Program Outline

The past, present, and future of military healthcare on the battlefield and in our military treatment facilities will be on full display at the 2025 SAGES Military Surgical Symposium. Research incorporating novel techniques for battlefield medicine, quality improvement programs, simulation and education of future military surgeons will be presented. The session seeks to continue to improve the surgical care for our military service members, beneficiaries, retirees, and Veterans. The session will further provide expert knowledge on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine to better prepare for future conflicts. An engaging session from 2024, we will revisit the latest advances in space medicine and explore how innovations in this field can be applied to enhance military medical capabilities. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into both terrestrial and extraterrestrial medical challenges facing military professionals. Our guest speaker is not to be missed: retired 4-star GEN Austin Scott Miller, former Delta force U.S. Army and final commander of NATO`s Operation Resolute Support and US Forces in Afghanistan speaks on a military career.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Maintain clinical currency for military surgeons-in-training, attendings, and international military physicians.
• Prepare for future military conflicts through lessons learned from high-level military leader speakers and presenters from Ukraine.
• Uncover the latest advancements in space medicine and their potential to revolutionize military medical capabilities.

8:00 AM – Introductions
8:10 AM – Research Presentations
9:30 AM – Break
9:45 AM – Research Presentations
11:15 AM – ACS Excelsior Surgery Society – Update from the ACS Governor
11:30 AM – Awards
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Keynote Address
1:40 PM – Questions/Discussion

This session is designed to highlight technical details in bariatric operations. It is directed toward all levels of surgeons.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand technical details in bariatric operations.
• Describe techniques or the treatment of bile reflux following sleeve / SADI / OAGB.
• Recognize advocacy opportunities in bariatric insurance.

10:00 AM – Suture Patterns in Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
10:15 AM – Limb Length in OAGB / RYGB / SADI
10:30 AM – Duodenal Dissection in SADI
10:45 AM – Nuances of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
11:00 AM – Surgical Treatment of Bile Reflux Following Sleeve / SADI / OAGB
11:15 AM – Bariatric Insurance Coverage
11:30 AM – Is More Surgery Better or Start with a Small Procedure in Pediatric Patients
11:45 AM – Q&A

The session is designed to assist foregut surgeons with critical intraoperative decision making related to reoperative foregut surgery.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize the basic operative tenets of reparative foregut surgery.
• Employ safe strategies to anticipate and avoid complications of reoperative foregut surgery.
• Employ new surgical decision making strategies for dealing with third and fourth time preoperative foregut surgery.
• Learn strategies for optimal coding and reimbursement for complex reoperative foregut cases.

10:00 AM – Introduction
10:02 AM – Basic Tenets of Re-operative Foregut Surgery
10:14 AM – Identifying and Dealing with Mesh at the Hiatus
10:26 AM – Intraoperative Management of Esophageal and Gastric Injuries
10:38 AM – What Do I Do with a Short Esophagus?
10:50 AM – Addressing the Reoperative Hiatus in a Patient with a History of Sleeve, Bypass, or SADI
11:02 AM – Redo Heller After Prior Myotomy
11:14 AM – Operative Considerations and Approach to the Third- and Fourth-Time Redo
11:26 AM – Q&A
11:56 AM – Closing Remarks

This session is designed to help surgeons gain experience in scenarios that may not be frequently encountered in the care of abdominal wall surgery. Relying on experts to help guide the audience through managing complex types of abdominal wall problems including: off midline hernias, flank and lumbar hernias, infected mesh removal and staging hernia repair.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Illustrate management options for uncommon types of hernias that can be encountered.
• Identify what patients would benefit from single stage hernia repair at the time of other gastrointestinal surgery.
• Help surgeons plan for management of the abdominal wall at the time of infected mesh removal.

10:00 AM – How Did You Get a Hernia There? Management of Subcostal and Subxiphoid Hernias
10:12 AM – What am I Supposed to Sew the Mesh to? How Best to Repair Flank and Lumbar Hernias
10:24 AM – Now What Am I Supposed to Do? Management of the Abdominal Wall After Removal of Infected Mesh
10:36 AM – To Stage or Not to Stage… When is It Appropriate to Proceed with Single Stage Hernia Repair at the Time of Other E Matthew Ritter Procedures
10:48 AM – Q&A

Left-sided colectomy in all its forms, both minimally invasive and open, in a common colorectal operation.  This session will present the surgeon with an in-depth, organized approach for the performance of the procedure.  The critical anatomy, procedure organization and danger areas will be described along with optimal approaches for anastomosis and wound extraction.   This session is designed to promote surgeon facility and mastery of the operations by focusing on key steps, technical pearls and potential pitfalls.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Formulate a reproducible approach to performing a left colectomy in an efficient, safe manner.
• Assess different approaches to performing a colorectal anastomosis and choose the safest approach for the individual surgeon.
• Identify the critical anatomy and danger areas in the performance of a minimally invasive left colectomy.

10:00 AM – Welcome and Introduction to Session
10:05 AM – What is Left colectomy vs Anterior Resection or Low Anterior Resection? Indications and Frequency
10:17 AM – Efficient Strategies and Tools for a Complex Operation with MIS
10:29 AM – Left Colon Mobilization and Splenic Flexure Release: Rationale, Approaches and Critical Anatomy
10:41 AM – Positioning of Small Bowel: Under-recognized Key to the Procedure
10:53 AM – IMA and IMV: Keys to Anatomy and Dissection
11:05 AM – Rectal Dissection and Division: Critical Aspects to Consider
11:17 AM – Anastomoses: Essential Elements and Intra-corporeal and Extra-corporeal Options
11:29 AM – Specimen Extraction Options: Where to Go? Abdominal Wall and Natural Orifices
11:41 AM – Panel Discussion/Q&A

This session will be a high-level review of the evidence supporting the use of laparoscopy or robotics for surgery of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The format of the session will be debate-style and there will be great video demonstrations as well.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize the relative advantages of laparoscopy or robotics for surgery of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Understand the data in favor of, or refuting, the benefits of laparoscopy or robotics for surgery of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

10:00 AM – Robot, Why Bother? Laparoscopic Liver Surgery is the Way to Go
10:08 AM – You Mean a Human Drives the Camera? Robotic Liver Surgery is the Best!
10:16 AM – Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy Remains Supreme
10:24 AM – Robotic Pancreatectomy Has Taken Over
10:32 AM – You Mean You Need a Robot to Do a Chole? Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is Still the Gold Standard
10:40 AM – Attention Haters: Robotic Cholecystectomy is Best
10:48 AM – Q&A

This session will review strategies to prevent incisional and parastomal hernias and offer evidence-based recommendations for placement of incisions for open and minimally invasive surgeries as well as closure strategies. It also will review recent guidelines related to hernia prevention and topics pertinent to minimally invasive surgeons such as port site, extraction site and parastomal hernias.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Articulate strategies to prevent incisional hernias incision including location of incisions and techniques of closure.
• Illustrate best practices for creation of stomas and indications for mesh prophylaxis to prevent parastomal hernias.
• Compare different methods and techniques for minimally invasive access and strategies to prevent port site hernias.

