13th Annual Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) Conference 2022

13th Annual Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) Conference 2022 is organized by MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and will be held from Jun 08 - 11, 2022.

Target Audience:
This conference is designed to be a multidisciplinary program and is intended for a wide range of medical practitioners who are interested in the latest information regarding the treatment of
abdominal wall reconstruction. The program is purposely targeted towards general, plastic and trauma surgeons, endocrinologists, wound care specialists, residents, fellows, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, nurses, and other allied health professionals interested in abdominal wall reconstruction.

Course Description:
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s 13th Annual Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) Conference is a comprehensive four-day symposium that provides an in-depth understanding of
the complexities of AWR. The purpose of this highly interactive meeting is to offer an evidencebased discussion on all aspects of AWR through didactic lectures with video education and
case presentations to address the growing rate of hernia repairs and updates in technology and procedures.

Currently, there are approximately 350,000 ventral hernia repairs performed annually in the United States and the patient population continues to be increasingly complex with significant
co-morbidities. Thus, there is a significant complication rate including surgical site morbidity, readmission, and recurrence. The course is comprised of internationally renowned faculty that are a diverse group of experts chosen from the disciplines of general and plastic surgery, based upon their ongoing contributions to the field of abdominal wall reconstruction. The individual sessions will focus on patient selection and optimization, selection of surgical approach and reinforcement material, technical aspects of open and minimally invasive surgery, and management of complications. Attendees will be given much of the knowledge required to have a successful AWR practice.

Learning Objectives:
• Identify why preoperative preparation is necessary for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Identify the indications for biologic, synthetic, bioabsorbable mesh.
• Utilize patient optimization to reduce the incidence of surgical site occurrences.
• Utilize advanced abdominal wall reconstruction techniques to improve patient outcomes.
• Utilize advanced laparoscopic techniques for optimal patient outcomes.
• Recognize the value of plastic surgery techniques for advanced abdominal wall reconstruction.
• Manage entero-cutaneous fistulas in the setting of a hernia.
• Implement appropriate treatment options for infected abdominal wall mesh.
• Recognize the optimal management of skin and soft tissue during hernia repair.
• Implement enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) after hernia repair.
• Recognize the value of botulinum toxin A in large hernia defects.
• Evaluate and manage the common complications after component separation procedure.
• Implement surgical approach for unique patient populations (oncology, transplant, child bearing age).
• Understanding the medical-legal issues associated with mesh reinforcement.
• Identify training strategies for residents and fellows pursuing abdominal wall reconstruction practice.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team involved in the collaborative care of patients with hernias.
• Integrate a team-based approach in the care of patients with hernias.