Objective: Common robotic training curricula in the US entail completion of an online module followed by lab training with standardized exercises, such as manipulating needles with robotic needle drivers. Assessments are generally limited to elapsed time and subjective proficiency. We sought to test the feasibility of a simulation-based robotic hysterectomy curriculum to collect objective measurements of trainee progress, map the trainee learning curve and provide a system for trainee-specific evaluation. Methods: An observational cohort study of a single institutions' residency members participating in a procedural hysterectomy simulation performed every 4 months. Each simulation episode had one-on-one teaching. The robotic platform was used to measure all movements within cartesian coordinates, the number of clutches, instrument collisions, time to complete the simulated hysterectomy, and unintended injuries during the procedure. Results: Voluntary participation was high. Objective metrics were successfully recorded at each session and improved nearly universally. More senior residents demonstrated superior capabilities compared to junior residents as expected. The majority of residents (29/31) were able to complete an entire simulated hysterectomy in the allotted 30-minute training session period by the end of the year. Conclusions This program establishes learning curves based on objective data points using a risk-free simulation platform. The curves can then be used to evaluate trainee skill level and tailor teaching to specific objective competencies. The pilot curriculum can be tailored to the unique needs of each surgical discipline's residency training.

Over 150,000 reproductive age individuals face fertility-threatening cancer treatments each year. Improved detection and treatment of cancer in reproductive-age patients have greatly increased the long-term survival and made it possible for these individuals to consider their long-term quality-of-life after cancer including having biologic offspring. Various methods of fertility preservation (FP) are now available for both males and females. In order to maximize FP options available to patients facing imminent gonadotoxic therapies, it is crucial that women have quick access to FP care and that providers expedite FP strategies. The overarching goal of a clinical FP program is to help patients and their physicians consider the impact of treatment on future fertility and facilitate FP efforts in what is often a limited time period before cancer treatment begins.
Female ; Fertility Preservation* ; Fertility* ; Humans ; Male

Objective: To evaluate the utility of a society-based robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology. Methods: All participants underwent a 2-day robotic surgery training course between 2015–2017. The course included interactive didactic sessions with video, dry labs, and robotic cadaver labs. The labs encompassed a wide range of subject matter including troubleshooting, instrument variation, radical hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections.Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “not confident” to “extremely confident” on various measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 24. Results: The response rate was high with 86% of the 70 participants completing the survey.Sixteen (26.7%) of these individuals were attending physicians and 44 (73.3%) were fellows.In general, there was a significant increase in confidence in more complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy (p=0.01), lymph node dissection (p=0.01), troubleshooting (p=0.001), and managing complications (p=0.004). Faculty comfort and practice patterns were cited as the primary reason (58.9%) for limitations during robotic procedures followed secondarily by surgical resources (34.0%). Conclusion In both gynecologic oncology fellows and attendings, this educational theorybased curriculum significantly improved confidence in the majority of procedures and concepts taught, emphasizing the value of hands-on skill labs.

The Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology International Workshop 2018 on gynecologic oncology was held in the Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea on the 24th to 25th August 2018. The workshop was an opportunity for Asian doctors to discuss the latest findings of gynecologic cancer, including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, as well as the future of fertility-sparing treatments, minimally invasive/radical/debulking surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Clinical guidelines and position statement of Asian countries were presented by experts. Asian clinical trials for gynecologic cancers were reviewed and experts emphasized the point that original Asian study is beneficial for Asian patients. In Junior session, young gynecologic oncologists presented their latest research on gynecologic cancers.
Antineoplastic Agents ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Drug Therapy ; Education ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; Female ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Korea ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; Radiotherapy ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms