he AAGL 35th Annual Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology November 6-9th, 2006 in Las Vegas is going to be fantastic! We have received a record number of submissions this year. In addition

to quantity, the quality has been exceptional. The result is an excellent program filled with three days of high quality scientific presentations. You won’t want to miss any of the meeting.

A new pre-congress workshop has been added this year – Advancing Your Career in Minimally Invasive Gynecology on Sunday, November 5th. Postgraduate courses are on Monday, November 6th. There are 15 half-day postgraduate courses taught by world-renowned experts and cover a wide breadth of topics in minimally invasive surgery, including gynecologic oncology. Two hands-on courses with limited enrollment are available in laparoscopic suturing and hysteroscopy.

A postgraduate course for OR personnel can help build the skills of your surgical team.

The main meeting begins on Tuesday, November 7th. The mornings begin with a central topic. General sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday will cover Future Vision: Technology Transforming Minimally Invasive Surgery, and Endoscopic Credentialing and Teaching – The Future. On Thursday, November 9th, the morning begins with live surgery and a break-out special interest session in Clinical Research. The remainder of the day is concurrent plenary, oral communications, and video sessions which have been carefully placed to meet the needs of general and subspecialty interest without conflict. Interspersed through the meeting are panels and debates covering preservation of fertility, AUB, laparoscopy in pregnancy, MESH, ovarian drilling (sponsored by ASRM), complications, medico-legal, and cosmetic surgery. There are four affiliate society sponsored sessions during the meeting – SOBENGE, APAGE, SEGI, and SIAEGI. These interesting sessions are open to all AAGL members. The ever popular surgical tutorials have been expanded to provide eight options. These interactive sessions with expert endoscopic surgeons have limited enrollment. Register early to not be disappointed. Our industry partners enhance the meeting by providing the newest technology in the exhibit hall as well as industry sponsored symposium scheduled for breakfast and evenings. The meeting ends Thursday, November 9th with a farewell reception from 3:45-5:00pm. This is a wonderful way to wind-down and say good-bye to friends and colleagues.

Las Vegas is an incredible venue with a plethora of entertainment and fine restaurants. The facilities at the Paris Hotel are well suited for our meeting with easy accessibility to all session rooms and exhibit hall. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas to share professional enrichment and social comradery at the 35th Annual AAGL Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology.

NewsScopeAAGL

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2006 VOL. 20, NO. 3

a n n u a l m e e t i n g

TDon’t Miss Las Vegas!

Grace M. Janik, M.D.Scientific Program Chair

Vice President, AAGL

o n l i n e v o t i n g

or the first time, the AAGL will only accept ballots that have been cast through its electronic voting system. To view the candidates and their biosketch’s please go to www.aagl.org and then to the voting icon. In order to vote you will need to enter your last name and PIN number. Deadline to cast your vote is November 1, 2006 at 11:59 pm PST. We are unable to accept ballots in any other format. For a list of candidates, please see page 5.

Elections for the 2007 AAGL Board of Trustees Available Only Through the AAGL Website

F

Experience Excellence in EducationThis year’s congress includes:• Pre-Congress Meeting – “Advancing Your Career in MIG”• 15 Postgraduate Courses with two Hands-on Workshops• Luncheons – Meet the Professors • O.R. Personnel • Honorary• Breakfasts – Fellows • Women Surgeons • Industry Sponsored • Expert Panels / Surgical Crossfire Debates / Surgical Tutorials• Special Interest Sessions – Oncology • Clinical Research • Cosmetic Surgery• Affiliated Society Meetings – SEGI • SOBENGE • SIAEGI • APAGE

• Industry Sponsored Symposia

...And plenary, free communication, video, and poster presentations chosen from over 500 abstract submissions.

Last Chance to Register...Special Registration Rates until October 15th

www.aagl.org

2 JULY - SEPT 2006

NewsScope [Library of Congress Cataloging in Publica-tion Data, Main entry under NewsScope, Vol. 20, No. 1; (ISSN 1094–4672)] is published quarterly by the-AAGL for ten dollars, paid from member’s dues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cypress, California.Copyright 2006 AAGL.

PublisherAAGLAdvancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide6757 Katella AvenueCypress, California 90630-5105 USATel 714.503.6200, 800.554.2245Fax 714.503.6201, 714.503.6202E-mail: newsscope@aagl.orgWebsite: www.aagl.org

The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of News-Scope, its editors, and/or the AAGL.

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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

Charles E. Miller, M.D.

Linda MichelsFranklin D. Loffer, M.D.

Richard J. Gimpelson, M.D.

Grace M. Janik, M.D.

Charles E. Miller, M.D.

Luiz F. Albuquerque, M.D.Michael P. Diamond, M.D.Amy L. Garcia, M.D.Keith B. Issacson, M.D.Alan M. Lam, M.D.David J. Levine, M.D.James M. Shwayder, M.D.Fulvio Zullo, M.D.

G. David Adamson, M.D

Franklin D. Loffer, M.D.

Linda Michels

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editors

President

Vice-President

Secretary-Treasurer

Trustees

Immediate Past President

Executive Vice President,Medical Director

Executive Director

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

f y i

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

partner is defined as “someone who shares an activity”. And the AAGL is very fortunate to have many partners in its mission to advance minimally invasive gynecology worldwide. Each member of the AAGL is a partner as are those who attend and present at its meetings and write articles for publication in

The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (JMIG). Individuals can and do make a difference. But if the AAGL depended only upon

its membership dues and registration fees it would be a far different organization than has evolved over the last 35 years. Without the support of our “Key Partners” our programs would be far more modest and/or our fees to participate would be greatly increased.

Our Key Partners in Education are those industry supporters who share with us the goals of advancing minimally invasive gynecology. Their reasons for doing so are, of course, based in part on their own needs but their needs coincide with ours and our objectives. Their support meets the rigid criteria of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education which we follow.

Our Key Partners help us to achieve our goals by supporting the AAGL in the following manner:

• Committing year-round support through our Corporate Sponsorship program.• Funding our Fellowship sites.• Giving unrestricted educational grants to support our programs.• Supporting our hands-on programs with medical equipment for work stations.• Providing prizes for scholarly activities.• Supporting JMIG with product advertisements.

We believe we have a win-win relationship and thank them for their continued support of our activities. Please see page 11 for a breakdown of our Key Partners.

AKey Partners of the AAGL

ecently, I was asked to prepare a short autobiographical sketch as an introduction to a speech I was to present. As I was dealing with a non-medical organization, I wrestled with my title, Secretary-Treasurer of the AAGL. After all, I thought, who would be familiar with the AAGL?

I was on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists when we voted to change the name to the AAGL. It certainly made sense to me. First, we are not an association confined to laparoscopy. Rather, the AAGL is about minimally invasive gynecology; hysteroscopy, vaginal surgery and even cosmetics. Secondly, the AAGL is no longer simply an American organization. At this year’s World Congress in Las Vegas, we will have more international faculty than ever before. Neither of the nominees for Secretary-Treasurer were born in the United States. In fact, Dr. Errico Zupi practices medicine in Italy.

I then thought, how do I explain AAGL? Perhaps, I could simply use the old symbol of the AAGL – a gynecologist holding a laparoscope. I have already explained that the laparoscope simply does not suffice. Moreover, many of our members, especially our younger members, are female. Finally, as it should be, our association is multi-racial. Thus, the symbol of the caucasian male holding a laparoscope is truly passé.

Nevertheless, at the end of the day, I was left with the perplexing question – how do I explain AAGL? In this case, I decided to go “Old School”, that is, go back to our roots. I wrote Secretary-Treasurer of the AAGL (formerly known as the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists). I guess old habits are hard to lay to rest.