11:00 AM – Incisional Hernia Prevention: From Incisions to Closure
11:15 AM – Port Site Hernia Prevention: Tips and Tricks
11:30 AM – Parastomal Hernia Prevention: Stoma Creation and Prophylactic Mesh
11:45 AM – Q&A

The Whipple. We all know the steps, we all know the risks, but we don`t all get through the case the same way. Come learn from experts who have honed their skills as high-volume pancreas surgeons to optimize their minimally invasive Whipple techniques. Attendees will leave the session with actionable knowledge that can enhance efficiency and safety in performance of a Whipple procedure. Anybody who currently performs complex abdominal operations will benefit from the tips, tricks, and lessons learned in this session.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe key perioperative anatomic considerations of uncinate dissection and have tips for troubleshooting when bleeding occurs.
• Understand where they are on their learning curve in relationship to available data and how to safely initiate a robotic Whipple program in a maximally invasive environment.
• Optimize their console efficiency for complex robotic pancreas surgery.

11:00 AM – Anatomic Considerations of Uncinate Dissection
11:15 AM – Lessons from the Learning Curve: Guide for New Programs in Robotic Pancreas Surgery
11:30 AM – Decreasing Console Time – Tips and Tricks for Maximized Robotic Efficiency
11:45 AM – Q&A

This session will cover bariatric complications and showcase minimally invasive techniques for managing them.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Discuss common complications of bariatric surgery.
• Highlight minimally invasive approaches to managing complications that can optimize patient outcomes.
• Investigate emerging technologies that can be employed.
  

1:30 PM – Introduction
1:35 PM – Endoscopic Management of Leaks
1:45 PM – GDA Bleeding During a SADI
1:55 PM – The OG Tube Won`t Come Out: Stapling Across a Foreign Body
2:05 PM – The Dilemma of the Recurrent/Refractor Marginal Ulcer
2:15 PM – Getting Out of Trouble During Adolescent Bariatrics

Experts in the field of esophageal surgery will highlight the technical details of the different approaches: Ivor-Lewis, Transhiatal and McKeown  to minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).  Practicing surgeons currently doing  or planning on doing MIEs will benefit from this session to glean insights into the multi-step components and challenges of this procedure.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize and prepare for the technical aspects of the 3 most popular approaches to MIE.
• Evaluate the merits of each of the 3 above approaches to MIE as pertains to their patient within a clinical context.
• Identify the importance of oncologic principles of MIE – regardless of approach.

1:30 PM – Introduction
1:33 PM – Surgeon as the Patient Advocate: It`s All About the Patient
1:43 PM – My Perspective on MIE and the Transhiatal Approach
1:53 PM – My Perspective on MIE and the Ivor-Lewis Approach
2:03 PM – My Perspective on MIE and the McKeown Approach
2:13 PM – Lap vs Robotic: The Advantages, the Challenges and the Opportunity Defined
2:23 PM – Oncologic Principles of MIE, Regardless of Approach
2:33 PM – Audience Poll
2:40 PM – Q&A

In this session, we will review options for management of inguinal and ventral hernias in emergent settings.  The session will include use of operative video, case presentations, and expert opinion/experience to help guide management of these complex patients.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe options for management of hernias in contaminated and dirty settings.
• Convey new strategies to manage hernias concomitantly with other surgical emergencies.
• Compare different mesh products for the emergent repair of hernias.

1:30 PM – Introduction
1:35 PM – Mesh Selection in Emergent Hernia Repair: What`s the Data?
1:45 PM – Management of Inguinal/Femoral Hernias with Strangulation
1:55 PM – Emergent Repair of Ventral Hernias in a Contaminated Setting
2:05 PM – I`ve Never Seen That Before! – Management of Uncommon Emergent Hernias
2:15 PM – Emergent Hernia Repairs in the Non-Optimized Patient
2:25 PM – I Immediately Regret This Decision! – What I Would Do Differently Next Time
2:35 PM – Q&A

The use of Minimally Invasive surgery is increasing among surgeons for emergent colorectal cases. The management continues to evolve with changes in technology, and operative management of these patients . Laparoscopic and Robotics is a tool for minimally invasive surgery and this program will describe current state  and the approach to emergent colorectal scenarios.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe Key surgical approaches for malignant and benign large bowel obstruction.
• Describe the set up, port placement for robotic and laparoscopic colorectal emergencies.
• Management of parastomal hernia with obstruction.
• Management of emergent complex Crohn`s in different scenarios.

1:30 PM – Management of Malignant Large Bowel Obstruction
1:42 PM – Perforated Colon – What Should I Do in the OR?
1:54 PM – IBD Emergencies
2:06 PM – Surgical Management of Bowel Obstruction
2:18 PM – Tips and Tricks of Emergent Stoma Creation in Challenging Patients
2:30 PM – Emergency Parastomal Hernia
2:42 PM – Q&A

Performing complex HPB operations in an era of evolving surgical technologies in challenging patients necessitates learning from shared experiences of surgical complications.  This didactic session is intended to educate surgeons about how to get about unexpected intraoperative complications

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Convey surgeons engaged in HPB surgery for potential unique intraoperative complications.
• Prepare surgeons engaged in HPB surgery for possible intraoperative techniques that could be engaged when encountered with unique intraoperative complications.
• Identify situations in which there is a high risk of bile duct injury and how to address it safely with best possible outcomes.

