Asian Society for Gynecologic Robotic Surgery Congress 2024 meeting report: Taking it to the next level

Article information

Gyne Robot Surg. 2024;5(2):25-28
Publication date (electronic) : 2024 September 25
doi : https://doi.org/10.36637/grs.2024.00052
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
Correspondening author: Joseph J. Noh Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro 173beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13620, Korea E-mail: josephnoh@snu.ac.kr
Received 2024 August 31; Accepted 2024 September 12.

The Asian Society for Gynecologic Robotic Surgery Congress 2024 (ASGRS 2024) was held from June 20 to June 22 at the Grand Hyatt Incheon, a prime location conveniently situated near the airport, which was ideal for welcoming our international attendees. This year’s congress marked a significant milestone, reflecting the global reach and increasing interest in gynecologic robotic surgery across many countries. ASGRS 2024 featured a total of 113 speakers, chairs, and panelists, with representation from 13 countries, underscoring the international collaboration that has become a hallmark of this congress. This impressive turnout, with 298 total surgeons, highlights the growing global interest and participation in robotic gynecologic surgery, making this year’s congress one of the largest and most diverse to date.

A notable highlight of ASGRS 2024 was the pre-congress workshop held on June 20 at the Intuitive Surgical Training Center in Seoul. This workshop provided young surgeons from around the world the opportunity to enhance their surgical skills under the guidance of three highly experienced experts. The event also featured an memorandum of understanding (MOU) ceremony during the Presidential Dinner, where new partnerships were formalized with several international organizations, including Association of Gynecologic Robotic Surgeons (AGRS), The Japan Society of Gynecologic Robotic Surgery (JSGRS), The Society of Gynecologic Robotic Surgery of the Philippines (SGRSP), and The Society of Korean Robotic Gynecologic Surgery (SKRGS), further expanding the society’s global network.

The congress also saw a significant increase in ASGRS membership, now totaling 138 members, reflecting the expanding influence and commitment to advancing the field of gynecologic robotic surgery worldwide. The success of ASGRS 2024 underscores the society’s dedication to fostering international collaboration, education, and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.

JUNE 20, 2024 (THURSDAY)

The ASGRS 2024 Congress commenced on June 20 with a highly anticipated pre-congress workshop, held at the Intuitive Surgical Training Center in Seoul (Fig. 1). This workshop was a specialized animal workshop, providing young surgeons with hands-on experience in advanced robotic surgical techniques. A total of 13 participants from various countries and regions gathered to refine their skills using the DaVinci XI and SP platforms. With the generous support of Intuitive, the event was a resounding success. Under the expert guidance of three highly experienced surgeons, the attendees spent the entire afternoon engaging in practical exercises and mastering invaluable techniques crucial for performing complex gynecologic robotic surgeries. The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all participants, who praised the opportunity to advance their technical skills in a supportive and educational environment.

Fig. 1.

ASGRS 2024 Pre-congress Workshop.

Following the workshop, the ASGRS 2024 Presidential Dinner was held near the congress venue, bringing together leaders and distinguished members of the society in a formal yet convivial setting. A key highlight of the evening was the MOU ceremony, where ASGRS expanded its global network through the formalization of partnerships with several international organizations. New MOUs were signed with AGRS, JSGRS, SGRSP, and SKRGS. These agreements, building upon the previous year’s MOU with Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery (SERGS), reflect ASGRS’s ongoing commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing the field of gynecologic robotic surgery.

The events of the first day set a positive and collaborative tone for the congress, providing a strong foundation for the sessions and discussions that would follow over the next two days. The combination of practical training and strategic partnerships emphasized ASGRS’s dedication to both education and global cooperation in the ever-evolving field of robotic surgery.

JUNE 21, 2024 (FRIDAY)

The second day of ASGRS 2024 began with a ceremonial highlight, as Dr. Chi-Heum Cho, the immediate past president of ASGRS, was honored with an appreciation award (Fig. 2). This award recognized Dr. Cho’s exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to establishing ASGRS as an esteemed and independent organization. The award inscription praised his visionary leadership, which has laid a strong foundation for the society, fostering growth and excellence in gynecologic robotic surgery across Asia.

Fig. 2.

Appreciation award to Dr. Chi-Heum Cho.

Following the award ceremony, the current ASGRS president, Dr. Tae-Joong Kim, delivered a keynote lecture titled “ASGRS: Past, Present, and Future.” In his address, Dr. Kim reflected on the society’s journey, its milestones, and his vision for its continued growth. Drawing from his previous writings and experiences, Dr. Kim emphasized the importance of international collaboration and innovation in advancing the field of gynecologic robotic surgery [1]. His speech set the tone for the rest of the day, inspiring attendees to consider the future possibilities for the society and the field as a whole.

The morning sessions continued with a series of high-impact lectures by prominent experts in the field. Dr. Kuen-Ho Lee presented on the complexities of neuropelveology in severe endometriosis surgery, showcasing how robotic surgery can improve outcomes in these challenging cases. Dr. Anupama Bahadur delivered an insightful lecture on the role of robotic surgery in fertility preservation for endometriosis patients, sparking a robust discussion among participants. Dr. Hiroaki Komatsu shared his initial experiences with the hinotori robotic system, highlighting its potential for revolutionizing surgical procedures. Additionally, Dr. Danny Chou introduced the Hugo RAS system, comparing its capabilities to those of the well-known da Vinci platform, while Dr. Kenneth Kim explored the emerging applications of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) in robotic surgery.

