t’s just around the corner. It’s coming soon. I can see it now. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the34th Annual Meeting of the AAGL. The Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology will have over 400presentations, posters, videotapes and postgraduate lectures! I promise that you will find this educational

experience both enlightening and entertaining, and don’t forget all the exhibitors.Hysteroscopy, Urogynecology, Pelvic Pain, Endometrial Ablation, Ovarian Cysts, Oncology, Laparoscopy, Uterine

Bleeding, Research, Endometriosis, Fibroids/Polyps, Uterine Artery Occlusion, Hysterectomy, Mullerian FusionDefects/Infertility, New Instrumentation, New Technology, and Computers will all be presented. There is some-thing for everyone, and throughout the entire meeting patient safety will be stressed.

Other than Antarctica, the entire world will be represented at this meeting. The new Board with world-widerepresentation will be first installed at this meeting. I want to see everyone November 9–12, 2005 in Chicago/Stormy/Brawling/Cowtown/Stacker of Wheat/Sweet Home/Chicagoland.

NewsScope1971

The AAGL Goes to the Heartland34th Annual MeetingNovember 9–12, 2005Chicago Hilton

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005 VOL. 19, NO. 3

a n n u a l m e e t i n g p r e v i ew

IRichard J. Gimpelson, M.D.

Scientific Program ChairVice President, AAGL

AAGL Advanc ing M in ima l l y I nva s i ve Gyneco logy Wor ldw ide

Chicago Dining Oak St. Beach Navy Pier Buckingham Fountain Sue The T-Rex

Mini-Fellowship Program AnnouncedThe Fellowship for Gynecologic Endoscopy has established short, observational, educational programsfor those physicians who are not able to apply for the One-Year Fellowship program. These programsare designed to allow physicians to visit and observe the clinical practice and operative care of rec-ognized experts in endoscopic and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Programs may be 1, 3 or 4 weeks in length. A certificate of training is not provided but a letteracknowledging the dates of attendance is given. Funding is not available and attendees are responsi-ble for all of their travel, lodging and living expenses. Hands-on training is not possible because ofinsurance and licensing issues.

Currently programs are available with:

Dr. Ronald Levine at the University of Louisville, KentuckyDr. C. Y. Liu at Chattanooga, TennesseeDr. Camran Nezhat at Stanford University, CaliforniaDr. Joseph Sanfilippo at Magee Women’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Further information to attend one of these programs or to become a program director is availableby calling the Fellowship office at (800) 554-2245 • (714) 744-5915 or email adominguez @ aagl.org.

NewsScope

2 JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

NewsScope [Library of Congress Cataloging in Publi-cation Data, Main entry under NewsScope, Vol. 19,No. 3; (ISSN 1094–4672)] is published quarterly bythe AAGL for ten dollars, paid from member’s dues.Periodicals Postage Paid at Cypress, California.Copyright 2005 American Association of GynecologicLaparoscopists.

Additional typesetting services provided byThe Oak Co., Roseburg, Oregon.

The views and opinions expressed by the authors inthis publication do not necessarily reflect those ofNewsScope, its editors, and/or the AAGL.

Photos courtesy of Chicago Convention TourismBureau.

e d i t o r i a l s t a f f

t h e a a g l v i s i o n

The AAGL vision is to serve women

by advancing the safest and most

efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic

techniques that provide less invasive

treatments for gynecologic conditions

through integration of clinical practice,

research, innovation, and dialogue.

NewsScope

he word foundation is defined as “a part on which other parts restfor support.” But how and by what means does the Foundation ofthe AAGL provide “support” for the AAGL?

The AAGL exists to promote minimally invasive techniques in gynecology.To do so, it organizes an annual congress, regional continuing educationcourses and workshops. In addition, the AAGL fosters worldwide commu-nication between physicians by publishing The Journal of Minimally InvasiveGynecology (JMIG) and our quarterly newsletter NewsScope. But there arethings that the Foundation can do which the AAGL, as a membership soci-ety, can not do.

The Foundation allows for recognition of achieved excellence in mini-mally invasive gynecology as well as allowing donors to honor individualsof their choice. Because the FAAGL exists, two endowed awards, four annualmeeting awards, and the Residents Circle Program have been established tosupport the goals of the AAGL.

I urge you to join the over 1,000 individuals whose contributions to theFoundation have “supported” the goals of the AAGL.

