IGCS & ESMO Meeting outcomes: Leaders in laparoscopic surgery

Posted 5 years ago by Andreas Obermair

I am very grateful to my international colleagues for very positive feedback on my presentation at the 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Gynecological Cancer Society, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil a couple of weeks ago. I was asked by the conference faculty to demonstrate how we normally maximize the use of minimally invasive surgery in Australia. As many of you know, laparoscopic surgery is associated with much improved and quicker recovery than open surgery. This applies to laparoscopic surgery for simple hysterectomy, advanced hysterectomy for uterine cancer, pelvic masses or other conditions.

I have always been a massive supporter of laparoscopic surgery for patients that in other parts of the world would require a laparotomy (opening of the abdomen). In my role as a senior surgeon, I pioneered the establishment of minimally invasive gynaecological surgery since 2003. Because of this reputation, we have trainees from all parts of the world wanting to spend time with my colleagues and I at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Recovery after surgery can be stressful and sometimes painful for patients. It is important we record these outcomes so that we can learn continuously and do what we can to make patients’ recovery as swiftly as possible. Offering laparoscopic surgery whenever possible is my top strategy to minimizer harm for patients who require surgery.

For obvious reasons I will not post the 7-minute video that I shared with an international audience at the conference publicly. If someone is interested, please be in touch.

If you are interested in supporting gynaecological cancer research, please visit http://bit.ly/2KJrk2L for more information on our upcoming Larapinta Trail fundraising trek.