Live Surgery Highlights First-Ever Laparoscopic Conference in Atlanta
More than 200 physicians from across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico attended the first Intensive Laparoscopic Suturing and Knot Tying and Laparoscopic and Robotic Hysterectomy Conference. Sponsored by Northside Hospital, the event took place April 29-30, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Atlanta, and brought together leaders in the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, for in-depth laparoscopic instruction.
A staggering 70 percent of hysterectomies performed are done so through traditional laparotomy. The goal of this conference focused on decreasing the number of traditionally performed hysterectomies, ultimately expanding the growth of the minimally invasive surgical field. Directed by Dr. Ceana Nezhat, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northside Hospital, the event provided attendees with hands-on instruction and education, using the latest technology in instrumentation and robotics.
"This year's conference is particularly important," said Dr. Nezhat. "Advances in minimally invasive approaches in gynecology are rapidly bringing laparoscopic and robotic approaches closer to important and practical applications. In addition to the growth in minimally invasive approaches, related to gynecology, we are also seeing increased interest from the patient population to pursue this avenue of surgery and physicians seeking to turn the results of that interest to real-world uses."
During one of several live surgery telecasts and video sessions at the event, Northside Hospital became the first hospital in Georgia to use the EndoCAMeleon from Karl Storz, a revolutionary telescope that is used in laparoscopic surgery and allows for multiple angles of view within the one scope. Instead of the physician having to change equipment (during surgery) in order to see different areas of the anatomy, the telescope allows the surgeon to change angles with just the twist of a knob, resulting in shorter surgery times.
Additionally, a new remote presence robotic system, VisitOR1, also from Karl Storz, enabled doctors at the conference to “be in two places at once,” allowing them to see, hear and talk to physicians in the operating room at the hospital via a secure Internet connection. The technology allows physicians to mentor or consult during surgery cases via access to web-based information and video feeds, as well as use laser pointers, file sharing and telestration, to make the interactive experience supersede traditional telemedicine.
“Northside Hospital is proud to sponsor this important training event, which will directly improve minimally invasive surgery for patients in the 35 states and three countries, represented by the attendees at the conference,” said Vicki Barnett, director of surgical services, Northside Hospital. “Northside is looking to make considerable advances in its GYN surgery program in the coming year and this conference was a perfect kick-off.”
Northside Hospital is the leader in women’s services and treats more cases of endometriosis, uterine myoma (fibroids), hysterectomy and pelvic reconstruction by operative laparoscopy and robotics than any other hospital in Georgia.
The hospital next plans to host the world’s GYN surgeons at the World Symposium on Endometriosis, March 24-26, 2011, in Atlanta. The mission of this course will be to increase awareness, among doctors and patients, for early detection and proper treatment of endometriosis, in order to improve the quality of life of those suffering, minimize adverse outcomes and reduce recurrence of disease.
“Endometriosis effects over 70-million women world wide,” said Dr. Nezhat. “The World Symposium on Endometriosis will serve as a keystone effort toward the diagnosis and treatment of this enigmatic disease.”
For more information about the 2011 World Symposium on Endometriosis, visit www.endometriosisatlanta.com
Click here for more information on surgery at Northside.
