What is LIGO?
With the goal of increasing the practice of minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Kate O’Hanlan founded the Laparoscopic Institute for Gynecology and Oncology® (LIGO) in 2006. Devoted to training gynecologic general and oncologic surgeons in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, LIGO is the only training institute of its kind. Through an intensive hands-on course, LIGO has trained over 2,400 gynecologic surgeons from around the world.
Is LIGO for General Gynecologists or for Oncologists?
Both. The LIGO course is the “boot camp” of training in laparoscopic skills for all gynecologic surgeons. All surgeons will learn many laparoscopic methods to treat benign disease. There are specific lectures for oncologists to learn retroperitoneal and transperitoneal lymphadenectomies, radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomies and debulkings.
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. During the LIGO course, 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, as well as “run the cuff” and a “baseball stitch”. 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.
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. 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.
Will I receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for the course?
Yes. Continuing Medical Education Credit is provided through joint providership with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Are meals included in the cost of the course?
LIGO provides plentiful and heart-healthy meals throughout the course. Breakfast and lunch, as well as morning and afternoon snacks, are provided on all days. There is a buffet reception on the evening of the first day, and we encourage you to bring your family so they can marvel at your newfound laparoscopic suturing skills, while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and refreshments.
Where does the course take place?
Located in the heart of San Francisco, just blocks away from Union Square, Chinatown and the Financial District, The Palace Hotel is conveniently located for the many things to do in San Francisco.
LIGO has contracted the lowest rate available for your stay at The Palace Hotel. Less expensive hotels are not close by. We strongly encourage attendees to stay at The Palace Hotel to take full advantage of 24 hour access to the pelvic trainers Thursday-Saturday.
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition is $2,475 ($1,975 for Retired Physicians/2-Day Residents* & Fellows-in-Training*/RNFA/NP/PA/Military Personnel/OR Techs/Veterinarians) for the first two days of the course. Tuition is $3,775 for all three days of the course including the cadaver lab dissection on Saturday, April 6. Early registration (by March 21, 2018) and LIGO alumnae/i discounts of $200 are offered at the point of registration.
What is your policy on cancellations?
Cancellations made before March 28, 2019 will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after March 28, 2019.