The Master Class on Thursday 11 October at Benenden Hospital was attended by over 60 delegates, the majority being senior Consultant gynaecologists. There were two main messages; the first that there is often no need for a hysterectomy during repair surgery for prolapse and the second advised on the need to use mesh during the repair surgery.
The Faculty consisted of three Professors from France, one Professor from Poland, one Professor from the USA and five senior Consultant Gynaecologists from the UK.
State of art pelvic floor surgery was demonstrated with a variety of techniques to move gynaecology procedure forward, removing outdated ideas.
Following a brief introduction, Prof Michael Aronson from the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre explained the challenges that gynaecologists face, undertaking surgical repair to restore normal function and support in women who present with gynaecological health issues. With the aid of cadaver images his presentation demonstrated the problems faced and risks associated with surgical repair.
With live transmission from the newly installed digital theatres, Mr Alfred Cutner, Consultant Gynaecologist from the University College, London was the first to undertake surgery, interacting with the delegates whilst doing so. This was followed by a further eight sessions from eminent international gynaecologists who operated throughout the day, each with differing challenges, procedures and techniques.
From a Benenden case study, presented by the organiser, Mr Mohamed Hefni it was proved that in many occasions hysterectomies can be avoided in the treatment of uterine prolapse, giving a better quality of life and less chance of surgical complication for the patient. Surgery was then demonstrated by Mr Hefni.
In the anteroom there were many displays from suppliers who had assisted in the Master class. This was a useful opportunity for delegates to understand the crucial part suppliers play, working in partnership with clinical staff to develop clinical practice.
Debates from the delegates and experts proved stimulating with the sharing of information and experience and comparisons of different ways of undertaking procedures using different techniques.
The day ended with medico-legal issues, panel discussion and a summary. It was a fitting tribute to Benenden Hospital’s 100 year celebrations, proving that a relatively small independent hospital in Kent can demonstrate and teach surgical techniques and aids which are cutting edge and lead the way forward into the 21st Century.