This annual event provides current fellows (2026-2027) in MIS, Bariatric, Foregut, Hernia, Complex GI, HPB, and Colorectal fellowships from around the country with in-depth exposure to advanced laparoscopic and fluorescence-imaging techniques. Surgical techniques will be practiced on an in- vivo porcine model to simulate human anatomy and conditions.
The course features significant focus on advanced laparoscopic techniques, including dissection and suturing. Each participant will perform a minimum of three intracorporeal bowel anastomoses. Subspecialty live-animal model training is tailored to advance purely laparoscopic techniques in colorectal, MIS, bariatric, foregut, hernia, complex GI, and HPB respectively.
Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a rapidly growing modality which uses ICG/near infrared emitting devices to improve intraoperative visualization and surgical decision making. This is a two-day, intensive course that will explore the most comprehensive techniques in FGS and advanced laparoscopic skills using didactic, simulation, and in-vivo porcine components.
After completing this educational activity, the participant will:
- Have developed advanced intracorporeal suturing and tissue handling skills,
- Understand the growing scope of Fluorescence-Guided Surgery across multiple surgical specialties (foregut, bariatric, colorectal, general surgery, endocrine, oncology)
- Have experienced hands-on intraoperative ICG and NIR-surgical devices
- Have experience with in-vivo and ex-vivo laparoscopic bowel anastomosis simulations
The Advanced Laparoscopy and Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Course will be hosted at the Center for the Future of Surgery at the University of California San Diego.
Please note that this course is for the 2026-2027 fellowship year.
Registration is limited to the first 40 registrants. SAGES Candidate Membership (or the submission of a completed SAGES membership application) is mandatory to participate in the course.
Fee: Registrants will be charged a $100 deposit which will be refunded upon completion of the course. The deposit will not be refunded in the event of a cancellation or no-show.
Air Travel: Airfare up to $600 toward travel to San Diego, California is provided. The recommended airport is the San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Hotel: Hotel rooms will be provided for the nights of Thursday, October 22nd, Friday, October 23rd, and if necessary, Saturday, October 24th. Any other room nights will be the responsibility of the registrant. Fellows will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. Fellows may elect to have their own rooms at an additional cost (and based on availability).
Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own ground transportation to and from airports.
Meals: There is a welcome reception at the hotel on Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30pm – please make your incoming travel arrangements so that you can attend. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and refreshments will be provided on October 23rd and 24th. There is a social event with dinner on Friday, October 23rd (transportation will be provided).
Please note: As this is an industry-supported course, any payments or benefits provided to U.S. physicians may be reported to CMS under the Open Payments program, in compliance with federal law.