Advanced LAP-D Workshop

The AGES Advanced Laparoscopic Anatomy & Pelvic Dissection (ALAP-D) Workshop is designed for AGES Members who are Specialist Gynaecologists with advanced laparoscopic training who wish to:

• Expand their knowledge of pelvic, abdominal, and retroperitoneal anatomy
• Hone their laparoscopic surgical dissection and teaching skills.

There will be a particular focus on identification of the pelvic nerves and nerve-sparing surgical techniques.

Hands-on laparoscopic dissection sessions utilising fresh frozen, female donors follow the relevant anatomical lecture series.
The workshops are held at the Medical Engineering and Research Facility (MERF), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) facility in Brisbane.

Three participants are assigned to each donor and will be closely supervised by an experienced advanced laparoscopic surgical instructor. Each participant will have the opportunity to operate, assist and observe to optimise the learning experience as they rotate evenly through each step.

The course focuses on the approaches to dissection of the pelvic sidewall with a particular emphasis on the surgical layers and surgical spaces and the anatomical structures contained within them. Retroperitoneal spaces around the bladder, pelvic floor, large bowel and kidneys are all explored. There is a particular focus on identification of the pelvic nerves and nerve sparing surgical techniques. The anatomy of the diaphragm and surgical approaches to resection of diaphragmatic endometriosis is covered.

All participants are provided with pre-reading and copies of the presentations a week prior to the workshop.

Registrants are expected to confidently increase their anatomical knowledge and awareness, allowing for improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications for their patients.