1:30 PM – Introduction to Getting Out of Trouble During HPB Surgery
1:39 PM – Inadvertent Intraoperative Complications During Ablation
1:54 PM – Massive Bleeding During Hepatectomy
2:09 PM – Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury
2:24 PM – Impacted Biliary Stone
2:39 PM – Q&A

The past, present, and future of military healthcare on the battlefield and in our military treatment facilities will be on full display at the 2025 SAGES Military Surgical Symposium.  Research incorporating novel techniques for battlefield medicine, quality improvement programs, simulation and education of future military surgeons will be presented.  The session seeks to continue to improve the surgical care for our military service members, beneficiaries, retirees, and Veterans. The session will further provide expert knowledge on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine to better prepare for future conflicts. An engaging session from 2024, we will revisit the latest advances in space medicine and explore how innovations in this field can be applied to enhance military medical capabilities. Don`t miss this unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights into both terrestrial and extraterrestrial medical challenges facing military professionals.  Our guest speaker is not to be missed: retired 4-star GEN Austin `Scott` Miller, former Delta force U.S. Army and final commander of NATO`s Operation Resolute Support and US Forces in Afghanistan speaks on a military career.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Maintain clinical currency for military surgeons-in-training, attendings, and international military physicians.
• Prepare for future military conflicts through lessons learned from high-level military leader speakers and presenters from Ukraine.
• Uncover the latest advancements in space medicine and their potential to revolutionize military medical capabilities.

2:30 PM – Introduction & Goals
2:45 PM – Achieving Earth Independent Medical Operations
3:00 PM – Paving the Way to Mars
3:15 PM – TATRC – Advances in Telesurgery
3:30 PM – Is Telerobotic Surgery Development DARPA Hard
3:45 PM – Education & Training
4:00 PM – Critical Care Transport
4:15 PM – Artificial Gravity Space Stations
4:30 PM – “Bringing it Home” Panel Discussion: The Role of SAGES in the Space Surgery Mission

Endoscopic innovations achieve sustainable weight-loss that make them an effective alternative to gastric bypass. Interventions include endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, restrictive implants, and procedures that affect nutrient absorption. Perceived benefits and risk reductions make these attractive options as a bridge to surgery and alternative to surgery. Critical advocacy issues remain in these procedures and have no billing codes under current Medicare rulings. This session is intended for bariatric surgeons, endoscopists and gastroenterologists with special interest in weight-loss inducing procedures.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Delineate current challenges to funding and reimbursement for endoscopic bariatric procedures and directed goals for advocacy.
• Discuss training pathways and the learning curve for effective endoscopic bariatric procedures to ensure quality outcomes.
• Evaluate long-term revisional surgical strategy for endoscopic bariatric therapies.

3:30 PM – Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
3:40 PM – Endoscopic Deployed Space Occupying Devices as a Restrictive Alternative to Bypass
3:50 PM – Endoscopic Deployment of the EndoBarrier Duodeno-Jejunal Bypass Liner
4:00 PM – Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing: Evaluation as a Metabolic and Weight Loss Therapy
4:10 PM – Endoscopic Magnetic Anastomoses Utilization for a Malabsorptive Procedure
4:20 PM – Endoscopic Revision of Sleeve Gastrectomy: An Effective Therapy for Weight Loss and GERD?
4:30 PM – Advocacy for Reimbursement for Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures
4:40 PM – Panel Discussion On Endoscopic Alternatives to Bypass

This session will provide an essential guide on what every foregut surgeon needs to know about esophageal motility before offering patients esophagogastric surgery. You will leave understanding how to interpret manometry to inform your surgical decision making, and will gain knowledge about the implications of motility disorders on foregut surgical outcomes. Please note: this session is focused on non-achalasia motility disorders.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Interpret manometry and adjunct esophageal testing results to guide surgical decision making.
• Recognize the implication of esophageal motility disorders on foregut surgery outcomes.
• Recognize the utility of non-surgical pharmacologic options for esophageal motility disorders.

3:30 PM – Manometry Interpretation for Surgeons
3:42 PM – Q&A
3:45 PM – Understanding the Chicago Classification
3:57 PM – Q&A
4:00 PM – Pharmacology and Esophageal Dysmotility
4:12 PM – Q&A
4:15 PM – Esophageal Motility Adjunct Tests and How to Use Them
4:27 PM – Q&A
4:30 PM – Surgical Considerations for Esophageal Dysmotility
4:42 PM – Q&A
4:45 PM – Panel Discussion

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Demonstrate how to use a variety of AI tools for personal and professional productivity.
• Convey how AI tools can improve your operative technique and skill.
• Evaluate best practices for implementing AI tools into your practice.

3:30 PM – Introduction – How AI Can Benefit You!
3:35 PM – Chatbots in Scrubs – Using Large Language Models
3:46 PM – A Surgical Sidekick – AI for Clinical Decisions
3:58 PM – Tech-Savvy for Business and Life
4:09 PM – Smart Scalpel: AI in the OR to Improve Performance
4:20 PM – Smart and Safe: Bringing AI Onboard
4:31 PM – An Eye to the Future: What’s Coming Next in AI
4:35 PM – Q&A

This mixed didactic and video-based session will evaluate the role of minimally invasive surgery in several complex colorectal surgery scenarios. Surgeons who are looking to safely increase the application of minimally invasive surgery in their colorectal surgery practice will enjoy hearing from an expert panel of MIS Colorectal Surgeons who will share their experience with various challenging disease processes.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Learn about some of the current controversies in complex colorectal surgery.
• Employ new minimally-invasive techniques for challenging disease processes.
• Understand when an MIS approach is (or is not) safe and feasible in technically complex cases.

3:30 PM – Introduction
3:32 PM – Ileocolic Crohn`s Disease: The Difficult Mesentery, Type of Anastomosis, and More
3:47 PM – How Low Can You Go: Approaching Low Presacral Lesions Trans-Abdominally
4:02 PM – MIS Multivisceral Resections for Colorectal Cancer: Are We Compromising Oncologic Outcomes?
4:17 PM – Anastomotic Complications: Strategies for MIS and Transanal Salvage
4:32 PM – Controversies in Transanal Endoscopic Surgery: Rectal Megapolyps, Early Cancers, and Incomplete Responders
4:47 PM – Q&A

This session is designed for young surgeons or trainees nearing the start of their career.  The diverse panel of speakers will discuss a broad range of topics, from knowing when a job is a bad fit, to navigating hospital politics, to work/life balance, to basics of practice finance, and leadership opportunities.  The hope is that the panel can pass on wisdom gained from their experience to aid young surgeons in decision making and career development.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Prepare for and develop skills to elevate one`s career in surgery.
• Prioritize professional and personal needs and wants while optimizing clinical care.
• Recognize the complexities and challenges of a surgical career.