RThe Artist Formerly Known as Prince

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

Charles E. Miller, M.D.Secretary-Treasurer, AAGL

4 JULY - SEPT 2006

NewsScope

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

hile it is not necessary to be an electrical engineer to perform laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery with radiofrequency (RF) energy, it is important to know some basic tenets of electricity as it applies to

surgical instruments.Basic Principles of Electricity

Electrosurgery is performed using RF alternating current (AC), derived from a wall source and modified by the electrosurgical generator or unit (ESU) to an output with a frequency of about 500 Kilohertz, in the range provided by am radio. Whereas all RF electrosurgery requires two poles interacting with the patient (and is therefore “bipolar”), surgical instrumentation is designed as being either monopolar (unipolar) or bipolar. Bipolar instruments possess both electrodes and only the tissue interposed between the two electrodes is included in the circuit. In contrast, monopolar instruments comprise only the “active” electrode, while the inactive or dispersive electrode is located remotely with the entire patient interposed between the two electrodes (Figure 1). Alternating currents result from a source of alternating polarity and therefore do not “flow” like direct currents so concepts such as “return” electrode do not apply.

Effect of RF Current on Cells and TissueHow does RF electricity cause a tissue effect?

The tissue effects of RF current are caused by an increase in intracellular temperature. With the application of RF current, the rapidly alternating polarity introduced across the cell causes intracellular cations and anions to rapidly oscillate. This mechanical energy is converted by friction into thermal energy thereby elevating intracellular temperature (Figure 2). If the intracellular temperature reaches about 60o to 90oC, both cellular dehydration and protein denaturation occur. When the tissue cools, molecular bonds reform in a random fashion turning the impacted tissues into a homogenous, undifferentiated mass. If, instead, the cytoplasmic temperature quickly reaches or exceeds 100oC, the intracellular water boils, and the subsequent formation of gas (steam) and intracellular expansion results in explosive vaporization of the cell.

What determines the amount of power transferred to the cells and tissue?

Power density is expressed in watts/cm2 (Figure 3) and is largely determined by the shape and size of the electrode. A very small electrode, such as a needle shaped device, or the edge of a blade, will concentrate current so that the power

density is high, allowing for the rapid elevation of cellular temperature and the creation of a narrow zone of vaporization. Given the same power, a wider, larger electrode, in contact with tissue, will dilute the power density preventing elevation of intracellular temperature to the boiling point, instead causing coagulation and desiccation. At the extreme, a very large electrode prevents cellular and tissue heating altogether – this is the principle around the dispersive electrode.

What are the tissue effects that can be created with RF electricity? Cutting and Vaporization

Vaporization of tissue is best achieved with a continuous, low voltage (“cutting”) current, using a pointed or thin edged (eg a blade) monopolar electrode held near to but not in contact with the tissue, thereby creating a zone of high power density (Figure 2). When vaporization occurs, the ionic products create a localized cloud of low impedance, sometimes called the steam envelope, within which the surgeon should seek to maintain the electrode tip. Electrosurgical cutting is really a process of

linear vaporization whereby the electrode is advanced in the desired direction, always maintaining the tip or edge within the continuously propagated steam envelope. To move too quickly results in contact with the tissue, a resulting reduction in the power density, and consequent propensity to coagulate and not vaporize. Properly performed, collateral damage to adjacent cells is minimal.

Desiccation and CoagulationLow voltage outputs (usually labeled cutting and blend)

are preferred to high voltage modulated outputs, usually labeled coagulation (Figure 3). There exist a number of

potential reasons for this apparent paradox. First, the highly modulated (interrupted) nature of the high voltage outputs contributes to uneven protein bonding that may prevent, for example, complete and secure occlusion of a blood vessel. In addition, such current may cause the more superficial layers of the tissue to become rapidly coagulated, increasing impedance, thereby inhibiting further transmission of current to the deeper layers. Finally,

the effect near the electrode causes rapid heating and adherence of tissue, allowing the eschar to be pulled off with removal of the electrode, a process that facilitates bleeding.

