COURSE OVERVIEW

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This advanced cadaver-based course offers an immersive, hands-on experience focused on the surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Participants will engage in guided dissections that emphasize retroperitoneal anatomy, nerve-sparing techniques, and multidisciplinary surgical approaches.

Key components of the course include:

• Step-by-step techniques for excision of deep pelvic endometriosis
• Identification and preservation of critical structures, including ureters, hypogastric nerves, and pelvic vasculature
• Techniques for safe dissection of disease involving the rectovaginal septum, bowel, bladder, and sidewall
• Integration of robotic and advanced laparoscopic approaches
• Strategies to optimize outcomes while minimizing complications

Led by expert faculty, this course combines didactic instruction with hands-on cadaver lab training, allowing participants to translate advanced concepts directly into surgical practice. The curriculum is ideal for gynecologic surgeons seeking to expand their expertise in complex endometriosis surgery and deliver comprehensive, high-quality care to patients.

IDENTIFY GAP IN KNOWLEDGE AND EFFECT ON PATIENT CARE:

Despite the high prevalence and significant morbidity associated with endometriosis, there remains a substantial gap in advanced surgical training for the management of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Many practicing gynecologic surgeons lack formal exposure to complex retroperitoneal dissection, nerve-sparing techniques, and multidisciplinary approaches required to safely and effectively treat disease involving the bowel, bladder, ureters, and pelvic sidewalls.

As a result, patients are often underdiagnosed, undertreated, or managed with incomplete excision or ablative techniques, leading to persistent pain, disease recurrence, and diminished quality of life. Inadequate surgical training may also increase the risk of complications, including injury to critical structures such as the ureters, bowel, and autonomic nerves, which can result in long-term functional consequences.

This educational gap directly impacts patient outcomes by limiting access to high-quality, definitive surgical care. By providing hands-on, cadaver-based training focused on advanced excision techniques and pelvic anatomy, this course aims to bridge that gap—empowering surgeons with the skills and confidence necessary to deliver comprehensive, safe, and effective treatment for patients with complex endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of pelvic and retroperitoneal anatomy relevant to the surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), including identification of the ureters, hypogastric nerves, pelvic vasculature, and pararectal/paravesical spaces.
2. Perform systematic retroperitoneal dissection techniques to safely access and mobilize critical structures while maintaining surgical planes and minimizing tissue trauma.
3. Apply nerve-sparing surgical principles to preserve autonomic pelvic function, including bladder, bowel, and sexual function, during excision of complex endometriotic disease.
4. Execute advanced excision techniques for deep infiltrating endometriosis, including disease involving the rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, bowel, bladder, and pelvic sidewalls.
5. Integrate multidisciplinary surgical approaches by understanding when to collaborate with colorectal, urologic, or other surgical specialists in the management of complex cases.
6. Utilize robotic and advanced laparoscopic platforms to enhance visualization, precision, and ergonomics in complex endometriosis surgery.
7. Recognize and mitigate intraoperative risks and complications, including strategies for ureteral identification and protection, bowel injury prevention, and hemorrhage control.
8. Develop a structured surgical approach to complex endometriosis cases, from preoperative planning to intraoperative execution and postoperative management.
9. Translate cadaver-based surgical skills into clinical practice, improving confidence, efficiency, and patient outcomes in real-world surgical settings.  

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