3:30 PM – When the First Job isn`t the Right Job
3:40 PM – How to Get What You Need in the OR
3:50 PM – How to Work Smarter, Not Harder: Integrating AI and Other Tips and Tricks
4:00 PM – `Balancing` Clinical Work: How to Prioritize Personal, Societal, and Other Life Experiences
4:10 PM – How to Maneuver Through Hospital Politics to Get What You Need
4:20 PM – Advocacy for You and Your Patients
4:30 PM – Leadership Opportunities: When and How?
4:40 PM – Panel Discussion/Q&A

This session is designed for surgeons interested in performing robotic or laparoscopic lateral and extended lymph node dissection. Attendees will explore the indications, anatomical foundations, technical tips, and management of intraoperative complications associated with these complex procedures. The session will include video presentations to illustrate key techniques and demonstrate the latest advancements in AI and imaging-guided technologies that enhance the accuracy and safety of lymph node dissection. This session is ideal for surgeons looking to refine their skills and improve clinical outcomes through advanced techniques.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the indications and anatomical landmarks critical for precise lateral and extended lymph node dissection.
• Recognize intraoperative complications associated with lymph node dissection and implement appropriate management strategies to enhance patient safety.
• Integrate advanced imaging and AI technologies to enhance lymph node dissection techniques and improve surgical outcomes.

8:00 AM – Advanced Lateral and Extended Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Surgery: Indications, Anatomy, and Techniques
8:10 AM – Advanced Lateral and Extended Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Surgery: Fluorescence-Guided Lymph Node Dissection.
8:20 AM: Advanced Lateral and Extended Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Surgery: Techniques and Intraoperative Complications.
8:30 AM – How to Teach and Learn Advanced Lateral and Extended Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Surgery
8:40 AM – Real-time Artificial Intelligence Navigation-assisted Surgery
8:50 AM – Q&A

This session emphasizes a constructive framework for effective feedback that is focused on goal-oriented performance. Experts will offer a research-based framework for providing meaningful feedback that advances the learner towards the goal.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Use a culture of meaningful feedback.
• Develop your personal feedback framework.
• Implement a constructive mindset for difficult conversations.
• Prioritize feedback that improves performance.

8:00 AM – Effective Frameworks for Giving Feedback: What Does Research Tell Us?
8:10 AM – Using Feedback to Improve Goal-Oriented Performance
8:20 AM – The Difficult Conversation
8:30 AM – Creating a Culture That Gives Effective Feedback
8:40 AM – Q&A

This session will explore actionable strategies for surgeons and healthcare teams to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining excellent standards of patient care. A central focus will be on minimally invasive surgery (MIS). While MIS offers numerous clinical advantages, including reduced patient recovery times and fewer complications, it also has notable environmental implications. Attendees will learn to balance these clinical benefits with sustainability, making informed decisions regarding resource consumption and waste reduction in the OR. Looking to the future, this session will highlight innovative solutions aimed at creating a more environmentally friendly surgical landscape. Experts will present cutting-edge developments in surgical technologies, materials, and sustainable practices designed to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and create more energy-efficient surgical environments.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize the environmental impacts of minimally invasive surgery and its implications for sustainable decision-making.
• Identify key contributors to environmental degradation in the operating room and implement eco-friendly, sustainable practices to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Discuss the future of surgical innovation, focusing on industry trends and technologies that can drive sustainability and combat the effects of climate change in healthcare.

8:00 AM – Introduction
8:05 AM – How Can I Make My OR More Sustainable?
8:20 AM – Engage and Educate Your Surgical Team for a Greener OR
8:35 AM – A Circular Economy for the Healthcare Sector
8:50 AM – Creating and Utilizing Impactful Research in Your Practice
9:05 AM – Does Surgical Sustainability Impact Quality Outcomes
9:20 AM – Creating Buy-in with Hospital Leadership in Surgical Sustainability
9:35 AM – Panel Discussion

Robotic assisted surgical technologies continue to improve and are widely used across MIS specialties. This session focuses on applications of laparoscopy and robotics in metabolic surgery, in a lively debate forum, with a focus on what the data shows, as well as trends and future directions.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Compare and evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety data between robotic and laparoscopic approaches in bariatric surgery.
• Analyze current trends in the use of robotic versus laparoscopic techniques in metabolic surgery, including utilization and cost-effectiveness.
• Formulate hypotheses for advancements in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, incorporating insights on technological improvements and surgeon experience.

9:00 AM – Introduction
9:01 AM – For Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy
9:09 AM – For Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
9:17 AM – For Robotic Gastric Bypass
9:25 AM – For Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
9:33 AM – For Robotic Duodenal Switch
9:41 AM – For Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch
9:49 AM – Q&A
9:59 AM – Debate Wrap-up and Closing Remarks

This session is a concise update on the state-of-the-art of pediatric anti-reflux procedures. It is geared towards practicing pediatric surgeons, as well as general surgeons involved in transition of care from childhood to adolescence and beyond. The presentations are deliberately kept short to allow for ample discussion among the participants and the opportunity to ask questions.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the Indications for anti-reflux procedures in children.
• Understand the spectrum of surgical anti-reflux procedures in children along with their advantages and risks.
• Identify potential pitfalls that may be encountered during pediatric anti-reflux procedures and how they can be avoided.
• Recognize that some pediatric gastroesophageal reflux is a chronic condition that needs surgeon participation in the patient journey and early identification of recurrence.
• Know the risks of chronic reflux such as strictures and Barrett`s metaplasia and their implications for the transition into adult life.

9:00 AM – Introduction on Laparoscopic Anti-reflux Procedures in Children and How the Following Subject Matter Will Make a Positive Impact on the Audience
9:05 AM – Laparoscopic Fundoplication – From Then to Now
9:15 AM – Partial vs Complete Fundoplication Wraps – A Systematic Review
9:25 AM – Long Term Outcomes of Fundoplication – What to Expect and What Not to Expect
9:35 AM – Strategies and Unconventional GERD Solutions When Fundoplications Fail
9:45 AM – Q&A
9:55 AM – Summary

This session is dedicated to the management of difficult situations in abdominal wall reconstruction. Attending surgeons, fellows, resident and medical students interested in complex abdominal wall surgery.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the preparation for surgery in complex AWR.
• Discuss the management of the operative hernia cases when the fascia will not close.
• Evaluation of and intra-operative decision making in parastomal hernias.