To perform coaptive coagulation of a vessel, it is necessary to have effective vascular compression, usually with forceps or a clamp, thereby preventing the heat sink effect of flowing blood, and allowing the broken molecular bonds to reform across the

Electrosurgery Basics

W

Malcolm G. Munro, M.D. FRCS(c) FACOG

ProfessorDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Kaiser PermanenteLos Angeles Medical Center

Los Angeles, CaliforniaAAGL Advisor

The opinions, viewpoints, conclusions, recommenda-tions and statements in the Clinical Opinion column are solely those of the author(s) and are not-attributable to the sponsor, publisher, editor or editorial board of NewsScope, the AAGL, or any of its affiliates.

(continued on pg. 5)

Figure 1. Schematic depicting monopolar and bipolar instrumentation.

Figure 2. Cellular effects of RF currents.

vessel lumen thereby creating a strong tissue seal. In addition, low voltage current is desirable to foster the creation of a homogenous seal of the walls of the target blood vessel, not achieved with the modulated, high voltage “coagulation” waveform.

FulgurationThis non-contact technique results in

superficial coagulation of tissue and is used to treat oozing of narrow caliber blood vessels. The “coagulation” output is selected, set relatively high (80 watts) and the relatively large surface area electrode (eg ball shape) is held millimeters away from the tissue, but close enough to allow the discharge to traverse the gap between electrode and target.(Figure 3) Following activation, the “spraying” coagulates and carbonizes tissue and raises tissue impedance, thereby preventing the current from continuing to heat the deeper layers of the tissue, limiting the depth to about 0.5 mm.

Another way that laparoscopic fulguration may be achieved is via the Argon Beam Coagulator which is, in essence, an RF device that

works on the principle of fulguration propagated by argon gas to allow a greater distance between electrode and tissue.

Electrosurgical ComplicationsComplications of electrosurgery

involve inadvertent tissue injury and result from inadvertent or excessive active electrode use, or from diversion of the current secondary to insulation failure, direct coupling (shorting) or capacitative coupling. Capacitative coupling is a particular concern at endoscopic surgery

and may be minimized by using low voltage waveforms (minimizing use of the “coagulation” current) and avoiding mixing of metal access cannulas and plastic anchoring systems.

Figure 3. Creating tissue effects.

c l i n i c a l o p i n i o n ( c o n t i n u e d )

RESAD PAYA PASIC, M.D., PH.D.

Louisville, Kentucky

ERRICO ZUPI, M.D.

Rome, Italy

Secretary-Treasurer Nominees

GARY N. FRISHMAN, M.D.

Providence, Rhode Island Scottsdale, Arizona

JAVIER MAGRINA, M.D. MARSHALL MARK SMITH, M.D., PH.D.

Phoenix, Arizona

Trustee Nominees - General Membership

MARTIN FARRUGIA, M.D.

Kent, United Kingdom

ENDA MCVEIGH, M.D.

Oxford, United Kingdom

Trustee Nominees - Europe/Middle East/Africa

KRISZTINA I. BAJZÁK, M.D.

Raleigh, North Carolina

GEORGE A. VILOS, B.SC., M.D.

London, Ontario, Canada

Trustee Nominees - North America

20 07 e l e c t i o n s

NewsScope

5JULY - SEPT 2006

www.aagl.org

Deadline to cast ballots

November 1, 2006

m e e t i n g n ew s

n September 1998, the AAGL and the University of Louisville sponsored one of the first University centered workshops

on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy and Surgery on Unembalmed Female Cadavers. Because of it’s success, the AAGL and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Louisville have held popular annual workshops in the fresh tissue laboratory of the university. The workshops have been designed for gynecologists to improve their laparoscopic skills and to master retroperitoneal and space of retzius anatomy and to learn various surgeries performed therein. These goals are achieved using unembalmed female cadavers in an intensive two day course of lectures and hands on laparoscopic experiences closely supervises by experienced faculty instructors.