For further information on how you might support the Foundation and tosee those who have been supporters, visit www.AAGL.org—click onFoundation of the AAGL.

f y i

Franklin D. Loffer, M.D.Executive Vice President/Medical Director, AAGL

Why a Foundation?

T

he 34th Annual Meeting of the AAGL in Chicago, November 9–12,2005 is near completion and looks to be excellent. In addition to thesolid scientific content, there are “Gimpelson twists” throughout

the program to keep things interesting, such as a Pelosi vs Pelosi debate. Eventhough a light jacket may be needed, you don’t want to miss the annualmeeting in Chicago.

As the 2005 meeting is ready to be launched, the creative work on the 2006annual meeting in Las Vegas has just begun. Over the next two months, thestructure of the Las Vegas meeting, including postgraduate courses, debates,and keynote speakers, will be finalized. If you have an opinion on what youwould like to see in 2006, now is the time to share your thoughts. Suggestionscan be emailed to drjanik@aagl.org.

f r o m t h e e d i t o r

Grace M. Janik, M.D.

Chicago and Then Las Vegas

T

Grace M. Janik, M.D.

Linda MichelsFranklin D. Loffer, M.D.

Rebecca Shoudt

Clifford Chu

Al Madrid

G. David Adamson, M.D.

Richard J. Gimpelson, M.D.

Grace M. Janik, M.D.

Mauro Busacca, M.D.Michael P. Diamond, M.D.Ronald L. Levine, M.D.Riccardo Marana, M.D.Resad P. Pasic, M.D., Ph.D.Lisa M. Roberts, M.D.James M. Shwayder, M.D.

Andrew I. Brill, M.D.

Franklin D. Loffer, M.D.

Linda Michels

Jordan M. Phillips, M.D.

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editors

Editorial Assistant

Marketing Coordinator/Art Director

Graphic Artist

President

Vice-President

Secretary-Treasurer

Trustees

Immediate Past President

Executive Vice President,Medical Director

Executive Director

Founder,Chairman Emeritus

b o a r d o f t r u s t e e s

NewsScope

3JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

t is well known that nearly 100% of urologistsare performing office based cystoscopy. Why isit, when nearly 30% of all gynecologic referrals

are related to abnormal uterine bleeding, that only8–15% of gynecologists perform office hysteroscopy?The technique is easy, the risks are minimal, thecapital equipment is within reason for most prac-tices and the reimbursement, while not terrific, cer-tainly covers the costs. In fact, office hysteroscopyis very productive financially for most practices.Most importantly, however, the office hysteroscopeprovides better medicine for the patient since itaccurately detects pathologyand eliminates any surprises inthe operating room. Given theseassumptions, there has been lit-tle growth in the procedure inthe last 15 years.

It is very likely that the land-scape of the obstetric and gyne-cologic practice will change overthe next decade. Gynecologistswill either be office based orhospital based. If an office based gynecologist islimited to annual exams and diagnostic proceduressuch as ultrasound, sonohysterography and col-poscopy, the practice would quickly become boringand unfulfilling. We went into the subspecialty to besurgeons.

Recent advances in technology now allow thegynecologist to safely perform several therapeuticprocedures in the office including hysteroscopicsterilization and endometrial ablation. Technologyin the coming 3–5 years will enable us to treat, inthe office, several additional conditions such asmoderately large fibroids. There are several advan-tages of office based procedures to the surgeonand patient. There is a reduction in patient anxiety,

minimization of paperwork needed for hospital pro-cedures, improved practice efficiency and theopportunity to collect facility fees.

Due to the hard work of several people, CMS hasbegun to issue CPT codes for gynecologic officebased procedures that include the facility fees.There are now codes for office hysteroscopic tubalocclusion (avg. reimbursement >$2200) and officeablation (avg. reimbursement >$2500). Office hys-teroscopy has an average reimbursement of $300and average sonohysterography reimbursement of$200.

In order for an office proce-dure to be well tolerated by thepatient and surgeon, the proce-dure should be able to be per-formed with local anesthesiaand/or oral narcotics and/oranxiolytics. Using these criteria,there are good data availabledemonstrating the safety andefficacy of office global ablationtechniques using the HerOption

cryoprobe, Hydrothermal ablation and the Novasuredevice. Likewise, hysteroscopic tubal occlusion canbe performed with local or no anesthesia in theoffice and office hysteroscopy using the flexible hys-teroscope does not require a tenaculum or anes-thesia in over 75% of cases.

