The 2022 CanSAGE Conference
The annual CanSAGE conference includes sessions, panel discussions, and presentations by leading figures in our field. Learn more about the 2022 conference below, and contact us if you are interested in participating.
2022 Conference Program
The 2022 CanSAGE Conference will take place at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, NS, from September 22 to September 24.
Accreditation
This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by the SOGC. You may claim a maximum of 16.75 hours (credits are automatically calculated).
This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by the SOGC. You may claim a maximum of 2 hours (credits are automatically calculated).
Through an agreement between the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Medical Association, physicians may convert Royal College MOC credits to AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. More information on the process to convert Royal College MOC credit to AMA credit.
Read more on the Royal College agreement with the American Medical Association.
The Section 3 POST-Conference quiz is currently available online.
The deadline to submit is November 30, 2022 at 5pm Eastern Time.
Fellow Boot Camp (Day 2: Convention Centre)
Arrive in Halifax - Register
4:00 p.m. - Fellowship Director Meeting (by invitation)
Location to be confirmed (also available via Zoom for remote participants)
5:00 p.m. - Social Event
Informal Get Together (Sutton Place Hotel Bar & Lounge)
7:00 a.m. - Industry Symposium Breakfast: non-accredited
8:00 a.m. - Opening Remarks
8:15 a.m. - An Evidence-based Approach to the Role of Surgery in Reproductive Care (Dr. Michael Ripley & Dr. Miguel Russo)
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Review the evidence for reproductive surgery in the era of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
2. Examine the challenges/obstacles of conducting high-quality research in the field of reproductive surgery
3. Debate the role of reproductive surgery in the absence of high-quality research
9:30 a.m. - GYN Talk: What's the deal with vNOTES anyway? (Dr. Andrew Zakhari)
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Review the evolution and current applications of natural orifice surgery
2. Propose techniques to introduce vNOTES into your ORs
3. Try to define where vNOTES fits into modern MIGS practice
9:45 a.m. - Coffee Break & Exhibit
10:30 a.m. - GYN Talk: Surgical Sexism (Dr. Fariba Mohtashami)
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Discuss the quality of surgical education in residency training programs in Canada
2. Review the challenges of OBGYN as the first majority women surgical specialty
3. Explore the staus-leveling burden for female gynecologists
10:45 a.m. - No Mo’ FOMO – Practice changing research you missed during COVID (Dr. Cleve Ziegler)
At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Summarize the evolving role of uterine embolization in management of uterine fibroids
2. Avoid surgical site infection in Laparoscopic surgery
3. Appraise technical aspects of vascular control for minimally invasive hysterectomy
4. Decide whether endometrial ablation results are improved with addition of the LNG IUS
5. Evaluate the role of random laparoscopic biopsies in endometriosis
11:30 a.m. - Industry Symposium Lunch: non-accredited
1:00 p.m. - Open Communication Sessions
1:00-1:15 pm
Dr. Innie Chen – Neighbourhood-level social determinants of hysterectomy in Canada: a whole cohort population study
1:15-1:30 pm
Dr. Maria Cusimano – Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Physicians Compared with Nonphysicians
1:30-1:45 pm
Dr. Ethan Emslie – Evaluation of Radiofrequency Endometrial Ablation: A 17-year Canadian Experience
1:45-2:00 pm
Dr. Peter Thiel – Retrograde Bladder Filling After Outpatient Gynecologic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
PET / WOW Video Presentations
1:00-1:10 pm PET
Dr. Simon Benoit Dube – Management of Vaginal Vault Dehiscence after Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
1:10-1:20 pm PET
Dr. Eliane Shore – Enhancing M&M Rounds with the OR Black Box: a Case of Uterine Perforation at Hysteroscopy
1:20-1:30 pm WOW
Dr. Kristina Arendas – Laparoscopic ureteroneocystotomy in severe endometriosis: A stepwise approach
1:30-1:40 pm WOW
Dr. Yale Tang – Management of undescended ovaries, a novel surgical approach
1:40-1:50 pm WOW
Dr. Erica Leanne Pascoal – An approach to imaging and surgical excision of abdominal wall endometriosis
1:50-2:00 pm WOW
Dr. Catherine Lu – Fertility-sparing surgery for severe adenomyosis: A narrated, stepwise approach to the Osada procedure
This session is designed for learners and non-learners.