The last course was held on May 19-20, 2006 under the supervision of Dr. Resad (Paya) Pasic and a visiting faculty of Drs. Bob Rogers, Andrew Brill, Grace Janik and Tim

McKinney. The course received almost unanimous marks of excellent from the attendees. The course this year included instruction in the procedures of TVT and TOT as well as supplemental instruction in laparoscopic suturing. The attendees came from 16 states and 5 international countries.

The format of the course has changed slightly over the years, but primarily focuses on having a small number of attendees per cadaver under one on one instruction. Breakout groups worked on learning new urogynecologic techniques supervised by Dr. Cathey and Dr. McKinney and suturing techniques under the guidance of Dr. Janik.

Make plans to join us for the Ninth Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy & Surgery on Unembalmed Female Cadavers, May 18-19, 2007, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.

ILouisville Wrap Up

Ronald L. Levine, M.D.Lab Director

AAGL Advisor Dr. Ronald Levine in foreground with faculty members from left, Drs. Andrew Brill, Robert Rogers, Timothy McKinney, Resad Pasic and Ginger Cathey.

Attendees at workshop receive individual instruction on cadavers.

6 JULY - SEPT 2006

NewsScope

Pelvic Anatomy and Laparoscopic Surgery for Gynecologic Oncologists

Sponsored by the AAGLAdvancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide

The University of LouisvilleLouisville, KentuckyJavier Magrina, Scientific Program ChairResad P. Pasic, General Program Chair

Course OverviewThis workshop is designed for the gynecologic oncologist who is versed in basic laparoscopic techniques, is familiar with open techniques and wants to advance his/her oncologic laparoscopic techniques.

The didactic sessions address a review of retroperitoneal anatomy and several surgical techniques with emphasis on “how to” perform the operations. The presentations are geared to offer detailed practical information not included in surgical textbooks or atlases. The hands-on sessions consist of the performance of the operations on cadavers, duplicating an OR environment. Experienced faculty will be available to teach and supervise the hands-on sessions and to answer any questions the attendees may have.

Course Objectives At the completion of this workshop, the practicing physician will be able to: 1) Identify the anatomy and techniques to access lateral pelvic spaces; 2) describe techniques for parametrial ureteral dissection; 3) select patients with cervical cancer for trachelectomy; 4) discuss benefits and results of laparoscopy for patients with endometrial cancer; and 5) discuss applications of laparoscopy for patients with ovarian cancer.

Invited Faculty Andrew I. Brill, Farr Nezhat, Jonathan Reinstine, James M. Shwayder and Yukio Sonoda

Laboratory Faculty Mary Gordinier, William Helm, Dan Metzinger and Lynn Parker

Information: AAGL800.554.2245 or 714.503.6200email: csahagun@aagl.orgwww.aagl.org

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To learn more about our latest ‘See & Treat’ products, including our new solutions with digitalhysteroscopy, video and PlasmaCision® surgicaldevices, visit us online at www.gyrusacmi.com.

8 JULY - SEPT 2006

NewsScope

m e m b e r s h i p n ew s

see NEW MEMBERS on next page

Welcome New MembersJuly 1, 2006 to September 14, 2006

Syede Naureen Alam, M.D.Nelson Alavarez, M.D.Basheer Al-Kudmani, M.D.Brandi Alt, M.D.Sharai Amaya, M.D.Kevin Michael Audlin, M.D.Pasquale Baccellieri, M.D.Marco Balducci, M.D.Ian D. Barabash, M.D.Daniel Malcolm Barfield, D.O.Eytan R. Barnea, M.D.Virginia Bass, M.D.Mary M. Beck, M.D.Alfredo Beitia, M.D.Michele A. Bennett, M.D.

Paul Berkowitz, M.D.Karla Bermudez Wagner, M.D.Rose Ann Berwald, M.D.Smita Bhagat, M.D.Marika Biamonte, M.D.Juliana M. Bianchi, M.D.Mostafa Borahay, M.D.Amber Bradshaw, M.D.Cheryl Ann Brewer, M.D.Marc Briere, M.D.Carmelo Bucolo, M.D.Jill Burke, D.O.Alexander F. Burnett, M.D.Daniel A. Calderon, M.D.Antonio Campiglio, M.D.

