Advanced Techniques in Vaginal Hysterectomy Workshop

Hysterectomy is the commonest major operation that women undergo during their fertile years. In most cases, surgery is performed abdominally with all the traumas of laparotomy, despite the knowledge that complications are considerably higher than with the vaginal route. Recently, laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy has been described as a less traumatic alternative to abdominal hysterectomy. While a laparoscopic approach is useful for adhesiolysis and mobilisation of pelvic structures, laparoscopic hysterectomy is both slow and expensive compared with traditional alternatives. The ideal hysterectomy remains vaginal.

There is a reluctance, however, by many gynaecologists to perform a vaginal hysterectomy in the absence of utero-vaginal prolapse, in the presence of uterine enlargement, after previous pelvic surgery, or if oophorectomy is indicated. The aim of the ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY WORKSHOP is to teach vaginal surgical techniques, some old, some new, which can be used in these situations. Techniques covered will include intramyometrial coring, uterine bisection, myomectomy, morcellation, the Doderlein-Kronig approach, and methods for carrying out oophorectomy and subtotal hysterectomy vaginally. Guest speakers in the past have included Michael Brudenell (London), Paul Hardiman (London), James Unger (USA), Shirish Sheth (India), Terry Grody (USA), Henri Clave (France) and Karl Olah (Warwick). All delegates will be given the CD "Advanced Techniques in Vaginal Hysterectomy" and a DVD recording of the surgery performed during the workshop.

The message is simple - most hysterectomies could and should be performed vaginally.

Workshop duration: 1 day
Places per workshop: Unlimited
Course fee for 2009: £300

Click here to see the programme.