9:00 AM – The Best Way to Get Out of Trouble is to Not Get Into Trouble – Prepare Not to Fail In Complex AWR
9:10 AM – Pre-operative and Operative Decision Making in Parastomal Hernia Repair
9:20 AM – The Anterior Fascia Will Not Close Intra-Operatively – Algorithm to Achieve Closure
9:30 AM – Enterotomy at the Time of AWR
9:40 AM – Operating on VIPs – How I Do It
9:50 AM – Q&A

Prior to the advent of IPAA (ileo pouch anal anastomosis), patients who required removal of their colon and rectum required a permanent ileostomy. The formation of an internal reservoir allowed for continuity of the GI tract. The formation of an IPAA has gone through several iterations. We will discuss different techniques for making an IPAA.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the different methods for making IPAA.
• Describe the advantages of making an extracorporeal pouch.
• Describe the advantages of intracorporeal pouch formation.

9:00 AM – Introduction
9:03 AM – How I Do It: Laparoscopic Pouch Formation
9:15 AM – How I Do It: Robotic Pouch
9:27 AM – How I Do It: Intracorporeal Pouch Formation
9:39 AM – How I Do It: Pouch Lengthening Techniques
9:51 AM – Q&A

An emerging body of evidence confirms a strong association between intraoperative technical performance as measured by video-based assessment (VBA) and patient outcomes. VBAs by expert reviewers can now be used for training, coaching and competency evaluation, and in the future, they could be automated using computer vision. SAGES is creating a series of VBA tools that will meet the robust criteria required for any high-stakes evaluation. This session is designed for all surgeons with an interest in quality improvement and education.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the steps being followed by SAGES to create video-based assessments.
• List potential uses of video-based assessments.
• List limitations of video-based assessments and how they might be addressed with advanced technology.

9:00 AM – Introduction
9:05 AM – Why Should I Care About Video Based Assessment?
9:15 AM – The Long and Winding Road to VBA Creation
9:25 AM – Imagining the Future of VBA: AI to the Rescue?
9:35 AM – How Can I Use SAGES VBAs Now
9:45 AM – Q&A

This session will provide an engaging overview of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that have the potential to shape the future of surgical practice. Industry leaders will present cutting-edge tools and innovations that can transform decision-making, surgical planning, and patient care. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of AI-driven solutions in and out of the operating room, the impact on clinical outcomes, and the evolving role of AI in enhancing surgeon performance. This showcase is an excellent opportunity for surgeons to explore emerging technologies that are revolutionizing the healthcare landscape, including ambient AI, generative AI, and computer vision.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Define generative AI and identify its strengths and weaknesses as applied to clinical care.
• Identify ambient AI technologies and their potential role in surgical workflows.
• Differentiate use cases for computer vision in the operating room.

9:00 AM – Introduction
9:05 AM – Surgery-specific Generative AI Models
9:15 AM – Ambient Clinical Intelligence
9:25 AM – AI Operational Assistants
9:35 AM – Computer Vision Guided Surgical Dissection
9:45 AM – Panel Discussion

This course is designed for surgeons in practice who perform MIS colon and/or rectal operations and desire to incorporate intracorporeal anastomoses into their practice. The course will include a pre-meeting virtual didactic session, hands-on training in right and left colon intracorporeal anastomoses.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the benefits and challenges of intracorporeal anastomosis.
• Identify and demonstrate the steps of and intracorporeal anastomosis for right and/or left hemicolectomy.
• Develop a plan for integration of intracorporeal anastomosis into clinical practice after course completion.

Lab Instructors: Mark Soliman, Laila Rashidi, Marylise Boutros, Marius Hoogerboord, Anu Ghuman, Jamie Canon, John Marks, Itzel Vela, Luis Romangnolo
ADDITIONAL: Michele Riordan, Nicole Saur

With the growing complexity of the healthcare system, the practicing surgeon is increasingly constrained to effectively represent the needs of their patients and clinical practice. In this session, practicing surgeons and trainees at every level will hear the challenges and potential solutions from surgeons, industry and the c-suite. Attendees will hear a preview of the solutions being developed to restore our members’ voice through the SAGES Lead Up initiative.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the challenges to effective communication and advocacy in this healthcare environment.
• Appreciate why and how perceived obstacles have arisen.
• Anticipate the supporting tools that SAGES is planning to develop.

1:30 PM – Introduction
1:35 PM – Whither the Voice of the Practicing Surgeon
1:45 PM – How Industry has Adapted to the Changing Landscape
1:55 PM – The C-suite is Really Your Ally, if You Speak That Language
2:05 PM – Giving You a Voice Through Lead Up
2:15 PM – Discussion

This session focuses on the topic of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) and what role they play on the spectrum of treatment for obesity. We will focus on understanding the role of AOMs as Adjuvant and Neo-Adjuvant therapy in regards to bariatric surgery and endo-bariatrics. Topics will focus on how and when anti-obesity medications can be prescribed in relation to bariatric and endo-bariatric procedures.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the risks and benefits of anti-obesity medications in order to safely implement their use in a bariatric practice.
• Assess and determine how and when anti-obesity medications can be prescribed along with bariatric surgery.
• Integrate the use of anti-obesity medications into an endoscopic bariatric practice.

2:30 PM – Use of Anti-Obesity Medications as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Bariatric Surgery
2:40 PM – Use of Anti-Obesity Medications as Adjuvant Therapy for Inadequate Weight Loss and Weight Regain
2:50 PM – Use of Obesity Medications as an Adjunct to Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures
3:00 PM – Anti-Obesity Medications, Their Side-effects, and the Impact on a Surgical Practice
3:10 PM – How Anti-Obesity Medications and Bariatric Surgery Changed My Life
3:20 PM – Q&A

Widely renowned as the rivalry of the century! This session features minimally invasive experts going head-to-head in hopes of settling the age-old debate: Straight sticks or angled wrists? 3D vision or tactile precision? Vessel sealer or laparoscopic healer? Refuse to dock or buy intuitive stock? Our panelists will debate the benefits and drawbacks of both techniques for surgical treatment of benign and malignant foregut diseases.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the strengths and weaknesses of robotic and laparoscopic benign foregut surgery with specific attention to cost, quality and length of procedure, adverse events, patient outcomes, and surgeon ergonomics.

