SAGES 2009 Annual Meeting
Surgical Spring Week Presentations

April 22-24, 2009
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona

∇ Hernia Postgraduate Course:

Chair: Brent Matthews, M.D.; Co-Chair: Michael Rosen, M.D.

Hernias are ubiquitous and all SAGES meeting attendees will benefit from this half-day postgraduate course. The popularity of this course at previous SAGES meetings is a testament to the continued clinical challenges facing surgeons managing hernia disease and the evolving techniques and technologies available for open and laparoscopic hernia repair. The SAGES Hernia Postgraduate Course will focus on providing an evidence-based assessment of hernia surgery to guide clinical practice and surgical decision-making in the care of patients with ventral, inguinal and diaphragmatic hernias. Evolving techniques in minimally invasive surgery to repair abdominal wall and diaphragmatic hernias will be reviewed by leading authorities in herniorrhaphy. Provocative, yet frequently asked questions in the management of hernia patients will be addressed to provide practical insight into unique topics or clinical scenarios. An interactive Audience Response System will be used to enhance discussion during this session.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Assess a tailored approach in the management of patients with an inguinal hernia
• Provide an evidence-based review of lightweight, biologic and barrier coated meshes as well as fixation devices for inguinal and ventral hernia repair
• Present an update on novel techniques in laparoscopic inguinal, ventral and diaphragmatic hernia repair
• Discuss controversial topics in hernia patients related to informed consent, mesh recalls, connective tissue disorders and pregnancy