: Domenach Asbun, MD & Corrigan McBride, MD

Description: The use of immunofluorescence is a highly useful and a safe adjunct to surgery in many realms to include bowel perfusion, biliary anatomy, vascular anatomy, ureter location, malignancy resection margins, and nodal drainage basins. This learning center station will teach and demonstrate proper use of fluorescence for intraoperative imaging. The station will also showcase the SAGES video abstracts that use fluorescence, both the historical ones and the ones submitted for 2022 SAGES meeting.

Objectives: 

• To educate surgeons on the current uses of fluorescence
• To educate surgeons on the proper usage and interpretation of fluorescence
• To show surgeons the possible uses fluorescence
• To have surgeons become familiar with the many commercial options of fluorescence

Top Gun
Coordinators: James “Butch” Rosser, MD; Yana Wirengard, MD; & Joseph L’Huillier, MD

Description: The Top Gun Laparoscopic Skill Shootout Station will allow participants of all training levels to develop and improve their laparoscopic skills. The station will feature the validated “Rosser TOP GUN” skill development stations developed by Dr. Rosser and made famous at Yale. To date, over 6000 surgeons have participated around the world. Instructors will show tactics and techniques that will transfer readily into the clinical environment Participants will compete for slots in the Top Gun Shoot Out; crowning one SAGES 2022 TOP GUN.

Objectives:

• Review the Rosser suturing algorithm
• Perform dexterity skills and suturing exercises using the “Rosser TOP GUN” training stations
• Compete with other surgeons in the Top Gun Shoot Out

Trauma Skills for Battlefield Injuries and Disaster Situations 
Coordinators: Andrew Schlussel, DO & Katherine Cameron, MD

Description: Recent global events both domestic and abroad have required surgeons to be knowledgeable and efficient in providing surgical interventions in the critically injured trauma patient. Lessons learned in combat have now been integrated into civilian practice proving these lifesaving capabilities. Familiarity with current field care, hospital setting concepts, and technical skills is relevant for the military and civilian surgeons alike.  This “Trauma Educational Experience” will involve hands on opportunities in hemorrhage control ranging from tourniquet placement to REBOA, acute airway and breathing interventions, and early management of hemorrhagic shock.

Objectives:

• Demonstrate hands-on performance of cutting-edge hemorrhage control procedures in the field and hospital setting
• Gain confidence in performing technical skills to manage injured and acutely ill surgical patients.
• Describe issues and challenges that confront surgeons in austere environments
• Identify common trauma training courses available

Endoscopy Station
Coordinators: Salvadore Docimo, MD & Eleanor Fung, MD

Description: Flexible Endoscopy continues to be an important component to a General Surgeons practice. Endoscopy requirements in residency training have increased over the past few years and simulation is now a requirement. This station will showcase the newly developed Flexible Endoscopy training models. These models allow training in scope navigation, tissue targeting, retroflexion and loop reduction.

Objectives:

• Practice valuable endoscopic skills in a reproducible model
• Perform various endoscopic tasks in a virtual reality simulator
• Evaluate the SAGES endoscopic curriculum

Surgery in Space: Telementoring to Telesurgery
Coordinators: Gordon Wisbach, MD; Tom Low, PhD; & Kinga Powers, MD

Description: Modern advancement of technology and post-pandemic predictions in telehealth adoption are poised for exponential growth. Surgical tele-mentoring, tele-consultation, remote presence and, ultimately, tele-surgery are promising solutions to the growing challenge of maintaining work force competency and patient accessibility in the setting of rapidly evolving technology.  The DoD is fully invested in Telemedicine and establishing a Virtual Medical Center (VMC) network.  Surgical telementoring capability is developing with these VMCs serving as a “hub” for geographic regions.  The goal is to provide surgical telementoring on a path towards remote telesurgery to improve patient care from a VMC in garrison and overseas without geographic limitations during times of peace, war, and pandemic outbreaks. Applications range from common surgical practice to education & training for trainees, staff and teams to military and aerospace medicine adoption. This station will provide demonstration and hands-on experience with telecommunication, telehealth and robotic surgery equipment from DoD and Industry partners.

Objectives:

• Differentiate the terms telementoring, telepresence, telesurgery and tele-‘u name it’
• Identify use case scenarios that would benefit from surgical telehealth
• Summarize Surgical Telementoring efforts in the military healthcare system
• Describe the benefits and challenges of establishing a telementoring program
• Gain familiarity and hands-on experience with technology, telehealth equipment and robotic surgery devices from DoD and Industry partners.

Go Global – GLAP (Global Laparoscopic Advancement Program)
Coordinators: Nia Zalamea, MD & Maria Marcela Bailez, MD

Description: In alignment with the global shift towards a hybrid learning environment with both in person simulation, and tele-mentoring, the SAGES Global Affairs Committee is pleased to launch the GLAP Learning Center. The Learning Center experience will provide learners and educators alike a glimpse of both our onsite GLAP work that has been deployed across the globe as well as a direct experience of our virtual GLAP tele-simulation and tele-mentoring. We will have two simulation stations complete with the ability to simulate technical tasks such as peg transfer and energy use, as well as demonstrate teaching skills like objective assessment and feedback. With tele-mentoring technology in place, participants who work at the stations will have mentors both on site, as well as observing mentors dialing in from other locations. Both participants and mentors rotate virtually on an hourly basis. In order to engage the participants on site, we will host GLAP Games with prizes, based on objective assessment of their technical skills. This will allow for a very rich tele-simulation and mentoring experience for both the participants, as well as the mentors as we bring together learners and educators from across the globe and expect this to be a sought-after experience for SAGES participants