2:30 PM – Introduction
2:40 PM – Sticks Benign Foregut: Nice Job Docking, I`ve Already Closed the Crura
2:48 PM – Bots Benign Foregut: Rebuttal
2:51 PM – Sticks Benign Foregut: Rebuttal
2:54 PM – Q&A
2:58 PM – Bots Malignant Foregut: Counting Nodes is Easier While Sitting Down
3:06 PM – Sticks Malignant Foregut: I`ll Believe My Conduits Blood Supply When I Feel It
3:14 PM – Bots Malignant Foregut: Rebuttal
3:17 PM – Sticks Malignant Foregut: Rebuttal
3:20 PM – Q&A
3:28 PM – Closing

Chronic pain after hernia repair is challenging to understand and can significantly impact a patient`s quality of life. This session will discuss the workup required to diagnose the cause of chronic pain after hernia surgery, as well as the surgical and non-surgical treatment options to address the root causes.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Teach the detailed evaluation of the patient with chronic pain after hernia surgery.
• Identify the non-surgical and surgical options to directly treat the cause of chronic pain after hernia surgery.
• Develop best practices to minimize risk of chronic pain after hernia surgery.

2:30 PM – Cost-effective Stepwise Evaluation of Chronic Pain After Inguinal and Ventral Hernia Repair
2:40 PM – My Algorithm for Treating Chronic Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair
2:50 PM – My Algorithm for Treating Chronic Pain After Ventral Hernia Repair
2:57 PM – Tips on How to Avoid Chronic Pain in Inguinal Hernia Repairs
3:04 PM – Preventing Pitfalls That Can Lead to Chronic Pain During Ventral Hernia Repair
3:10 PM – I`m Your Patient with Chronic Pain After Hernia Surgery
3:15 PM – Q&A

There has been a resurgence of interest in Natural Orifice-assisted colorectal procedures, driven by a growing interest in organ and abdominal wall preservation, same day discharge, and facilitated by advances in new technologies and techniques. In this session, current and emerging trends in endoscopic and minimally invasive colorectal resections that incorporate endoluminal and translumenal access will be reviewed. The feasibility, safety and effectiveness of these approaches will be balanced against future needs for wider implementation.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Appraise the latest indications, best practices, and outcomes of natural orifice-assisted colorectal resections, whether used to enable fully intracorporeal procedures or to facilitate rectal cancer dissection and sphincter preservation.
• Evaluate the latest advancements in endoluminal and transluminal robotics and potential applications in colorectal surgery.
• Evaluate the various ways transanal access can aid in complex colorectal resections, especially during anastomotic reconstruction and in the management of anastomotic complications.

2:30 PM – Introduction
2:32 PM – Natural Orifice-Assisted Intracorporeal Anastomosis with Transrectal Extraction: Updates on Best Practices, Outcomes, and Next Steps in Wider Dissemination
2:44 PM – The Blending of Endoscopy, Surgery and Computer Vision: Updates on Advanced Endoluminal Tools and Platforms
2:56 PM – Transanal Access to the Rescue: The Many Ways the Bottom Saves the Day
3:08 PM – Transvaginal Assistance During Colorectal Resections: A Fad From the Past or Prime for a (Major) Comeback ?
3:20 PM – Q&A

This session will provide the current approach to metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in special patient populations with complex medical and surgical history. The session will include the use of MBS in patients with inflammatory bowel disease; patients with or needing organ transplantation; patients with complex surgical problems following MBS and the pediatric/adolescent population. The primary audience for this session is surgeons currently practicing MBS or those training to do so. It may also be of interest to any practitioner providing care to IBD patients, complex bariatric patients, transplants patients or pediatric patients.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Appropriately evaluate patients with inflammatory bowel disease seeking bariatric surgery.
• Develop a treatment plan for transplant patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
• Employ a treatment strategy for patients who may require revisional bariatric surgery.
• Articulate the current status of pediatric/adolescent bariatric surgery.

5:00 PM – Introduction
5:02 PM – Maneuvering the Cobblestones: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
5:12 PM – An Appetite for Immunosuppression: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in the Transplant Patient
5:22 PM – All Grown Up? Current state of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in the Adolescent/Pediatric Population
5:32 PM – Roux and O No!: Revisional Surgery for Complications of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
5:42 PM – Discussion and Polling

This session offers a state of the art in the management of gastric cancer. The session is focused on technical aspects and conversion endoscopy, new technologies, both laparoscopic and robotic approach with video demonstrations, even for advanced cases with discussion of chemotherapy versus upfront surgery. The panel is international.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe and review modern technical possibilities in surgical management of gastric cancer.
• Demonstrate various endoscopic and surgical strategies and techniques in the treatment of gastric cancer.

5:00 PM – Introduction
5:02 PM – Advantages and Limits of Endoscopic Treatment
5:12 PM – Fluorescence-guided Lymphadenectomy in Gastric Surgery
5:22 PM – Optimal Management of Tumors of the Cardia
5:32 PM – Surgery for Advanced Cases
5:42 PM – Robotic Approach and New Platforms
5:52 PM – Q&A

There is significant variability in the radiologic evaluation of patients who will undergo hernia repair. Therefore, this session provides valuable information to all surgeons who care for hernia patients by addressing decision making for preoperative imaging and explaining novel uses in complex abdominal wall reconstruction surgery, such as the Carbonell ratio, volumetric analysis and radiomics. The final talk will clarify the use of post-operative imaging after complex hernia repair when complications are suspected.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Use preoperative imaging effectively for operative planning to improve patient outcomes.
• Apply defect to rectus ratio on computed tomography to predict the need for advanced component separation in incisional hernia repair.
• Critically evaluate postoperative imaging obtained for hernia repair patients and discern normal postoperative findings compared to complications.

5:00 PM – Standardizing the Approach to Preoperative Radiologic Evaluation of Hernia Patients
5:12 PM – Practical Tools for Surgeons Planning Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Surgery: Predicting the Need for Component Separation and Preoperative Adjunct Therapies for Loss of Domain
5:24 PM – Predicting Complications in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using Imaging Analysis
5:36 PM – Evaluation of Early Post-Operative Imaging After Complex Hernia Repair to Differentiate Normal Findings from Postoperative Complications
5:48 PM – Q&A

The Acute/Chronic Management of Diverticulitis continues to evolve, come learn more about where the data is taking us!

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Better understand the impact of diverticulitis on the day to day life of our patients.
• Evaluate best practices to determine who would benefit from conservative vs operative management of diverticulitis.
• Evaluate and interpret the data to determine the optimal surgical approach for the patient with complicated diverticulitis.

