This two-day workshop is the first of two iterations of AC workshops offered at CTEC. It focuses on open procedures in obstetric and gynaecological surgery and is a prerequisite for registration on the second and complementary Laparoscopic AC Workshop.

Both workshops provide an intensive and hands-on learning experience and aim to improve the performance of specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists in the prevention and management of complications in obstetric and gynecological surgery.

Prior to attending the workshop all participants receive a login to access online learning materials, including videos demonstrating the various procedures to be performed during the practical surgical sessions. Participants are required to review these materials prior to the workshop.

ACW participants work in trios and pairs directed by and under the guidance of expert faculty. There is a maximum of 18 participants who will work through six different groupings in order to maximise interaction and to accommodate differing skill levels. The faculty to participant ration is 1:1-2.

How to express interest

Expressions of interest for this workshop are invited from eligible doctors via the link above.  Places are limited on these highly popular AC workshops and will be allocated to eligible registrants in order of receipt of expressions of interest. Successful applicants will be contacted by CTEC. For further information please email, CTEC Senior Course Coordinator Lorna Christie.

Day 1 

Cadaveric Anatomy & Open Surgical Skills

CTEC, The University of Western Australia

Duration 8 hours

Participants work in trios, swapping groups and roles as the workshop progresses.

THE PELVIS (Session 1 – The Medial Pelvic Side Wall)

• Expose the pararectal and paravesical spaces
• Perform a uterolysis and pelvic peritonectomy
• Time permitting, mobilise bladder and perform cystotomy and repair

THE PELVIS (Session 2 – The Pelvic Vessels and Nerves)

• Perform lymphadenectomy
• Expose iliac vessels and branches
• Expose the obturator nerve
• Ligate the anterior division of the internal iliac artery
• Identify pelvic floor muscle and bony pelvis landmarks

THE RETROPERITONEUM (Session 3)

• Identify and dissect along anatomical planes to mobilise colon
• Identify blood supply to the bowel
• Dissect along the interior vena cava and aorta
• Vessel injury and repair

THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT (Session 4)

• Repair a serosal tear and Veress injury to the small bowel
• Repair a rectal tear
• Repair a trocar injury to the stomach

Followed by:

Convenor Hosted Dinner for Faculty and Participants
The University Club of Western Australia

Day 2

Animal Model Open Surgery

Murdoch University Centre for Advanced Veterinary Education 

Duration 5 hours

Participants work in pairs:

• Dissection of ureter
• Repair cystotomy and enterotomy
• Dissection of pelvic vessels
• Bowel anastomosis
• Loop ileostomy
• Arteriotomy and Venotomy and repair

Day 2

Case Presentations and Discussions – Complications in Gynaecological Surgery

Murdoch University Centre for Advanced Veterinary Education 

Duration 2.5 hours

Prior to attendance on ACW all participants are required to submit one case for presentation. This case usually describes a surgical or obstetric complication, or a difficult management decision. The presentation is given using Powerpoint or equivalent with a maximum of four slides.  Each case is allocated 15 minutes to include presentation and discussion. Ten cases will be presented.

This session is facilitated by the Convenors in a controlled and constructive environment.

Intra and post-operative complications:

• small group presentation and interactive discussion
• emphasis on prevention and management of complications in gynaecological surgery

At the conclusion of the workshop each participant is required to complete a workshop evaluation questionnaire. This provides valuable feedback to the workshop organiser and allows for continued improvement in the quality and content of the workshop.

Workshop Inclusions

• Online pre-reading including videos demonstrating practical surgical sessions
• Day 1 Convenor Hosted Dinner for Faculty and Participants, The University Club of Western Australia