The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
13021 East Florence Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Telephone: (800) 554-2245 or (310) 946-8774; Facsimile: (310) 946-9204
(VANCOUVER) The Third International Symposium & Hands-on Workshop on Office Microendoscopy and endoscopic Microsugery, Vancouver, will present an integrated approach to minimally invasive surgery now being used by gynecologists. "Pain Mapping," as it is called, allows the physician and patient to work together when determining areas of chronic pelvic pain. This specialized approach is another example of the many procedures moving from the expensive operating room, to the office environment.
"Perhaps the most exciting new application of office laparoscopy is pain mapping, which allows both the surgeon and the patient to work together in identifying organs and sites that may be the source of pain," said Anthony A. Luciano, MD, scientific program chair.
And it's this sort of team work patients should expect from their physicians to ensure their safety during office procedures. Associated risks during pain mapping and other office techniques will be addressed so participants can choose compatible patients and prepare in the event of complications. "It is important that the patients are adequately screened and appropriately selected to minimize the occurrence of such complications," said Luciano. "Moreover, the office must be adequately equipped to handle such emergencies if they should occur."
As gynecology becomes more specialized, physicians should become familiar with new microendoscopes and other instruments that are available to perform office microendoscopic procedures, Luciano added. "In the future, office microendoscopy and/or microsurgery may be implemented together with imaging such as ultrasound guidance of the surgical instrument, which may increase its safety and its efficacy."
All media interested in witnessing the future of office microsurgery are invited to attend. All media receive complimentary registration for the show May 23-24, 1997, for information please contact the AAGL office listed above.