5:00 PM – The Patient`s Voice: Understanding the Experience and Expectations in Diverticulitis Care
5:09 PM – Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Their Role in Diverticulitis Treatment and Outcomes
5:18 PM – When Should Elective Segmental Resection Be Offered in Diverticulitis?
5:27 PM – Intraoperative Excellence: Surgical Techniques and Best Practices for Managing patients with Complicated Diverticulitis
5:36 PM – Optimizing Recovery: Postoperative Strategies for Improved Outcomes in Diverticulitis Care
5:45 PM – Q&A

In this session, we will review the work-up and management strategies for common benign hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors that general surgeons may encounter in the course of their practice. Questions addressed will include: What imaging study is most appropriate? When is biopsy warranted? When is surgery indicated? How should the patient be followed?

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Differentiate between different types of benign and potentially malignant liver tumors.
• Describe the surveillance strategy and indications for surgical intervention for benign liver tumors.
• Recognize features that warrant surgical intervention for pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

5:00 PM – Brief Poll of the Audience to Introduce Topic
5:05 PM – Introductions & Welcome
5:10 PM – Benign Liver Tumors – Diagnosis, Work-up, and Management
5:22 PM – Imaging for Benign Liver Tumors
5:27 PM – Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms – Diagnosis, Work-up, and Management
5:39 PM – Imaging for Pancreatic Cystic Tumors
5:44 PM – Case Presentations

Team Overachievers: Michael Brunt, Liane Feldman, Anne Lidor, Barry Salky, Patricia Sylla
Team Dynamos: Shaina Eckhouse, Caitlin Houghton, Laila Rashidi, Kevin Reavis, Nabil Tariq
Team Bad Asses: Jamie Cannon, Teresa DeBeche-Adams, Deborah Keller, Craig Olson, Tonia Young-Fadok
Team Stomach Slicers: Yewande Alimi, Salvatore Docimo, Prakash Gatta, Jake Greenberg, Rebecca Petersen

Back yet again, here comes SAGES Family Feud, the Rematch of a Rematch! See SAGES members square off against one another in a fun game show setting. See who knows the most SAGES trivia, really knows their medical field, and everything in between! Just like the original show, our questions come directly from surveys of SAGES members. See who is going to make it through to the Final Round and win our first ever SAGES Family Feud trophy!!

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Prioritize having a good time while learning some SAGES trivia.
• Recognize how to act as a large studio audience participant.
• Demonstrate an ability to pregame for the Friday Night Event.

5:00 PM – Introduction
5:05 PM – Round 1
5:23 PM – Round 2
5:41 PM – Round 3
5:59 PM – Winner and Trophy Presentation

With projected physician and surgeon shortages in the future, this program is timely and hopefully will promote early decisions to join our noble profession. The day is power-packed with expanded hands-on skill lab, and the Top Gun Interactive Experience. Both cognitive and skill competitions with awards and prizes will be offered. The SAGES Mini Medical School is designed to expose high school students to the field of Surgery through hands-on experience and simulation. Students will begin to appreciate that being in the OR is rewarding, important work, and fun. To maximize exposure, real-life surgeons/volunteers will mentor the students throughout the program. The Mini Medical School Experience is a power-packed extravaganza that provides fun with a purpose. Students will have the opportunity to show that they have the “right stuff” to join the ranks of physicians and laparoscopic surgeons. From video games that help decrease errors, to robots, to FLS and Top Gun surgical simulation drills.

As bariatric procedures continue to grow in both the United States and worldwide, patients are often evaluated in local ERs and clinics with different complaints. This session will cover major complications and provider strategies for offering treatment in varied settings, from rural community hospitals to large academic hospitals, when general surgery has been consulted. This session will review complications that can occur after bariatric surgery and how they can be addressed by surgeons and endoscopists.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Differentiate between major complications following bariatric surgery.
• Employ strategies to deal with GI bleeds, obstructions, and perforations after bariatric surgery.
• Evaluate best practices utilizing endoscopy therapy, when appropriate, in managing bariatric complications.

10:00 AM – The Acute Leak – General Surgery Tips to Management
10:10 AM – Acute Leak to Chronic Leak – How Can Endoscopy Help Me?
10:20 AM – Marginal Ulcer Management – Perforated and in My ER!
10:30 AM – Acute and Chronic Hemorrhage After Bariatric Surgery – Endoscopic Options
10:40 AM – Postoperative Bleeding After Bariatric Surgery and I Don`t Have an Endoscopist Available
10:50 AM – Oh No, a Bowel Obstruction in a Bariatric Patient!
11:00 AM – Strictures and Stenosis – What Can I Do?
11:10 AM – Biliary Access After Bariatric Surgery – Endoscopic Options
11:20 AM – Q&A

This session will review the current understanding of pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and methods, and the options in multimodal escalation care for gastroparesis including dietetic modifications, pharmacological therapies, and endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical treatments for gastroparesis, including pyloric interventions, gastric neurostimulation, and gastric resections.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the common symptoms and diagnostic criteria and methods for gastroparesis, as well as their limitations.
• Understand the role of pharmacologic and dietetic teaching in the management of gastroparesis.
• Employ a treatment algorithm for the use of endoscopic and surgical treatments in the escalation of gastroparesis management.

10:00 AM – Patient Experience: Question/Interview
10:15 AM – Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of Gastroparesis
10:25 AM – Dietetic and Pharmacologic Therapies for Gastroparesis
10:35 AM – Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Pyloric Interventions for Gastroparesis: When and How
10:45 AM – Gastric Neurostimulation: When, How and Results
10:55 AM – Gastric Resection for GP: When, How and Results
11:05 AM – All About Coding
11:15 AM – Round Table Discussion and Q&A

The session, titled The Best Way to Approach Inguinal Hernias, will explore the most effective surgical techniques for inguinal hernia repair, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. In addition, attendees will benefit from a lecture on how to navigate the job market for hernia specialists, as well as a session on proper coding and billing practices for hernia surgeries. Surgeons, residents, and healthcare professionals will gain both clinical and practical knowledge to enhance their surgical technique, improve patient outcomes, and manage the business aspects of hernia surgery.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate the most effective surgical techniques for inguinal hernia repair and determine when to use open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches based on patient-specific factors.
• Apply proper coding and billing practices for hernia surgeries to optimize reimbursement and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Implement strategies that enhance patient safety by minimizing complications and improving postoperative outcomes through the selection of appropriate surgical techniques and best practices.

