Please note that all Hands-on Physician Labs require separate registration.

Day 1  Anal Fistula Flap Surgery

LAB FACULTY Radhika Smith, MD

LAB OVERVIEW

Anal fistula flap surgery, also known as a mucosal advancement flap, is a sphincter-preserving procedure used to treat complex anal fistulas. This approach serves as an alternative to surgeries that cut through the anal muscles and instead the surgeon closes the internal opening of the fistula by covering it with a flap of healthy rectal tissue. This technique not only aids the fistula in healing but also protects bowel control. It is particularly necessary when the fistula involves a significant portion of the sphincter to prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of fecal incontinence, especially in patients with high-risk or recurrent disease.

This hands-on surgical lab is designed to teach participants the foundational principles and technical skills required to perform an open anal fistula flap procedure. Participants will gain direct experience with surgical techniques and application through tissue handling, creating an advancement flap, managing the fistula tract, and applying closure techniques. Through a combination of anatomical models and supervised practice, participants will build confidence in executing this sphincter-preserving approach to complex anal fistulas.

LAB OBJECTIVES 

  • Discuss the indications, contraindications, and preoperative planning for anal fistula flap surgery, including fistula mapping.
  • Identify the fistula anatomy and internal opening to guide surgical decision-making.
  • Apply appropriate techniques to create, mobilize, and advance a viable, tension-free mucosal-submucosal or mucosal-muscular flap.
  • Perform secure closure of the internal opening, achieve hemostasis, and fix the flap while preserving sphincter function and continence.

HANDS-ON LABORATORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Educational experience led by internationally renowned faculty
  • Low faculty-to-attendee ratio
  • Practical cadaveric hands-on laboratory setting
  • In-depth practice of Anal Fistula Flap open surgical skills and techniques

 

Day 2  Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)

LAB FACULTY Matthew Albert, MD, FACS, FASCRS

LAB OVERVIEW

This course focuses on minimally invasive techniques for Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS). With a strong emphasis on practical experience, it will include anatomical, clinical, and surgical lectures, along with hands-on training led by a team of world-renowned surgeons.

The hands-on dissection lab will concentrate on the minimally invasive techniques necessary for the safe and effective implementation of both partial and full thickness transanal resections with closure. Additionally, important topics such as proper patient selection and indications, operating room setup, patient positioning, anesthesia, and the principles of safe transanal insufflation for TAMIS will be reviewed and practiced.

LAB OBJECTIVES

As a result of participation in this program participants should be able to:

  • Define the evaluation, management, and proper patient selection for benign and malignant rectal neoplasms.
  • Distinguish the anatomic basis, access modalities, and technical setup for safe transanal surgery.
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in performing partial and full thickness transanal resections with closure.
  • Recognize complications of TAMIS and appropriate strategies for prevention and management.

HANDS-ON LABORATORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Instruction facilitated by world-renowned colorectal surgeons
  • Low faculty-to-attendee ratio
  • Comprehensive hands-on practice of TAMIS techniques
  • Immersive surgical training on innovative techniques utilizing cutting-edge technology
  • Practical training in a cadaveric laboratory setting

 

Day 3 Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (IPAA) Construction and lengthening maneuvers and Kono-S Anastomosis

LAB FACULTY Matthew Albert, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Sean Langenfeld, MD, Dana Sands, MD, Michael Valente, MD

LAB OVERVIEW

Anastomotic recurrence and stenosis are common in Crohn's Disease (CD) patients requiring surgery, often leading to the need for further surgical intervention. The Kono-S hand-sewn anastomosis technique offers an innovative surgical solution, aiming to reduce recurrence rates and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a surgical option for most patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis who require colectomy.

This hands-on lab provides participants with training through cadaveric dissection focused on enhancing colorectal surgical skills and techniques for Kono-S anastomosis and IPAA. Through instruction led by world-renowned expert colorectal surgeons, this hands-on practical lab aims to provide in-depth knowledge of optimal surgical techniques for both Kono-S anastomosis and IPAA. In addition, this practical laboratory education will provide invaluable insights into potential complications along with solutions and elevate procedural knowledge, leading to improved patient quality of life and decreased recurrence rates.

LAB OBJECTIVES

  • As a result of participation in this program participants should be able to:
  • Determine appropriate indications for performing ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) Construction and lengthening maneuvers and Kono-S anastomosis.
  • Identify the indications and contraindications for restorative treatment with for Kono-S anastomosis and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) Construction and lengthening maneuvers. 
  • Demonstrate skills and techniques in performing Kono-S anastomosis, including mobilization and resection.
  • Discuss the background and surgical technique of ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) Construction and lengthening maneuvers, postoperative care, and outcomes.

HANDS-ON LABORATORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hands-on education and insights led by esteemed colorectal surgeons
  • Low faculty-to-attendee ratio
  • In-depth hands-on learning of novel Kono-S and IPAA surgical procedures
  • Practical utilization of state-of-the art technology and surgical techniques 
  • Practice of surgical procedures in a hands-on cadaveric dissection lab setting