Trinidad Campos Benitez, M.D.Tracy L. Capes, M.D.Francesco Cariati, M.D.Khalil J. Carter, M.D., MPHWilliam A. Chadwick, M.D.Renee L. Chan, M.D.Melanie Chanda, M.D.Cheng-Chang Chang, M.D.Rodrigo K. Cifuentes, M.D.Joseph Cioffi, M.D.Molly E. Clark, M.D.William A. Coleman, M.D.Nancy Collins, M.D.Jeness M. Connell, M.D.Rachael Consoli, M.D.

Mark S. Cooper, M.D.Domenico Corea, M.D.Andrea Gregorio Cosco, M.D.Carmen Cosco, M.D.Marilena Cozzarella, M.D.Sarah Crane, M.D.Christine L. CunninghamSarah M. Davis, M.D.Andrea De IorisElizabeth Deckers, M.D.Rob DeckmanSerena Del Negro, M.D.Benjamin M. DeLisa, M.D.Joelle Marie Dennie, M.D.Devanshi T. Dhanji, M.D.

Dr. Adamson Is Presented With Award for Outstanding Achievement in MedicineDr. G. David Adamson, the immediate past president of the AAGL, received an award for outstanding achievement in medicine from the Santa Clara County Medical Association at its Annual Banquet on June 6, 2006 in San Jose, California. This prestigious award is given to a physician member of the association who, during his medical career, has made unique contributions to the betterment of patient care for which he has achieved widespread recognition. Dr. Atul Sheth, President Elect of SCCMA, summarized some of Dr. Adamson’s many contributions. “Dr. Adamson has been past president of many national organizations, and is president-elect of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) for 2007. In addition to his activities on a national level, Dr. Adamson has contributed locally as well. He was president of the San Francisco Gynecological Society in 2000 and has served on various committees at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, CA. His outstanding contributions on the subject of assisted reproductive technology are well recognized, as he has published over one hundred articles in peer review journals.” We congratulate Dr. Adamson on this very prestigious award.

Professor Francesco Viscomi 1945~2006Remembering a Renowned Colleague

On August 22, 2006, Dr. Francesco Viscomi died unexpectedly from a cerebral aneuryism in São Paulo, Brazil. The world and all of Brazil lost a great master and pioneer in gynecological endoscopy and videosurgery.

His unique talent, his simplicity and his joy gave all of us who knew him so many wonderful memories.

Dr. Viscomi received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Gynecology from Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu – UNESP. He was past president of the Brazilian Society for Endoscopic Surgery (SOBENGE) and the current president of the Brazilian Society for Videosurgery (SOBRACIL). Both organizations are Affiliated

Societies with the AAGL. He was also a member of the ISGE board.

He designed and taught in various training courses on Gynecological Videosurgery in the major hospitals of São Paulo. He was also involved in charity work aimed at treating low income patients.

Such a complete human being, gifted with a brilliant mind and spirit, will leave us in his passing with a heavy feeling of loss in our hearts.