10:00 AM – Introduction
10:01 AM – How to Do a Proper Open Lichtenstein Inguinal Hernia the Right Way
10:08 AM – How to Do a Proper Shouldice Inguinal Hernia Repair
10:15 AM – How to Do a Proper r-tapp Inguinal Hernia Repair
10:22 AM – How to Do a Proper Laparoscopic or Robotic TEP / e-Tep Inguinal Hernia Repair
10:29 AM – When to Do What Procedure: Algorithmic Tailored Approach to Offering the Best Inguinal Hernia Repair for Primary, Recurrent, and Unique Inguinal Hernia Presentations
10:39 AM – Approaching Inguinal Hernias in Women and in Pregnancy
10:49 AM – This Was All for Just 8 RVUs? Hernia Coding, Billing, and Recovery Recommendations
11:09 AM – How to Find a New Job with a Focus on Hernia Repair and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
11:17 AM – Q&A

Every operating surgeon will get into trouble. Getting out of trouble- both intraoperative and postoperative- is a science and an art. This session will explore the management of common challenges through narrated, video-rich scenarios covering open, robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic approaches, as appropriate for management. This session is designed for surgeons and surgical trainees at all levels.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Develop strategies to manage common intraoperative complications using different tools.
• Learn ways to approach challenging postoperative complications using endoscopic approaches.
• Formulate a support system to protect against second victim syndrome.

10:00 AM – Here Comes Trouble
10:05 AM – All I See is Red – Managing Major Bleeding
10:15 AM – Bubbles! Managing a Leak
10:25 AM – The Bowel Won`t Reach
10:35 AM – Was That the Ureter?
10:45 AM – This Rectal Cancer is Completely Stuck
10:55 AM – OMG the Stapler Misfired! What Now?
11:05 AM – You Will Get Into Trouble – How to Survive a Major Complication
11:15 AM – Panel Discussion

In this session, residents and fellows representing the next generation of SAGES members will present their best research to a panel of expert faculty. A selection of the top submitted abstracts will ensure top quality research with a broad range of current topics.

After each presentation, expert panelists/judges will rank each resident/fellow presenter with regards to study contents, significance in clinical surgery, originality, study designs/methodology, interpretation and analysis of study findings/results, appropriate use of statistical tests, and overall presentation skills (including slides, clarity of presentation, and audience engagement). Awards will be given to two (2) top presenters at the conclusion of the session.

Health policy impacts patients and surgeons and often limits access to care. Surgeons spend countless hours mastering surgical techniques, indications, contraindications and management of complications. However, the policies that allow patients to receive care and afford surgeons the opportunity to perform their craft are often overlooked. SAGES advocates for surgeons and patients every day, collaborating nationally with the AMA, CMS, insurers and other societies to enhance access to surgical care for patients. This session will enhance the attendees understanding of public policy pertaining to the SAGES member affecting coding, reimbursement, and reimbursement as it pertains to innovation and established procedures.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the role SAGES plays in advocacy to enhance patient access to new and existing technology and procedures.
• Encourage surgeons to participate in advocacy initiatives that enhance access to patient care.
• Appreciate the current political, economic, and healthcare environment and the impact upon patients.

12:00 PM – Innovation and Surgery – How to Get Paid
12:10 PM – Concomitant Procedures and Bundling – How to Code and Get Paid Appropriately
12:20 PM – The Industry Perspective for CPT Codes
12:30 PM – From Preauthorizations to Payments… And Denials in Between – Understanding and Navigating the Process
12:40 PM – The Impact of a Code Upon Payment – What Did We Learn from POEM
12:50 PM – Q&A

Have you ever wondered what you were looking at during an upper endoscopy? This session aims to enhance all endoscopists` ability to recognize upper GI endoluminal pathology and how to correctly diagnose and manage these findings.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Demonstrate how to properly document findings on upper endoscopy.
• Recognize common and unusual upper GI pathology on upper endoscopy.
• Diagnose and manage uncommon findings on upper endoscopy.

12:00 PM – What Constitutes an Appropriate Upper Scope? All About Documentation and Billing
12:10 PM – How Do I Judge and Grade Endoscopic Findings?
12:20 PM – Unusual Endoscopic Findings in the Esophagus – What Do I Do?
12:30 PM – Unusual Endoscopic Findings in the Stomach – What is It and What Happens Now?
12:40 PM – Unusual Endoscopic Findings in the Duodenum – What and How to Manage?
12:50 PM – Q&A

This session will explore the role of endoscopy in acute care surgery, focusing on both its diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We will discuss practical strategies for surgeons to integrate endoscopy into their practice, emphasizing its use in timely diagnosis and the management of critical situations like gastrointestinal bleeding, perforations, choledochoscopy and foreign body removal.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Identify key diagnostic and therapeutic uses of endoscopy in acute care surgery, including detecting bleeding, treating perforations, removing foreign bodies and performing choledochoscopy.
• Analyze the benefits and challenges of integrating endoscopic techniques into acute surgical practice.
• Evaluate the impact of endoscopy on patient outcomes, focusing on reducing complications and improving recovery.
• Integrate endoscopic procedures into surgical plans for acute care to enhance diagnosis and treatment.

12:00 PM – Empowering Acute Care Surgeons: Education and Training in Endoscopy
12:08 PM – Endoscopic Techniques for Endoscopic Feeding Access
12:16 PM – Endoscopic Control of Bleeding: A Critical Tool for Acute Care Surgeons
12:24 PM – Endoscopic Solutions for Perforations and Leaks
12:32 PM – Navigating Endoscopic Removal of Foreign Bodies
12:40 PM – Choledochoscopy: A Key Technique for Managing Biliary DIsease
12:48 PM – Q&A

This session is aimed to help the surgeon appreciate the comprehensive approach in working up a patient with refractory epigastric pain, distention, nausea and vomiting. SMA syndrome and MALS are rare entities but are still encountered in many specialty surgical practices. The session will focus on the work up and algorithmic approaches to managing these disease entities as well as describing the associated surgical techniques and potential complications.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Appreciate the extended work up for patients with refractory epigastric pain.
• Portray the surgical technique options for SMA syndrome.
• Demonstrate the different approaches for a proper median arcuate ligament release.
• Display potential complications from these surgeries.

12:00 PM – Introduction
12:05 PM – SMA Syndrome in the Twenty Twenties: Treatment Algorithm
12:14 PM – SMA Syndrome: Duodenojejunostomy or More?
12:23 PM – Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: How to Do a Proper Release?
12:31 PM – Recurrent or Refractory MALS: A Surgical Problem?
12:40 PM – Median Arcuate Ligament Release: When Catastrophes Happen
12:49 PM – Q&A