FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND WE ATTEND WITH OUR SURGICAL PARTNER(S)?

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE COURSE?

WHAT ARE ACCOMODATIONS LIKE AT THE HOTEL NIKKO?

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN SAN FRANCISCO IN APRIL?

WHY THIS COURSE?

LIGO brings 25 full-time faculty to the course for the entire three days. All faculty are required to be present for the entire course, precepting at the pelvic trainers at every break, and during lunchtimes, always available to attendees to teach suturing, knots, standards of care and laparoscopic excellence. Other courses have faculty drop in for their talks and disappear.
LIGO arranges for 45 pelvic trainers to be assigned to attendees so that every attendee has individual assigned learning time using evidence-based proven techniques to confirm learning and stability of learning over time.
Our Audio Visual is excellent, with four of the largest screens available.

WHAT IS THE “HOLIOTOMY CHALLENGE”?

The “holiotomy” is a two inch segment of Penrose drain with six dots on each side of the tubing with a one inch hole in the middle. Surgeons are challenged to place three figure of “N”s through each of the dots and to tie each of these with four square knots to close the hole. We call this a “holiotomy”, in jest, but the process of suturing the “holiotomy” enhances eye-hand coordination and haptic perception and simulates the essential procedures every laparoscopic surgeon needs: closure of cystotomy or enterotomy or closure of the vagina after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Surgeons are asked to perform two “holiotomies” (6 figure of “N”s, 24 knots) as evidence of their developing laparoscopic skills. This challenge is made easy by the three lectures on suture techniques, the two precepted suture sessions and the 45 pelvic trainers available to you during unrestricted breaks. See photographs of the “holiotomy” and the “Holiotomoy Challenge” from the 2009 course here: LINK TO 2009 PHOTO GALLERY.

IS THE CADAVER LAB ESSENTIAL?

Current peer-reviewed evidence has not shown that a cadaver lab provides any benefit over the pelvic trainers, but until more evidence is available, we offer it as an adjunct to teaching. It is an advantage for oncologists who are learning a new (retroperitoneal) approach to node dissection, but because all gynecologists know the planes and anatomy of hysterectomy, cadaver dissection may be a useful tool to experience new instruments for hysterectomy.

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND WE ATTEND WITH OUR SURGICAL PARTNER(S)?

All learning takes place gradually. No one takes away 100% of what they hear. What you and your surgery partner(s) learn from the course will not exactly overlap. You and your partner(s) will hear things differently, retain different facts and prefer divergent techniques, giving you each a greater surgical repertoire. By attending together, you will increase the total learning you take back to your operating room and to your patients.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE COURSE?

For the two day course: We provide plentiful and heart-healthy meals throughout the course, as follows: Breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon snacks on Thursday and Friday. Ample food, wine, beer and soft drinks are provided at the reception on Thursday, to which your spouse/family is also invited.

For surgeons attending the cadaver lab: Breakfast, lunch and snacks on Saturday are included. Also included, transportation from the Hotel Nikko to the lab and back to the hotel. You may also request to be dropped off at San Francisco airport on the way back from the lab at the end of the day. Please bring your own scrubs!

WHAT ARE ACCOMODATIONS LIKE AT THE HOTEL NIKKO?

We have held this course at the same hotel for four years because they offer the best service, food and value to our attendees. We have contracted excellent room rates for you ($199), and the food is plentiful, delicious and cardiac wise. Ideally located in the very heart of the city, Hotel Nikko is a short walk from the fine shops, theaters and restaurants at Union Square. The Concierge at the Hotel Nikko is available to help you with dinner reservations and other plans you or your family may want to make to enjoy San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. Please visit the hotel website to learn more: http://www.hotelnikkosf.com/

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN SAN FRANCISCO IN APRIL?

Attendees will spend most of their time indoors! Please bring a sweater or jacket to the Nikko Ballroom classroom, so you will always be comfortable. When you do get outside, the weather in April can range from mild and sunny to cool and foggy. Day time temperatures average in the high 50’s to mid-sixties. Rain is rare in April. Dressing in layers is best.