NEW MEMBERS from previous page

Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo, M.D.Leopoldo F. Diaz, M.D.Anne B. Dixon, M.D.Ricardo dos Reis, M.D.Michael Draper, M.D.Brent D. Dumermuth, M.D.Dana L. Dwyer, M.D.Michael C. EastFawaz Edris, M.D.Jeffrey S. Edwards, M.D.Hala El-Ghossein, M.D.Lucia Emilio, M.D.Angela Falbo, M.D.Barbara M. Fisher, M.D.Julie Flagg, M.D.Steven A. Foley, M.D.Michael Frumovitz, M.D., MPHSusan R. Gaire, M.D., CPT MCVijaya L. Gavini, M.D.Keri L. Gibson, M.D.Virgina Giugliano, M.D.Meenu MG Goel, M.D.Duna Goswami, M.D.Christine S. Goudge, M.D.Francesco GregoriJessica GrossmanRaffaele Guarany, M.D.William P. Guinan, M.D.Christopher H. Guyer, M.D.Sarah L. Hammil, M.D.Laura Hartman, M.D.Shelby L. Haugan, M.D.Barbara BPM HavenithTronya N. Hawkins, M.D.Arben Haxhihyseni, M.D.Scott Hays, D.O.Marcel E. Hinds, M.D.Jessica R. Hunn, M.D.Nicoletta Ieda, M.D.Scott E. Jacobs, M.D.Ross L. Jacobson, M.D.Jayanti Jha, M.D.Manju P. Jilla, M.D.James G. Johnson, M.D.Judith Johnson, M.D.Remah M. Kamel, M.D.Radmila KazanegraHanif Khan, M.D.Jeong S. Kim, M.D.Anuradha Koduri, M.D.Paul Kovacs, M.D.Becky A. Kulgren, M.D.Arvind H. Kulkarni, M.S.Ming Jue Lai, M.D.

Hannele M. Laine, M.D.Elisa D. Lansdowne, M.D.Kindra Larson, M.D.Young-Chang Lee, M.D.Steven R. Lewis, M.D.Creighton E. Likes, III, M.D.Alejandro Al Loo, M.D.Nancy Loughridge, M.D.Myron O. Luthringer, Jr., M.D.Christopher V. Lutman, M.D.Kristen L. MacClenahan, M.D.Flora C. MacKay, M.D.Courtney C. MacLean, M.D.Javed M. Malik, M.D.Carmine Malzoni, M.D.Zaid Maqbool, M.D.Violaine Marcoux, M.D.Nicole E. Marshall, M.D.Mary K. Martinie, M.D.Luigi Marzano, M.D.Leonard H. Matthews, M.D.Gabrielle Jill Maybee, M.D.Karen K. Maynard, M.D.Robert C. McClelland, M.D.Kerry M. McMahon, M.D.Michael R. McNelis, M.D.Teri D. McNelis, M.D.

Jennifer L. Meadows, M.D.Emily Melton, M.D.Nathan P. Meltzer, M.D.Pullano Menotti, M.D.Morelli Michele, M.D.Colleen L. Milroy, M.D.Yuki Miyabe, M.D.Fariba Mohtashami, M.D.Fabio Montella, M.D.Hilary M. Moore, M.D.Wadgy Nada, M.D.Solimani Nezhat, M.D.Chris C. Niemandt, M.D.Roberto Noia, M.D.Anna Oliverio, M.D.Emmanuel Opai-Tetteh, M.D.Sophia N. Palmer, M.D.Chul-Min Park, M.D.Nae Y. Park, M.D.Sanjay Patel, M.D.Anjali Patil, M.D.David C. Pearce, M.D.Francesca Piccione, M.D.Alessio Piredda, M.D.Elena Piskunova, M.D.Jennifer A. Priddy, M.D.Suresh M. Ranka, M.S.

Cynthia A. Rasmussen, M.D.James T. Reed, M.D.Emily F. Roberson, M.D., FACOGFrancesca M. Rogers, M.D.Jacqueline Rohl, M.D., MPHMaria Patrizia Romano, M.D.Susan M. Rose, M.D.Evan M. Rosenbluth, M.D.Timothy C. Rowe, M.D.Khaled Sakhel, M.D.Bruno Salerno, M.D.Telma T. Santos, M.D.Francesco Maria Sbano, M.D.Weldon F. Shaffer, M.D.Jonathan Shepherd, M.D.So Jin Shin, M.D.Giuseppe Sintini, M.D.Samuel C. Soo, M.D.Leah M. Stanton, CSTKendal K. Stephens, M.D.Anne-Marie Sterlin, M.D.Oleksandr S. Svystonyuk, M.D.Jennifer Tatalovich, M.D.Maggie TetrokalashviliIngrid Tomaino, M.D.Dariush H. Tonkaboni, M.D.Pao-Ling Torng, MD.Michelle Tucker, M.D.Mark Anthony UmobiAdalberto Vazquez Rojas, M.D.Nestor G. Via y RadaStella Walvoord, M.D.William B. Warner, M.D.James A. Watson, M.D.Alan Welt, M.D.Nandi Wijesinghe, M.D.Stephanie K. Wilder, M.D.Mary Wittman, M.D.Alex Wolozny, M.D.Grace K.Y. Wong, M.D.Danee Young, M.D.Hilma Yu, M.D.Roberto Zagni, M.D.Jaime A. Zamora, M.D.Rosario Zarbo, M.D.Sarah H. Zavek, M.D.Jonathan Andrew Zeisler, M.D.Isam Zibdeh, M.D.Charles Zollicoffer, M.D.