Office based gynecologic procedures are here tostay and will proliferate in the coming decade. Thegrowth will be driven by patient and physiciandemand. Now that the payers are starting to recog-nize the cost savings, there should be less hasslefor reasonable reimbursement. The stars are alignedfor a rapid growth in this field and it is time for allgynecologists to adapt to these changes.

c l i n i c a l o p i n i o n

Office Based Procedures:Why Are Gynecologists the Last to Catch on?

IKeith B. Issacson, M.D.

Fellowship Preceptor

Technology in the coming 3–5 years

will enable us to treat, in the office,

several additional conditions such as

moderately large fibroids.

The opinions, viewpoints, conclusions, recommen-dations and statements in the Clinical Opinioncolumn are solely those of the author(s) and arenot attributable to the sponsor, publisher, editor oreditorial board of NewsScope, the AAGL, or any of itsaffiliates.

NewsScope

4 JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

we b c a s t

his year, selected industry sponsored symposia from the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting will be made avail-able online throughout 2006 via an exclusive co-marketing and branding agreement with OBGYN.net.

Physicians and women are increasingly going online for information about the many new minimallyinvasive procedures available to them. The AAGL believes that by making selected symposia available online,we will help increase awareness and desire within the gynecologic community to adopt these procedures, andfor women to seek out physicians that can perform them.

Choosing to partner with OBGYN.net was a decision that was made by the AAGL Board of Trustees based onthe fact that OBGYN.net is the leading destination web portal for gynecologists and women. With over 1.5 mil-lion doctors and women accessing OBGYN.net monthly, the Board felt that this partnership presented a uniqueopportunity to educate a very large audience.

Web casting of the Industry Sponsored Symposia presented at the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting will begin inJanuary 2006.

The symposia listed are offered to all attendees of the AAGL 34th Annual Meeting at no additional charge.For physicians from the Chicago area, you may also attend these symposia at no charge.

Web Cast on Sponsored Symposia

T

Thursday, November 10, 2005—5:30 pm–7:30 pm

New Frontiers in Minimally Invasive GynecologyFACULTY: G. Willy Davila, Keith B. Issacson,

Robert D. Moore & James PresthusPresented by American Medical Systems

Augmenting Pelvic Floor Repairs—Materials and Technique

FACULTY: Neeraj Kohli, Roger Golberg & Joseph Maccarone

Presented by Boston Scientific

Energy and Morcellation in Advanced Gyn Laparoscopy: Reducing Complications & Improving Outcomes

FACULTY: Andrew I. Brill, Roger J. Ferland, Steven McCarus & Charles E. Miller

Presented by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Gynecare Worldwide, A Division of Ethicon, Inc.,

A Johnson and Johnson Company

Friday, November 11, 2005—5:30 pm–7:30 pm

AUB Treatment Options and Their Effect on Practice ManagementFACULTY: John Bertrand & Ted Anderson

Presented by Cytyc Surgical Products

Focus on Patient Safety: Potential New Issues, Prevention & Early RecognitionFACULTY: Eric J. Bieber, Richard J. Gimpelson,

Steven McCarus, Robert Barnett and Ira R. HorowitzPresented by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: Current State-of-the-ArtFACULTY: Andrew I. Brill, Malcolm G. Munro,

Resad P. Pasic, Thomas L. Lyons and Errico ZupiPresented by Gyrus/ACMI Surgical

To register for the congress or a symposium, please contact the AAGL at www.aagl.org or call (800) 554-2245 or (714) 503-6200.

NewsScope

5JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

F O R M O R E T H A N 30 Y E A R S, physicians have trusted AMS for solutions thatrestore pelvic health. Today, AMS is your partner in providing innovative, lifechanging solutions for your patients.

M E N O R R H A G I A . I N C O N T I N E N C E . P R O L A P S E . More than 43 million Americanwomen suffer from these conditions. AMS is committed to partner with you to help increase patient understanding about these problems plus the innovative therapies to effectively treat them.

YOU’LL BE HEARING MUCH MORE FROM US

AND OUR COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S HEALTH.

Can’t wait?visit www.AMSWomensHealth.comor email womenshealth@AmericanMedicalSystems.com

She’s Counting on You to Get to Know Us

NewsScope

6 JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

i n t e r n a t i o n a l a f f i l i a t e

1. NS: When and how was your society established?HSGE: The Hungarian Society for Gynaecological Endoscopists (HSGE) was established as a section of the Societyof Hungarian Gynaecologists in 1993 and it was converted into an independent society just one year later in1994. Basic work was done by Professor István Rákóczi, founding president and Peter Sziller, founding Secretary-General.

