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Foundation of the AAGL - 2023 Charles Koh, MD World Suturing Competition


Calling All Practicing/Consulting Physicians and Fellows!   

Do you suture with such finesse and elegance that you can't wait to share it with others? Now is your chance to showcase your skills to the world! Join us for the 2nd annual Charles Koh, MD World Suturing Competition held during the AAGL Global Congress in the Exhibit Hall on the evening of November 6, 2023, at Music City Center in Nashville, TN.

You are invited to demonstrate your suturing expertise by submitting a prequalification video of an actual surgery, or a simulation video using models, utilizing the stipulated suture size and style. Deadline to submit a video is October 15, 2023.

DETAILS

Two Categories of Competition (fellows/trainees can only compete in one category):
  1. OPEN CATEGORY
    • Eligible Participants: Practicing/consultant physicians and fellows/trainees.
    • Submission of a prequalification video (limited to 10 minutes).
    • Applicants submitting the top four scoring videos will be invited to compete ‘live’ as finalists in the Exhibit Hall at the AAGL Global Congress. (Note: Finalist must be registered for Congress to compete.)
    • The winner of the ‘live’ competition will be named the 2023 Koh World Suturing Champion and will be invited, along with the runner up, as a guest of Dr. Charles Koh to sit at his VIP table and accept their award at the Foundation of the AAGL’s Award Ceremony, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 7:30 PM, at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN.
  2. FELLOWS CATEGORY
    • Eligible Participants: All fellows and trainees in a recognized program in MIGS/ laparoscopic gynecology, internationally or in the USA, are eligible to participate.
    • Submission of a prequalification video (limited to 10 minutes).
    • The Fellow who submits the top scoring video will receive a $1,000 scholarship for airfare and hotel fees for the 2023 AAGL Global Congress in Nashville, TN and will be invited as a guest of Dr. Charles Koh to sit at his VIP table and accept their award at the Foundation of the AAGL’s Award Ceremony, Tuesday, November 7, 2023, 7:30 PM, at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
OPEN CATEGORY – VIDEO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The contestant must submit a video (10 minute maximum) on laparoscopic myomectomy with the preferred parameters described below. No barbed suture is allowed.

What We're Looking For:
  • Deep intramural posterior or anterior myoma (fibroid) preferably with a submucus component (can be demonstrated on a preoperative HSC/SIS/HSN).
  • Size >5 cm diameter.
  • Transverse or longitudinal incision of myometrium for enucleation.
  • Clean enucleation of fibroid without damage to endometrium, or small damage with endometrial repair (3/0 suture or <).
  • One or two layer (preferred) continuous suture closure of deep myometrium:
    • One (preferable) or two sutures may be used.
    • Continuous closure - first layer MUST be close to the deepest myometrium to avoid dead space to prevent hematoma.
    • The second layer is superficial to the first layer and is near (2-3 mm) the serosa.
    • The two layers should each contain an equal depth of vertical bite, while leaving 3mm of subserosa for the 3rd suture.
    • Suture size is 2/0, preferably monofilament on CT1 needle e.g., PDS or the operator’s preference is allowed.
    • Single layer continuous closure of serosa and subserosa (3rd layer if 2 layers used in myometrial closure) using 3/0 suture. e.g., 3/0 PDS on SH needle or equivalent, but suture and needle size must NOT be larger than the stipulation.
The needle insertion lateral spacing (bites) should be about 1-1.5 cm apart.

The video may be edited to fit the 10-minute submission length. However, please be prepared to submit the unedited suturing video of the surgery.
 
JUDGING will be based on clean technique, execution, and unedited time of suture repair. Please note, that fast time alone will not determine the winner. Charles Koh, MD, and the award committee will thoroughly evaluate all submissions.

FELLOWS CATEGORY – VIDEO SUBMISSSION REQUIREMENTS
The contestant must submit a video (10 minute maximum) where the specimen is a vaginal vault sutured transversely in the ‘Vertical Zone’ (ipsilateral) technique.

What We’re Looking For:
  • Five interrupted sutures will be placed full thickness in the following manner:
    • Cinch knot in center of vault - double throw (clockwise/anticlockwise) cinch down tight, followed by 2 more throws. (Total 4 throws)
    • 1 suture at each angle, followed by 1 suture in between the angle and center - altogether 5 interrupted sutures placed. 3 throws are required for the sutures.
    • All knotting will be intracorporeal without the use of the needle to assist in knotting (expert knotting)
  • Suture - 2/0 PDS on CT1 needle or similar for all 3 exercises. The suturing performance must be in real time and not fast forward. The in-between times of suture cutting etc. can be cut out.
     
Note: The specimen can be purchased from 3-Dmed (see below):


If needed, please email Colleen Lovret at clovret@aagl.org for an example video of this task.

Grab your recording gear, capture your amazing suturing, and unleash your creativity in the editing room! It's time to let your skills shine in this groundbreaking 2023 Charles Koh World Suturing Competition video contest.

Don't Miss This Chance to Become a Suturing Superstar - Submit Your Entry Today!

 
1. Which Category will you be competing?
This question requires a valid email address.
10. Upload a Professional Photo of Yourself.  You will be sent a separate link to upload your video later.
11. Do you have a Social Media Account we can promote?
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