AAGL Research Registries are Now Online

Seven Research Registries are now online at our societal website www.aagl.org. Existing registries are on the topics of:

• Cervical Pregnancy• Complications of Synthetic Vaginal Mesh for Prolapse• Incisional Hernias at Trocar Sites• Port-Site Recurrences after Laparoscopic Surgery for Malignancy• Pregnancy after Endometrial Ablation• Vaginal Cuff Complications• Vaginal Cuff Recurrences after Laparoscopic Surgery for Malignancy

To date, we have received submissions to the registries from locations literally scattered throughout the world. In fact, there are more from outside North America than from within it. However, to be meaningful, greater participation is needed. Remember that you may submit a case of your own, or a case in which your involvement was in follow up. Submission is online, fast and straight forward.

NewsScope

10 JULY - SEPT 2006

DIAMOND($150,000 - $250,000)

SAPPHIRE($100,000 - $150,000)

EMERALD($50,000 - $100,000)

RUBY($25,000 - $50,000)

2005 KEY PARTNERS IN EDUCATIONThe AAGL gratefully acknowledges our key partners in education. It is through their support and assistance

that we are able to further our goal of advancing minimally invasive gynecology worldwide.

11JULY - SEPT 2006

NewsScope

n ew p r o d u c t s

The Laprostop™Vascular Injuries from Trochar Insertions can be Reduced!

Come to booth 301 at the AAGL show in Las Vegas and see a demonstration of a new device to help reduce the incidence of deep trochar insertion injuries.

Mark Surrey, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.Patrick Diesfeld, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

For more information contact: Innovamed, Inc.Ph: 619.795.2203 web: www.innovamed-us.com

PERIODICALS

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CYPRESS, 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

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

AAGL

AAGL & AFFILIATED MEETINGS

Advancing Your Career in Minimally Invasive Gynecology

Andrew I. Brill, Scientific Program ChairNovember 5, 2006Paris Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada

Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology AAGL 35th Annual Meeting

Grace M. Janik, Scientific Program ChairNovember 6-9, 2006Paris Hotel - Las Vegas, Nevada

Pelvic Anatomy and Laparoscopic Surgery for Gynecologic Oncologists

December 1-2, 2006University of Louisville - Louisvile, KentuckyWeb: www.aagl.org

16th Annual Comprehensive Workshop on Gynecologic Endoscopy for Residents and Fellows

Fred M. Howard, Scientific Program ChairApril, 2007Chicago, Illinois

Ninth Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy & Surgery on Unembalmed Female Cadavers

Resad P. Pasic, Scientific Program ChairJames M. Shwayder, Lab DirectorMay 18-19, 2007University of LouisvilleLouisville, Kentucky

1st AAGL International Congress in conjunction with SEGi “Understanding & Treating Abnormal Uterine Bleeding”

Presidents: Massimo Petrino, Errico ZupiJune 20-24, 2007Palermo, Italy

Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology AAGL 36th Annual Meeting

Charles E. Miller, Scientific Program ChairNovember 14-17, 2007Wardman Park MarriottWashington, D.C.