Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery

This course will expose 4th year medical students to the full array of complex minimally invasive gynecologic surgery including laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, robotic, and single-site approaches. Typical case volume is 20-30 cases. In addition to the surgical exposure students play an integral role in the busy consultative clinic and will be exposed to office procedures including flexible and rigid hysteroscopy, tubal sterilization, endometrial ablation, colposcopy, LEEP and transvaginal sonography. Students will attend weekly Grand Rounds and Gynecology conferences and will take part in the MIS journal club.

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management options for fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
2. Perform a comprehensive consultation in a sensitive and inclusive manner for outpatient evaluation of gynecologic complaints such as abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain.
3. Formulate appropriate differential diagnosis and patient-specific management plans for gynecologic complaints such as abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain.
4. Identify key pelvic anatomy relevant to common GYN surgeries and describe the importance of these anatomic structures (i.e. hysterectomy, myomectomy, hysteroscopy, adnexal surgeries).
5. Describe common intraoperative and postoperative complications in hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.
   Independently perform surgical tasks such as foley/speculum placement, laparoscopic port site closure, knot tying and surgical instrument handling.
6. Participate effectively as a member of the team in the operating room by assisting with the workflow, using sterile technique, and anticipating the needs of the team and using clear and effective communication.