2. NS: What is its mission statement/primary goal?HSGE: the primary goals of our society are to:

■ achieve a general acceptance of gynecologic endoscopy in Hungary■ organize the practical and scientific work of those dealing with gynecologic endoscopy in the country■ help in the education of gynecologists to facilitate in their knowledge and expertise in the field of

laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.■ adapt the new gold standards from abroad for gynecologists in Hungary■ share information from other professional societies to keep abreast of international developments■ actively influence public opinion, manage potential ethical questions that may arise during new

developments

3. NS: Approximately how many members are there?HSGE: We have approximately 200 members, among them approximately 30–50 active members.

4. NS: What are some of the benefits of membership?HSGE: Benefits include:

■ The distribution of information by HSGE■ Reduced registration fees at our congresses■ Approval of the Professional Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (the main professional decision

making organization in Hungary) is given to our society regarding endoscopy and education, post-graduate training, and the accreditation of specific departments to perform interventions, etc.

■ Informs Hungarian professionals of international standards, developments, experiences, organizations,etc.

■ Publishes a Hungarian-language book authored by the leading experts of HSGE (edited as early as1994).

5. NS: Is there any additional information you would like to provide about your society?HSGE: We have a bi-annual congress, implemented in 2003, along with a 4-year term (beginning in 2005) forelected leaders and Board members. HSGE awards the Veres Medal (named after János Veres, the Hungariandoctor of internal medicine who invented the Veres-Needle) to outstanding experts of the field worldwide.

Hungarian Society of Gynecologic Endoscopists

PresidentGyorgy Gero (2002–2005)

President-ElectProf. Jozsef Bodis (2005–2009)

Vice PresidentGyorgy Bacsko (2002–2005)

Secretary-GeneralBela Molnar (2002–2005)

TreasurerAndras Nemes (2002–2005)

Past PresidentProf. Istvan Szabo (1999–2002)

Founding PresidentIstván Rákóczi (1994–1999)

Hungarian gynecologists were one of the earliest groups toorganize in order to advance gynecologic endoscopy. TheHungarian Society of Gynecologic Endoscopists has the dis-tinct privilege of having as one of their medical forefathers aphysician whose name is well known to all laparoscopists—Dr. Janos Veres. Dr. Veres was an internist working in pul-monary disease but his spring needle designed for creatingpneumothorax became a basic laparoscopic instrument.1 I donot know when the spelling of his needle got changed to“Veress” but it seems time for laparoscopists to get theirspelling correct.2

Franklin D. Loffer, M.D.Executive Vice President/Medical Director

References:1. Szaba I, Lazio A. Veres needle: in memoriam of the 100th

birthday anniversary of Dr. Janos Veres, the inventor. AmJ Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jul:191(1):352–3.

2. Soderstrom R.M. Comment in J Minim Invasive Gynecol2005 Jan–Feb:12(1):99.

NewsScope

8 JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

In early July, the AAGL Board of Trustees convened in Costa Mesa,California, for a two-day meeting that encompassed both an intensestrategy session and a quarterly Board meeting. The full-day strategysession required the Board to participate in an intense, interactivemeeting that resulted in planned initiatives that will be implementedover the next three years. The Board meeting was also very produc-tive and provided an opportunity to finalize details around the AAGL34th Annual Meeting.

After the Board meeting, both current and former board members,staff and friends gathered to celebrate the opening of the new AAGLheadquarters in Cypress. The AAGL’s large and modern facilitiesembody the organization’s new era of growth and new horizons.The reception was a celebration that provided an opportunity toreflect with pride on the AAGL’s past, to toast the present, and tolook forward to the many possibilities that lie ahead.

Photos courtesy of Alex Borghi.

a a g l r e c e p t i o n a n d b o a r d m e e t i n g

Board members and staff gather as AAGL Medical Director, Franklin D. Loffer, makes a toast to the new building and

direction of the AAGL

l to r: AAGL Secretary-Treasurer, Grace M. Janik, with past AAGL Presidents Andrew I. Brill and William H. Parker

AAGL Board in front of new building; l to r: Richard J. Gimpelson, Andrew I. Brill, Resad P. Pasic,Ronald L. Levine, Linda Michels, Grace M. Janik, James M.Shwayder, David Adamson, Lisa M. Roberts, Riccardo Marana,Michael P. Diamond, and (kneeling in front) Mauro Busacca.

