The Caribbean Association of Endoscopic Surgeons (CaSES) in conjunction with the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA), hosted its annual conference from Sep. 27 to 28, in Saint Lucia.

The conference focused on laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery currently being practiced throughout the Caribbean including the Dutch, French, Spanish and English speaking islands. It featured both didactic and live demonstrations from local, regional and international laparoscopic surgical experts.

A pre-conference live surgery took place on Sep. 26, at St Jude Hospital. The didactic sessions were held at the Bay Gardens Hotel in the touristic village of Rodney Bay.

Minimally invasive surgery is the growing concept of doing surgery through small incisions which is extremely advantageous to patients and doctors alike. The conference was a great success with over 40 attendees coming from 14 different countries including the Caribbean, USA and Europe. Four language groups were represented. The participants were able to perform five surgeries, four of which, were complex and would not normally be performed in Saint Lucia.

Minimally invasive or keyhole surgery is very technology driven and a particular focus is required to make it affordable for the Caribbean region. Training and safety is also very important and is one of the key areas of interest for CaSES.