ORAL Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Deliver immediate, constructive feedback on oral research presentations
2. Share the implications of this research within their own institutions
VIDEO Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Deliver immediate, constructive feedback on video presentations
2. Share the implications of this information within their own institutions
2:00 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Option 1: Climate change and the surgeon: Mitigating impact from our choices (Dr. Husein Moloo)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Recognize that climate change has an effect on health
2. Determine that healthcare has a significant carbon footprint
3. Realize that healthcare professionals have the ability to mitigate the carbon footprint of healthcare
Option 2: Myomectomy at the time of Cesarean section (Dr. Mara Sobel)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Review the literature on Cesarean myomectomy
2. Discuss antenatal surveillance and pre-operative management of large fibroids in pregnancy
3. Present surgical techniques for safe Cesarean myomectomy
3:00 p.m. - Coffee Break + Exhibit
3:30 p.m. - Surgeon Ergonomics in the Operating Room - Setting up for Success (Dr. Olga Bougie)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Assess the scope of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) related to the work of Gynecologic Surgery
2. Identify the most likely ergonomic situations that can lead to MSD
3. Reflect on the impact of MSK pain/surgery on surgeon
4. Formulate an intervention strategy to prevent and treat MSD
4:15 p.m. - Open Communication Session: ePosters
Presentations on Screen 1:
4:00-4:10pm
Dr. Jade Desilets – Minimizing fluid absorption at time of hysteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
4:10-4:20pm
Dr. Andrea Simpson – Development and integration of a modified mindfulness curriculum designed to optimize resident surgical performance: mindfulness integration in surgical training (MIST)
4:20-4:30pm
Not scheduled
4:30-4:40pm
Dr. Sarah Dakhlallah – Timeline between symptoms onset, diagnosis and treatment of atypical endometrial hyperplasia/endometrial cancer. A pre-and post COVID-19 pandemic comparison
4:40-4:50pm
Dr. Katie Wilkins – Indications and outcomes for planned Cesarean hysterectomy in non-placenta accreta spectrum disorder patients: a systematic review
4:50-5:00pm
Dr. Innie Chen – The impact of physician remuneration incentive on laparoscopic hysterectomy practice in Canada: an interrupted time series analysis
Presentations on Screen 2:
4:00-4:10pm
Dr. Jason Hermenegildo – Evaluating the effectiveness of an integrated pelvic anatomy course on Obstetrics and Gynecology resident training
4:10-4:20pm
Dr. Emma Skolnik (cannot be present) – Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following hysterectomy for endometrial malignancy in class III obesity: patient preferences and outcomes
4:20-4:30pm
Dr. Pauline Chang – The Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Clinical Significance of T-shaped Uterus within a Tertiary Centre in Canada
4:30-4:40pm
Dr. Siddhi Mathur – The Impact of Telemedicine on Management of Chronic Pelvic and Pudendal Pain: Lessons from the Covid Pandemic
4:40-4:50pm
Dr. Chelsie Warshafsky – Placenta Previa and Bladder Varicosities – A Clinical Conundrum
4:50-5:00pm
Dr. Mehr Jain – Complications among patients undergoing mesh graft revision surgery: a retrospective cohort study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database
Presentations on Screen 3:
4:00-4:10pm
Dr. Julie Vermeer – Validation of a Laparoscopic Myomectomy Simulation Model
4:10-4:20pm
Dr. Chelsie Warshafsky – Prepare for the Worst to Deliver the Best: Promoting Safety in an Outpatient Hysteroscopy Setting through Simulation Based Team Training
4:20-4:30pm
Dr. Rea Konci – Task shifting caesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
4:30-4:40pm
Dr. Foruzan Bahrami – Day-surgery for endometriosis in Canadian provinces: a retrospective cohort of trend and regional variation in types of surgeries and their complications
4:40-4:50pm
Dr. Kiran Parmar – Patient Self-Assessment of Endometriosis-associated Deep Dyspareunia Using a Vaginal Insert: A Pilot Study
4:50-5:00pm
Not scheduled
Presentations on Screen 4:
4:00-4:10pm
Dr. Sukhbir Singh – Individualized medicine using 3D printing technology in gynecology: a scoping review
4:10-4:20pm
Dr. Innie Chen – Effect of US Food & Drug Administration and Health Canada warnings on power morcellation on laparoscopic hysterectomy for fibroids in Canada
4:20-4:30pm
Dr. Shay M. Freger – Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound for Deep Endometriosis of the Uterosacral Ligaments and Torus Uterinus at a Canadian Tertiary Endometriosis Centre
4:30-4:40pm
Dr. Meghan Moulton O’Leary – Triaging of patients with endometriosis: a pilot study for the eScore clinical decision tool
4:40-4:50pm
Dr. Sukhbir Singh – Endometriosis Imaging: Enter the Metaverse of Possibilities
4:50-5:00pm
Not scheduled
ePoster Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Deliver immediate, constructive feedback on oral research presentations