In the afternoon, the congress sessions were divided into two parallel tracks, allowing attendees to choose from a variety of focused topics. One room hosted sessions on “Tips and Tricks” for benign gynecologic procedures, where experts like Dr. Mee-Ran Kim and Dr. Yong-Wook Jung shared their insights on robotic-assisted myomectomy and safe morcellation techniques. Simultaneously, another room focused on cervical cancer surgery, with detailed presentations on radical hysterectomy techniques and fertility-sparing procedures by Dr. Satoru Kyo and Dr. Jiang Tao Fan.

The day also included step-by-step procedural guides, where attendees could deepen their understanding of complex robotic surgeries. Topics covered included vNOTES hysterectomy, robotic sacrocolpopexy, and sentinel lymph node mapping, presented by leading surgeons like Dr. Suresh Nair and Dr. Sa-Ra Lee. These sessions provided valuable practical knowledge, equipping participants with the skills and insights needed to optimize their surgical practices.

Overall, the second day of ASGRS 2024 was marked by a blend of recognition, inspiration, and education, as participants engaged with the latest advancements in robotic surgery and shared their expertise in a collaborative environment.

JUNE 22, 2024 (SATURDAY)

The final day of ASGRS 2024 began with oral and video presentations from eight young surgeons across Asia, showcasing their innovative work and dedication to advancing gynecologic robotic surgery. These presentations set an inspiring tone for the day, highlighting the promising future of the field. Following these presentations, the day continued with sessions focused on malignancies and benign diseases, where experts shared their latest research, techniques, and insights into robotic surgery for a variety of complex conditions.

Dr. Valerio Gallotta delivered a compelling presentation on robotic debulking surgery for oligometastatic lesions, emphasizing the complexities and strategies involved in treating these challenging cases. His discussion provided valuable insights into how a multidisciplinary approach can improve survival outcomes in patients with gynecologic cancers. Dr. Dong Ling Zou presented a detailed case report on the use of robotic surgery for gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma, highlighting the efficacy of this approach in managing bulky lymph nodes post-chemoradiotherapy. This presentation underscored the potential of robotic surgery to handle complex oncological cases with precision and reduced morbidity. Dr. Peter Lim explored the role of robotic surgery in upper abdominal procedures, such as liver mobilization, diaphragmatic mass removal, and peritonectomy. His lecture illustrated the benefits of robotic assistance in performing these complex surgeries with greater accuracy and fewer complications, contributing to better patient outcomes. The session also featured Dr. Johnny Yi, who discussed the evolving landscape of robotic surgery, particularly in the context of educational advancements and the integration of new technologies like AR and AI. His talk highlighted how these innovations are shaping the future of surgical education and practice. Dr. Abhishek Mangeshikar presented on the management of bowel endometriosis using robotic surgery, sharing strategies for minimizing complications during these intricate procedures. His insights into the technical nuances of managing such cases were well received by the audience. The day also included a session on Novel Robotic Surgery Techniques for benign conditions. Dr. Rooma Sinha discussed robotic surgery for fertility preservation in endometriosis patients, focusing on how robotic assistance can enhance the precision of surgical interventions while preserving reproductive potential.

A significant feature of the day was the Nursing Session, which emphasized the vital role that nursing professionals play in robotic surgery. The session addressed the challenges and best practices for perioperative nursing in robotic procedures, highlighting the importance of teamwork and communication in the operating room.

The congress concluded with an Awards Ceremony, where young surgeons who had excelled in their oral and video presentations were recognized for their innovative contributions to the field. This ceremony celebrated the dedication and talent of the next generation of robotic surgeons, encouraging them to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gynecologic robotic surgery.

As ASGRS 2024 drew to a close, the sense of camaraderie and shared commitment to advancing gynecologic robotic surgery was palpable. The success of this year’s congress, marked by engaging presentations, fruitful discussions, and the recognition of emerging talent, underscored the society’s role as a leader in the field (Fig. 3-5). Looking ahead, the momentum will continue as the ASGRS community gathers next year in Kagoshima, Japan, for the ASGRS 2025 meeting. This event will be held as a joint congress with the annual meeting of the Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (JSGOE). The congress will be chaired by Dr. Hiroaki Kobayashi, promising another significant opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge in gynecologic robotic surgery.

Fig. 3.

ASGRS 2024 congress.

Fig. 4.

Active discussion by Dr. Joseph S. Ng.

Fig. 5.

Group photo of the speakers and chairs of ASGRS 2024.

Notes

Conflict of interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

References

1. Kim TJ. Asian Society for Gynecologic Robotic Surgery: Taking it to the next level. Gyne Robot Surg 2024;5:3–4.

Article information Continued

Fig. 1.

ASGRS 2024 Pre-congress Workshop.

Fig. 2.

Appreciation award to Dr. Chi-Heum Cho.

Fig. 3.

ASGRS 2024 congress.

Fig. 4.

Active discussion by Dr. Joseph S. Ng.

Fig. 5.

Group photo of the speakers and chairs of ASGRS 2024.