The new Executive quarters in the AAGL building l to r: AAGL President David Adamson, with Executive Director Linda Michels, and Board Member Riccardo Marana

NewsScope

9JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

Richard M. Soderstrom, M.D.Past President

National Advisor

James M. Shwayder, M.D., J.D.AAGL Board Member

m e d i c a l l e g a l c o r n e r

lthough rare (0.3–1.4 per 1000) over 60% ofbowel injuries are not recognized at the time ofsurgery. They can be devastating for the patient

and result in dramatic malpractice awards. This issue’sarticle addresses interventions to enhance patient careand malpractice defense, emphasizing preoperative,intraoperative, and post-operative care.

PreoperativeThe prior issue’s article outlined the importance of

documenting appropriate evaluation and informed con-sent. Preoperative counseling sets a patient’s expecta-tions. Laparoscopy has been promoted over laparotomyas it is often performed as an outpatient, with smallincisions, supposed “band aid” or “minor” surgery.However, patients should recognize that laparoscopy isan alternative approach to laparotomy, with the similarpotential for complications. Forms can document anypamphlets, instruction sheets, informational videos,and consents presented to and discussed with thepatient. These forms support the physician’s claim ofadequate informed consent.

Postoperative instructions should start beforesurgery. A patient should progressively improve afterlaparoscopy and if not, should contact the physicianfor prompt evaluation. The anticipated recovery can beoutlined in oral and written post-operative instructions,including expectations, warning signs, and contact num-bers. Covering physicians and office staffs must be atten-tive to patients with unexpected complaints.

IntraoperativeA thorough operative note should be dictated imme-

diately after surgery. Notes dictated after the patientpresents with a delayed complication, hinder a case’sdefense. Ideally, the dictation should document the siteand method of entry, trocars used, and any difficultyestablishing intraperitoneal access. One should detailsurgical findings, instruments used, energy sources andsettings utilized, and careful surgical techniques.

Any concern for a potential bowel injury shouldbe carefully evaluated. Flooding the pelvis with fluid,distending the bowel, and looking for “bubbles” candemonstrate small defects. Other surgeons should beconsulted as appropriate. Reducing the intraperitonealpressure at the conclusion of surgery helps identifybleeding and bowel defects that can be obscured witha pneumoperitoneum. Visualizing trocar removalreduces the incidence of “occult” bowel herniation. One

should consider closing lower quadrant incisions largerthan 10 mm. Unusual pain in the recovery area war-rants reevaluation. Hospitalization for observation canmitigate a plaintiff ’s claim of inappropriate discharge.

PostoperativeOutpatient surgery precludes the surgeon’s daily

“hands on” assessment of a patient’s postoperativerecovery. A routine post-operative phone call from one’soffice staff allows early patient “assessment” and is anexcellent practice builder. Patients with an unexpectedpostoperative course should be evaluated promptly.

Free air on x-ray/CT may be identified initially. How-ever, after 36 hours its presence raises the suspicion ofbowel perforation. An ileus is uncommon followinglaparoscopy, with bowel perforation the most commoncause. The cardinal signs of a bowel perforation includeincreasing abdominal pain and distention, a persistentfever, and elevated WBC with a left shift. However, adepressed WBC, i.e. < 5,000 with a left shift, is ominous,potentially indicating impending septic shock. Surgicalconsultation should be immediately obtained. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be instituted and thepatient promptly explored. Resection of an injured areawith histologic examination helps determine the causeof a perforation, particularly with a potential thermalinjury.

The primary surgeon’s presence at this procedureand during the subsequent hospitalization enhancesthe perception of a caring and concerned physician.Further, discussing the surgical findings with the fam-ily can enhance credibility. This discussion shouldrelay the findings without an admission of fault or error.Much litigation is prompted by poor communicationand a perception of being abandoned. Thus, periodicdocumented hospital visits, even if brief, enhancedefensibility.

ConclusionSurgical complications, particularly bowel injuries,

can be devastating. Supporting the patient and herfamily throughout the diagnosis, intervention, andrecovery is critical to providing quality patient care.Case defense is enhanced by thorough evaluation withcompulsive documentation, prompt response to unex-pected outcomes, early consultant involvement, opencommunication with the patient and her family, and theperception of the physician’s compassion.

