SAGES 2026 Education and Innovation Center Stations

Since 2016, our team has hosted the Advanced Laparoscopic Suturing of Anastomoses (ALSA) station at the SAGES Learning Center, offering hands-on training in one of the most complex yet essential skills in minimally invasive surgery. Using dedicated box trainers and synthetic and/or ex vivo models, participants practice advanced suturing and anastomotic techniques under expert guidance, with real-time feedback displayed on large screens for immersive learning. This interactive setup not only allows surgeons to refine their precision and ergonomics in a risk-free environment but also fosters peer-to-peer exchange, making it one of the most popular and engaging stations in the Education & Innovation Center.
Type of exercises:
Bowel Anastomoses
Bile diversion anastomoses
Gastro-Jejunostomy
Arterial anastomoses

This interactive simulation station provides participants with hands-on experience in Endobariatric endoscopic suturing techniques used in Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) , Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) and Endoscopic Sleeve Revision (ESR). Faculty will review equipment selection, procedural indications, and key safety considerations relevant to both academic and private practice settings. Participants will practice suturing on simulation models to build technical skills and gain practical strategies for safely introducing these advanced procedures into clinical practice.

Participants will learn the principles and technique of endoluminal negative pressure therapy for management of intraluminal defects. Using an endoscope and mannequin model, attendees will practice EndoVAC placement and sponge exchange under direct visualization. Participants will review indications, gain familiarity with device setup and components, and learn troubleshooting strategies for optimal outcomes.

The Advanced Training in Laparoscopic Suturing (ATLAS) curriculum is designed to teach advanced laparoscopic knot-tying and suturing skills. The curriculum consists of 6 needle handling, knot-tying, and suturing exercises that teach advanced skills to individuals who have already mastered basic laparoscopic knot-tying. At this station, participants will have the opportunity to practice challenging maneuvers such as suturing under tension, intracorporeal knot tying, suturing and knot tying in confined spaces, and running sutures. Objective scoring of each task compares participants’ performance to defined basic, advanced, and expert proficiency levels. Ideal for residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons, this interactive experience helps bridge the gap between FLS-level fundamentals and expert laparoscopic performance.

TBD: We may add a laparoscopic (ATLAS) vs. robotic (FRS) performance comparison in coordination with IU pending further discussion.

With the acquisition of the Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS), SAGES seeks to establish a standard for the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to care for patients undergoing robotic surgery. This station aims to introduce the FRS program to the SAGES community and obtain stakeholder input and performance data for the technical skills assessment on a national level. Trainees and experienced surgeons will have the opportunity to perform one or more tasks on the physical FRS dome, including Ring Tower Transfer, Knot Tying, Railroad Track, Fourth Arm Cutting, Puzzle Piece, and Vessel Energy Dissection. Performance metrics will be recorded, and participants will be able to provide qualitative feedback on each task. Collected data will be shared with the SAGES Robotics Committee and the FRS Task Force to aid in the development of a robust FRS program. Trainees will have the option to opt in to our FRS skills competition (Battle of the Bots).

The FUSE learning station will give members of SAGES an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of surgical energy. The learning station will have a range of training modules to help the learner become more familiar with the dangers of electrosurgery. FUSE is an educational program comprised of an interactive web-based multimedia-enhanced didactic curriculum and an online multiple-choice cognitive exam. The program is designed to certify that a successful candidate has demonstrated knowledge fundamental to the safe use of surgical energy-based devices in the operating room, endoscopic suite, and other procedural areas. Today, learners can log on to FUSEdidactic.org and be taught the principles of energy and safe use of related devices.

The goal of the ALL-SAFE collaboration is to teach surgeons in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to perform laparoscopic surgery without special training equipment and a physical teacher. Users from around the world can create a free profile on the ALL-SAFE website and work through interactive laparoscopy learning modules. Each module covers a different disease that can be managed with laparoscopic surgery. ALL-SAFE utilizes a low-cost box trainer system, free online teaching platform, and self- and peer-review rating system to teach both cognitive and psychomotor skills required for common laparoscopic operations. The box trainer—as well as simulations for appendectomy, salpingostomy, small bowel manipulation, and intracorporeal suturing—are created from materials readily available in LMICs.

ALL-SAFE has established partnerships with the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons, West African College of Surgeons, and College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa. Additionally, the ALL-SAFE team received the 2023 Global Surgical Training Challenge grand prize, an initiative that supports the creation of low-cost training modules for surgeons in LMICs.