2. Share the implications of this research within their own institutions.
This session is designed for learners and non-learners.
5:15 p.m. - Eastern Kitchen Party
Eastern Kitchen Party
A traditional East Coast experience with finger food and a local fiddling band! Come have a chat with our industry partners and reconnect with your colleagues.
6:00 a.m. - Wellness: Fun Run
7:00 a.m. - Industry Symposium Breakfast: non-accredited
8:00 a.m. - ERAS in benign MIGS (Dr. Gregg Nelson)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Describe the history and rationale of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
2. Identify the main evidence supporting ERAS in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS)
3. Define the key components required to create a successful ERAS MIGS program at your hospital
9:00 a.m. - Realizing efficiencies and improving patient care – Lessons from the field
Panel discussion with Drs. Christine Lett, Alysha Nensi, Angela Deane & Lindsay Shirreff
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Appraise principles of performing quality improvement initiatives
2. Identify challenges and barriers in implementing new initiatives
3. Become aware of resources that can be helpful in your individual practice
10:00 a.m. - Coffee Break + Exhibit
10:45 a.m. - Open Communication Sessions
Oral Research Presentations
10:45-11:00
Dr. Hanna Goldberg – Iron Deficiency and Endometriosis – A Missed Opportunity?
11:00-11:15
Dr. Elizabeth Miazga – Virtual mindfulness-based therapy for the management of endometriosis chronic pelvic pain: a novel delivery platform to increase access to care
11:15-11:30
Dr. Grace Zhou – Prevalence, predictors and hospital- and surgeon-level variation of preoperative anemia: A multi-centre retrospective study
11:30-11:45
Dr. Foruzan Bahmari – Determinants of Perioperative Complications in Day-Surgery for Endometriosis: A Retrospective Cohort
PET / WOW Video Presentations
10:45 – 10:55 PET
Dr. Magdalene Payne – Urine Double Trouble: a case of voiding dysfunction following gynecologic surgery
10:55 – 11:05 PET
Dr. Neha Sarna – Ovarian Cryopreservation – The Time is Now: A Laparoscopic Approach to Tissue Harvesting
11:05 –11:15 PET
Dr. Monique Marguerie – T-shaped uterus diagnosed by hysteroscopy
11:15 – 11:25 PET
Dr. Ana-Maria Iancu – Laparoscopic access in patients with large ovarian cysts
11:25 – 11:35 WOW
Dr. Andrew Zakhari – vNOTES Hysterectomy, Adnexectomy and Uterosacral Ligament Suspension: A Walk-through Guide
11:35 – 11:45 WOW
Dr. Melissa Workman – Laparoscopic Wedge Resection of a Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy at 9 Weeks Gestation
This session is designed for learners and non-learners.