A

(NewsScope presents the second article in a two-part series on Bowel Injury in Laparoscopy)

More About Bowel Injury in Laparoscopy

NewsScope

10 JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

n o m i n e e s

irst a name change for our organization—then a name change for our Journal—andnow, a fundamental shift in the architecture of

the Board of Trustees providing more seasoned repre-sentation reflective of our international membership.Per the newly amended Bylaws (Article VIII), electionswill now determine additional members representingeach of the four major geographical areas of the world.

The Nominating Committee had the privilege torecommend a slate of member physicians to run forboth vacated as well as the newly created internationalpositions on the Board of Trustees. After serious andcareful deliberation, the following physicianshave accepted the invitation to run for these positions:

2006 Nominees

Secretary TreasurerLinda D. Bradley, USACharles E. Miller, USA

Board of Trustees—General MembershipKeith B. Issacson, USADavid J. Levine, USAEdward J. Stanford, USA

Board of Trustees—South America/Central America/MexicoLuiz Fernando Albuquerque, BrazilJose Garza Leal, Mexico

Board of Trustees—Pacific Rim/India/AsiaAlan Lam, AustraliaPong Mo Yuen, Hong Kong

Board of Trustees—Europe/Middle East/AfricaMichel Canis, FranceFulvio Zullo, Italy

Board of Trustees—North AmericaAmy Garcia, USARobert K. Zurawin, USA

Ballots will be mailed on October 3, 2005—we encourage you to respond immediately!

Report of the Nominating CommitteeRealizing Our Global Reality

Andrew I. Brill, M.D.Chair, Nominating Committee

Immediate Past Presidents

F

NewsScope

11JULY – SEPTEMBER 2005

he AAGL office recently learned of the death of Rene Marty.Professor Marty was a long time member of the AAGL. His pri-mary area of interest was hysteroscopy and he was an early

advocate of flexible hysteroscopy. He had many publications to hiscredit and had lectured world wide.

After graduating from Faculte de Medecine de Paris he became aSpecialiste en Gynecologie Obstetrique. He also had postgraduatetraining at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He attended at theUniversity Hospital Avicenne Paris XIII where he was AttacheConsultant. He also maintained a private practice in Paris.

Dr. Marty will be greatly missed by his many friends. He will alwaysbe remembered as the epitome of a Parisian gentleman.

—Franklin D. Loffer, M.D.

i n m e m o r i a m

Rene Marty, M.D.

Adegoke Adeniji, M.D.Meenu S. Agarwal, M.D.Ajay Ahuja, M.D.Shannon Anderson, MAEsteban Andryjowicz, M.D.Sarit Aschkenazi, M.D.William B. Beuchat, D.O.Wael BitarClement Leung Kwok Chan, M.D.Irene S. Y. Chua, MRCOGJeffrey CohenAngelo Danieli, M.D.G. Willy DavilaRaffaella Delfini, M.D.Giuliano Di Cuonzo, M.D.Massimo Donato, M.D.Peter Edelstein, M.D.Bruno Engl, M.D.Tzvetan Fatchikov, M.D.Susan FawcettBenigno Federici, M.D.Salvatore Felis, M.D.Serina E. Floyd, M.D., MSPHAtsuya Fujito, M.D., Ph.D.

Ofer Gemer, M.D.Catherine Han, M.D.Joyce H. Holz, M.D.Tsutomu Hoshiba, M.D.Elizabeth M. Howerton, M.D.Rosario Idotta, M.D.Bruno Inaudi, M.D.Rachel Jansen, D.O., MPHDebra J. Junnila, M.D.Bilal Kaaki, M.D.Yuval Kaufman, M.D.Irwin Kerber, M.D.Sung Eui Kim, M.D.Atty J. Korial, M.D.Daniel Kreichman, M.D.Giovanni Battista La Sala, M.D.Tsung Hsuan Lai, M.D.Anthereca Lane, M.D.Rabah Laoun, M.D.M. Ryan Laye, M.D.Alessandro Lena, M.D.Meegan Lenart, MSMarit Lieng, M.D.Silvio Liguori, M.D.

