As demand for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in small animal practice continues to rise, it has become increasingly important for veterinarians to receive proper training in this field. Recent studies suggest that structured training programs and regular skill repetition are key factors for successful procedures with minimal complications.

Our basic laparoscopic surgery course is specifically designed for veterinarians with small to no experience in this area and aims to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in basic laparoscopic surgery procedures. The course will begin with bench-top laparoscopic models and simulators, and progress to live patient procedures, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to start practicing laparoscopy safely.

During the first day of the course, participants will learn about laparoscopic equipment and instrumentation through lectures and videos and will be introduced to various laparoscopic basic skills training tasks (such as peg transfer, pattern cutting, suturing, and the use of cautery-cutting sealing devices) and specific procedures (such as abdominal exploration, biopsy, and ovariectomy), which will be practiced on laparoscopic training models and simulators.

On the second day, participants will have the opportunity to perform a practical laparoscopy surgery procedure involving laparoscopic abdominal exploration and ovariectomy on live dogs. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to incorporate laparoscopy safely and effectively into their practice.

Veterinary Technician Training

We are excited to let you know that your technicians are more than welcome to take part in this course. Technicians play a critical role in the Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS) team, and we understand the importance of their contribution. During the course, your technicians will have access to special sessions that will cover topics such as the preparation of MIS equipment and instrumentation, patient preparation for MIS procedures, and anesthesia considerations for patients during MIS under abdominal insufflation. With this additional training, your technicians will be well-prepared to support the MIS team and contribute to the success of the procedures.

Certification

At the end of the course, each clinician will receive a certificate of small animal laparoscopy course completion.

Instructors and Lecturers

Dr. Ohad Levi, DVM

Dr. Maria Fahie, DVM, DACVS

Dr. Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, DACVAA

Dr. David Clark, DVM, DABVP

Dr. Young Joo Kim, DVM

Ms. Annette Chavarria-Marron, RVT

Ms. Leslie Tortez, RVT

Ms. Prisma Martinez, RVT

Mr. Matt Willis, Karl Storz, North America

Ms. Meredith Anderson, Medtronic

Course location

Western University of Health sciences

611 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766

https://pethealthcenter.westernu.edu/

Course Schedule

Day 1 – Saturday, June 8, 2024

7:30am-8:00am - Check-in and Breakfast (provided)

8:00am-9:30am - Dr. Ohad Levi: Introduction to laparoscopy- equipment/instruments, procedures, and laparoscopy surgery complications

9:30am-10:00am - Coffee break

10:00am-10:50am - Dr. Lyon Lee: Anesthesia principals under insufflation

10:50am-12:00p - Laparoscopic training on models (Laparoscopic basic tasks)

12:00pm-12:30pm - Lunch (provided)

12:30pm-2:15pm - Laparoscopic basic procedures training on models (laparoscopic tasks, vassal sealing devices, and ovariectomy on high-fidelity laparoscopic simulator)

2:15pm-2:30pm - Coffee break

2:30pm-5:00pm - Continue- Laparoscopic basic procedures training on models (laparoscopic tasks, vassal sealing devices, and ovariectomy on high-fidelity laparoscopic simulator)

Day 2 – Sunday, June 10, 2024

8:00am-8:30am - Breakfast (provided)

8:30am-10:00am - Surgery - basic laparoscopic techniques and laparoscopic ovariectomy on live dogs

10:00am-10:15am - Coffee break

10:15am-12:00pm - Surgery - basic laparoscopic techniques and laparoscopic ovariectomy on live dogs

12:00pm-12:30pm - Lunch (provided)

12:30pm-2:30pm - Surgery - basic laparoscopic techniques and laparoscopic ovariectomy on live dogs

2:30pm-2:45pm - Coffee break

2:45pm-5:00pm - Surgery - basic laparoscopic techniques and laparoscopic ovariectomy on live dogs

Registration Fee

$2150.00 - Veterinarians

$500.00 - Veterinary technicians

Payment

Only credit card payments are accepted through the following link:

Need Eventbrite link

Registration is limited to eight veterinarians and two technicians. Once the course registration is full, please contact us, and additional names will be placed on a waiting list. If any spots become available, we will contact you.

For any questions, please contact

Dr. Ohad Levi olevi@westernu.edu

Office: 909-469-8428

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations greater than 30 calendar days prior to the event's start day will result in a refund of 100% of registration costs. Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the event will result in no refund.

Continuing Education Credits: 17 CE Credit Hours*

*This continuing education program was submitted to the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine (WU-CVM) Continuing Education Committee. It approved 17 hours of continuing education credit. WU-CVM would provide this CE credit as AVMA accredited veterinary college. Participants should be aware that some veterinary medical boards have limitations on the content and provider of continuing veterinary education credit. Please consult your state's practice act.

Travel

Local airports: Ontario International (ONT ~15 minutes) and Los Angeles International (LAX ~ 60-120 minutes, depending on traffic)

Lodging

Pomona

· Sheraton Fairplex Hotel

Chino Hills

· Ayres Hotel Chino Hills, CA (Shuttle transportation provided)

· Hampton Inn & Suites Chino Hills, CA

Claremont

· Double Tree by Hilton Claremont, CA

· Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge, CA

Thank You to Karl Storz – Endoscope and Medtronic for their continued support for the WesternU CVM Laparoscopy Training Program.