ORAL Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Deliver immediate, constructive feedback on oral research presentations
2. Share the implications of this research within their own institutions
VIDEO Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Deliver immediate, constructive feedback on video presentations
2. Share the implications of this information within their own institutions
11:45 a.m. - Industry Symposium Lunch: non-accredited
1:15 p.m. - Myth busters – Where practice meets evidence
- Is trial of void necessary before discharging a laparoscopic surgery
patient? (Dr. Peter Thiel) - Changing gloves when going from the bottom to top (Dr. Brigitte Corran)
- Cornual Pregnancy (Dr. Meghan McGrattan)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Describe the evidence surrounding common practices in gynecology
2. Reflect on current practice patterns and assess if these are evidence based
3. Identify areas for improvement in standard practices locally
2:00 p.m. - GYN Talk: Central sensitization and gynecologic surgery (Paul Yong)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Discuss the implications of central nervous system sensitization for gynecologic surgery, with a focus on endometriosis
2. Introduce practical tools to assess central sensitization for the gynecologic surgeon
2:15 p.m. GYN Talk: Prevention and Management of Postoperative Neuralgia (Chandrew Rajakumar)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Recognize risk factors for postoperative nerve entrapment
2. Apply today’s knowledge to identify postoperative abdominal wall nerve entrapment in patients
3. Manage neuralgia acutely and initiate chronic neuralgia management
4. Determine that there are surgical options and refer appropriately
2:30 p.m. - BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Option 1: Chronic pain in gynecology: How-to and efficacy of blocks (Dr. Jennifer McDonald)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. List the differential diagnosis and relevant simple physical exam maneuvers for non-visceral pelvic pain generators
2. Review the anatomy of the “border nerves” and pudendal nerve
3. Demonstrate how ultrasound-guided blocks can help with diagnosis and management of chronic pelvic pain
4. Consider labral (hip) pathology on the differential diagnosis for chronic pelvic/groin pain
Option 2: Challenges with HRT for the MIS surgeon (Dr. Michelle Jacobson)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Summarize a basic primer on HRT Special considerations on menopause management in: Endometriosis, BRCA, and some gynaecologic cancers
3:30 p.m. - Coffee Break + Exhibit
4:00 p.m. - Get your team ready and join us for GYN FEUD!
The CanSAGE version of Family Feud
6:00 p.m. - Sightseeing • 2-hour Sunset Cruise on the Tall Ship Silva ($)
Sunset Cruise on the Tall Ship Silva
This 2-hr sunset cruise experience is limited to 130 tickets!
Purchase yours now for only $50 – first come, first served.
8:00 p.m. - Social Event • Coming Back Dinner & Party at Waterfront Cable Wharf ($)
A delicious lobster meal awaits you (meat and vegetarian options are also available) for dinner, with the Merimacs to get you dancing the night away!
Cost is $125 + tax – limited seating; first come, first served.
7:30 a.m. - Breakfast and Annual General Meeting
8:45 a.m. - GYN Talk: Fat Shaming in Medicine (Dr. Hilary Offman)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Realize the discrimination that fat patients face
2. Reflect and modify how we automatically think about fat patients
9:00 a.m. - A compassionate approach to patients with increased weight (Dr. Sasha High)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Express how to initiate a discussion regarding weight with patients
2. Outline steps to support your patients in getting appropriate treatment
3. Review evidence-based treatment approaches for obesity and overweight
9:45 a.m. - Coffee Break + Exhibit
10:15 a.m. - DIE and surgical management: GI/GU involvement (Dr. Ted Lee)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Summarize anatomy-based principles on surgical management of bladder and ureteral endometriosis
2. Incorporate information regarding size and location of lesions from imaging and cystoscopy to surgical planning
11:00 a.m. - Open Communication Session: Top Oral & Video Presentations
Top 3 Oral Presentations
11:00-11:15
Dr. Adam Rosen – Pregnancy outcomes following medical versus surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy in Ontario
11:15-11:30
Dr. Lily Wu – Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among gynecologic surgeons performing laparoscopic procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
11:30-11:45
Dr. Nour Bakhache – Exploring the Impact of Preoperative Anemia on Postoperative Costs and Complications
Top 2 PET Video Presentations
11:45-11:55
Dr. Geoffrey Zeni – Superficial Endometriosis: An Ultrasound Diagnosis
11:55-12:05
Dr. Elizabeth Russell – Minimally Invasive Surgical Management of Tubo-Ovarian Abscess
Top 2 WOW Video Presentations
12:05-12:15
Dr. Vanessa Rojas-Luengas – Laparoscopic Myomectomy in the Retzius Space
12:15-12:25
Dr. Jayesh Tigdi – The Bare Bones of Endometrial Osseous Metaplasia
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Deliver immediate, constructive feedback on oral and video presentations
2. Share the implications of this research and information within their own institutions
This session is designed for learners and non-learners.