John Lovecchio, M.D.M. Patrick Lowe, M.D.Andrea S. Lukes, M.D., MHScStephen D. Lyons, M.D.Stephen Meese, M.D.Tammy E. Novak, M.D.Fausta Orsi, M.D.Michele Peiretti, M.D.Ronda J. PerezMarianne Pierce, M.D.Vladislav V. Ponomarev, M.D.Sabeena Pradhan, M.D., FACOGAthanasios G. Protopapas, M.D.Jennifer Quimby, M.D.Rajiv Rangrass, M.D.Jennifer M. Rhode, M.D.Elizabeth B. Roberts, M.D., Ph.D.Antonio Rubattu, M.D.Pierluigi Russo, M.D.Giampiero Schiro, M.D.Sangeeta Senapati, M.D.Ferruccio Sereni, M.D.Hung-Ming Shih, M.D.LT Amy C. Short, M.D.

Luiz Paulo Silva, M.D.Christine C. Skiadas, M.D.Alma Renée Stany, M.D.Vijaya Stephen, M.D.Rachenetta Stimage, M.D.Sheeva Talebian, M.D.Amy Taneja, M.D.Jonathan Tankel, M.D.Rodolfo Trevino, M.D.Giovanni Urru, M.D.Carol L. Wade, M.D., FRCSCNathan Wagstaff, M.D.Lorri Warren, M.D.Stacey A. C. Wertz, M.D.Stanley T. West, M.D.Betsy M. Winga, M.D.Anita Betsy Wong, M.D.MingXue Yang, M.D.Patrick Yeung, Jr., M.D.Irene Chua Sze Yuen, M.D.Paul Yuen, M.D.Nadeem Zuberi, FCPS

n ew m e m b e r s l i s t

New MembersMay 24th to September 16th

T PAX Announces Society MeetingThe post operative adhesion society has announced their7th meeting which is to be held in Leuven, BelgiumSeptember 20–28, 2006. Basic, applied and clinical researchin the fields of adhesions, peritoneal tumor growth, peri-toneal injury and CAPD will be covered.

Further information on the meeting and the societycan be found by contacting Dr. Philippe Konninckx(PaxSociety@gmail.com). Their website is www.gynsurgery.org/pax/meeting.

PERIODICALS

POSTAGE PAID

SANTA FE SPRINGS CA

6757 Katel la AvenueCypress, Cal i fornia 90630-5105Tel 714.503.6200 Fax 714.503.6201E-mai l newsscope@aagl.orgWeb site www.aagl .org

NewsScope

f u t u r e m e e t i n g s

AAGL “Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide”

AAGL MEETINGS

Course in Advanced LaparoscopyResad Pasic, ChairOctober 8, 2005University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

Global Congress of Minimally Invasive GynecologyAAGL 34th Annual Meeting

Richard J. Gimpelson, Scientific Program ChairNovember 9–12, 2005 (pre-registration November 8)Hilton Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

15th Annual Comprehensive Workshop on GynecologicEndoscopy for Residents and Fellows

Fred M. Howard, ChairApril 2006Chicago, Illinois

Advanced Laparoscopic Techniques for Gynecologic Oncologists

Resad Pasic and Javier Magrina, ChairsSeptember, 2006University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

Global Congress of Minimally Invasive GynecologyAAGL 35th Annual Meeting

Grace M. Janik, Scientific Program ChairNovember 6–9, 2006 (pre-registration November 5)Paris Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

AFFILIATED MEETINGS

13th Annual Scientific Meeting on Chronic Pelvic PainOctober 7–8, 2005Westin Buckhead Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgiaemail: pelvicpain@aol.com

Minimally Invasive Approach to Hysterectomy and Therapeutic Alternatives

November 18, 2005 • Rome, Italyweb: www.segionline.it

The First African, Europe and American Congress forGynaecological Endoscopy

February 20–24, 2006Congress Palace, Yaounde, Cameroonemail: ccerh@camnet.cm

The World Meeting on Gynecological Pelvic Pain and EndometriosisSEGI Annual Congress

May 12–15, 2006 • Milan, Italyemail: info@milan2006.it

World Congress on Gynecological Endoscopy2nd Croatian Congress on Gynecological Endoscopy

June 21–24, 2006 • Dubrovnik, Croatiaemail: mkopjar@hotmail.com

Register Online for the:

Global Congress ofMinimally Invasive GynecologyAAGL 34th Annual MeetingNovember 9–12, 2005 (pre-registration Nov. 8)Hilton Chicago • Chicago, Illinois

Beginning July 1, 2005 www.aagl.org