Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery 14th Annual Meeting 2022

The 14th Annual SERGS Meeting (2022) was a significant event held in Cork, Ireland. It marked the full post-pandemic return of the European robotic gynecology community to face-to-face networking.

The 2022 edition was centered around the theme of “Democratizing Robotic Surgery,” addressing the rapid expansion of the field as new robotic platforms (beyond the da Vinci system) entered the European market. It served as a critical forum for establishing standardized training curriculums to ensure patient safety amidst this technological diversification.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum focused heavily on evidence-based applications and surgical education. Key learning outcomes included:

• The “Post-LACC” Landscape: Updated strategies for using robotics in cervical cancer, focusing on “tumor-free” handling techniques and vaginal cuff closure to prevent recurrence.

• Multi-Platform Reality: Navigating the new ecosystem of surgical robots, with discussions on the introduction of systems like the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS and CMR Versius, comparing their ergonomics and cost-effectiveness against the Intuitive da Vinci.

• Standardized Training: The rollout of the official SERGS Curriculum, a structured pathway for certification to prove proficiency, moving away from industry-led training to society-led credentialing.

• Deep Endometriosis: Advanced techniques for nerve-sparing resection and shaving vs. discoid resection for bowel endometriosis using the robotic platform’s enhanced articulation.

 Event Details

• Event: 14th Annual Meeting of the Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery (SERGS 2022)

• Dates: June 2–4, 2022

• Location: Cork, Ireland

• Presidents/Chairs: The meeting was hosted under the leadership of the local organizing committee and SERGS President Thomas Ind (UK).

 Who Should Attend

• Gynecologic Oncologists: Assessing the safety of minimally invasive approaches for endometrial and early cervical cancer.

• Benign Gynaecologic Surgeons: Specializing in complex endometriosis and large fibroid myomectomies.

• Residents & Fellows (YEARS): The “Young European Advocates of Robotic Surgery” (YEARS) track provided dedicated sessions for trainees to present videos and receive mentorship.

• Hospital Managers: Interested in the cost-benefit analysis of adopting new robotic systems.

 Why It Was Significant

• Keynote Excellence: The event featured renowned speakers such as Prof. Jaap Bonjer (Netherlands) and Prof. Henrik Falconer (Sweden), who provided high-level evidence on surgical outcomes and the future of digital surgery.

• Live Surgery: The meeting featured high-definition live surgical transmissions demonstrating complex procedures, allowing attendees to see the “tips and tricks” of master surgeons in real-time.

• Certification Launch: It was a defining moment for the society as they pushed for the SERGS Pilot Curriculum, aiming to create a unified European standard for robotic training that is platform-independent.

 Topics

The scientific program covered specific clinical and technical domains:

• Oncology:

  • Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) mapping with Indocyanine Green (ICG).

  • The role of robotics in obese patients with endometrial cancer.

• Benign Surgery:

  • Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: Mesh attachment techniques and managing complications.

  • Ureterolysis: Identifying and protecting the ureter during difficult dissections.

• Future Tech:

  • Telesurgery & Telementoring: The potential for remote proctoring.

  • Artificial Intelligence: Using AI to analyze surgical video for automated performance assessment.