12:30 p.m. - Graduation & Awards Gala Lunch
1:15 p.m. - Surgery for hereditary cancer syndromes (Dr. Janice Kwon)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Review hereditary cancer syndromes associated with gynecologic cancers
2. Evaluate the risks and benefits of surgery for hereditary cancer syndromes
3. Discuss alternatives to surgery as risk-reducing interventions
2:00 p.m. - National database and lessons from COVID (Dr. Deborah Money)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Summarize the current state for multi-site provincial/territorial studies and data sharing
2. Explore new opportunities
2:30 p.m. - When you hear hoofbeats think zebras – The weird and wonderful in Gynecology
- Not your typical fibroid: The case of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) or when your pathology report is more than you bargained for (Dr. Genevieve Horwood)
- ACUMs (Dr. Tinya Lin)
- Non-malignant ascites (Dr. Lauren Andrew)
- Granulomatous Peritonitis Following Cystectomy for Mature Teratoma: a Zebra (Dr. Anna Kobylianskii)
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this activity, the participant will be able to:
1. Familiarize themselves with uncommon pathologic presentations in gynecology
2. Review management approaches to rare and unusual case presentations in gynecology
3. Work towards building a network of peers to discuss challenging presentations in gynecology
3:30 p.m. - Closing Remarks
2022 Conference Registration
You might notice that the registration rates have gone up a bit since our last in-person edition in 2019… We simply wanted to reassure you that we did our absolute best to maintain them as low as possible, but as you’ve probably noticed, inflation is everywhere nowadays. The event industry has been strongly affected in the past two years by the pandemic, and now that in-person events are back they continue to have a hard time caused by the labor shortage. Studies show that event production costs across the country have gone up around 30% industry wide! We have managed to limit our rate increase to 21%. As a reference, the 2019 early bird physician rate was $600 + $165 for gala ($765 total), compared to $800 + $125 for social ($925 total) this year. We thank you in advance for your comprehension!
Included in your registration:
- 3 full days of conference sessions with breakfasts, lunches and breaks (compared to 2.5 days in 2019)
- 2.5 days of exhibits
- An East Coast Kitchen Party with drinks and hors d’oeuvres
- A graduation and awards celebration lunch banquet
Sold separately:
- A 2-hr sunset cruise on the Tall Ship Silva – $50
- The “Coming Back” lobster dinner and dance party (other menu options are available!) – $125
Wish to bring a spouse or even the whole family and make it a family vacation?
The “accompanying person” package is available for $125 and includes the Thursday night Kitchen Party and the Friday night “Coming Back” lobster dinner and dance party. You may also purchase additional cruise tickets to bring your family along.
Member Rates
Standard
(July 1 - Sept 8)- Physician – $875
- Associate – $725
- Trainee – $550
- Corporate – $950
Late
(after Sept 8)- Physician – $975
- Associate – $825
- Trainee – $625
- Corporate – $950
Non-Member Rates
Standard
(July 1 - Sept 8)- Physician – $1275
- Associate – $925
- Trainee – $700
- Corporate – $1450
Late
(after Sept 8)- Physician – $1375
- Associate – $1025
- Trainee – $775
- Corporate – $1450
Hotel & Destination
Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – sold out
Attendees can either click and book right into the group using the link provided above or by going here and searching the group dates and then adding in the Web Group Code. You may also call: 1-866-378-8866 or 1-902-932-7548.
Several dates: SOLD OUT!
If you are attending Boot Camp at the Skills Centre Tuesday AM, you might consider booking within the “CanSAGE Block” at the Atlantica Hotel Halifax by calling 1-888-810-7288.
Not finding the accommodations you need? Please try via the Discover Halifax booking engine »
Our Sponsors
CanSAGE sincerely thanks our sponsors for this year’s event:
Platinum Level Partners
Gold Level Partner
Bronze Level Partners
Supporting Partners
Support from these organizations furthers the vital research performed by our members and helps enhance gynecological health across Canada and around the world.
Want to Know More About Halifax?
For must-see attractions, the wildest outdoor adventures, all about the getting here and getting around information and the CanSAGE delegates’ special offers when you show your event badge at participating local businesses, visit this “private” website offered by Discover Halifax!
Organizing Committee
2022 Scientific Planning Committee (SPC) Members
Elizabeth Randle – Chair
Tinya Lin
Karine Lortie
Ally Murji – Co-Chair
Craig Morton
Joannie Neveu
Liane Belland
Darrien Rattray
Michael Suen
Open Communications Co-Chairs
Olga Bougie (Research) and Michael Suen (Videos)
Social Media and Marketing Representative
Meghan O’Leary
Conference Planning
Curly Dog Communications Inc. – [email protected]
Executive Administrator
Lisa Lipowski
Registration & Inquiries
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