The American College of Surgeons is holding their Clinical Congress 2024 in San Francisco, CA from October 19–22. This event promises to offer a unique opportunity for education, networking, and exposure to the latest surgical innovations that are shaping the field. Renowned experts will deliver a series of Named Lectures, covering a wide range of topics in their respective fields. Additionally, over 100 Panel Sessions will be available, addressing both clinical and non-clinical issues that are relevant to today’s surgical practice.

If you have not yet registered for this year’s meeting, we strongly urge you to do so by clicking here. Attending the Clinical Congress will provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to advance your career, regardless of your current stage in the field of surgery. You will have the chance to expand your professional network, learn from industry leaders, and enhance your ability to provide exceptional patient care.

Highlighted below are some of the key sessions at ACS Clinical Congress 2024 that focus on colon and rectal surgery. These sessions will cover laparoscopic colectomy, managing diverticulitis, and more. The sessions are organized in chronological order for your convenience.

Advanced Therapeutic Colonoscopy and Endoluminal Lower GI Surgery

  • Date/Time: Tuesday, October 19, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
  • Location: 2009/2011_Level 2_West
  • Description: Flexible endoscopy is increasingly being utilized in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings by general and colorectal surgeons, particularly in the realm of colorectal disease. Bowel wall injections are essential for procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). These advanced techniques have now become the preferred method for removing large sessile polyps that were previously almost always addressed through colectomy. The incorporation of simultaneous laparoscopy during colonoscopic EMR can aid in polyp resection and allow for suture placement, ultimately avoiding the need for colectomy. Through the use of narrow band imaging and chromoendoscopy, experienced practitioners can differentiate between adenomas, dysplastic lesions, and invasive cancers. Endoscopic stenting techniques have emerged as the primary initial treatment for large bowel obstructions, when feasible. Novel endoscopic treatments for anastomotic leaks and enterocutaneous fistulas are currently in development to streamline patient care. Additionally, new platforms have been introduced to enhance polypectomy procedures. Lastly, proficiency in mucosal wound closure methods is imperative when performing EMR and ESD procedures.

The Ever-Shifting Paradigm in the Treatment of Diverticulitis

  • Date/Time: Thursday, October 20, 2024 @ 9:45 am
  • Location: 205-207_Level 2_South
  • Description: The management of diverticulitis is constantly evolving. During this session, the speakers will explore the changing treatment approaches for diverticulitis and delve into the evidence supporting the new guidelines for managing this common disease.

Laparoscopic Colectomy: Tips and Tricks

  • Date/Time: Friday, October 20, 2024 @ 1:15 pm
  • Location: 305_Level 3_South
  • Description: This course delves into the common challenges encountered during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Topics include optimal and alternative port placement, as well as strategies for addressing stalled progress. Intraoperative complications will also be covered, including their occurrence, management, and prevention. The session will be highly interactive, allowing ample time for participants to ask questions and gain insights into successful laparoscopic colorectal surgery. While the course does not specifically address robotic techniques, the principles discussed are applicable to both laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

Surgical Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

  • Date/Time: Friday, October 20, 2024 @ 4:15 pm
  • Location: 306-308_Level 3_South
  • Description: Surgical treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer offers a chance for cure or prolonged survival, particularly for those with more favorable prognostic factors and limited tumor burden. The treatment plan requires multidisciplinary evaluation because multiple therapy options exist. This session will discuss the timing and options of therapy, including metastasectomy and HIPEC. This course will delve into the common challenges encountered during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. We will explore optimal and alternative port placement, as well as strategies to address issues that may arise during the procedure. In addition, we will examine intraoperative complications, focusing on their occurrence, management, and prevention. The surgical management of metastatic colorectal cancer presents an opportunity for potential cure or extended survival, especially for patients with favorable prognostic indicators and limited tumor burden. A comprehensive treatment plan necessitates a multidisciplinary approach due to the array of therapy options available. This session will cover the timing and various treatment modalities, including metastasectomy and HIPEC.

Tips and Tricks for the Challenging Stoma

  • Date/Time: Friday, October 21, 2024 @ 12:45 pm
  • Location: 210-211_Level 2_South
  • Description: Colorectal resections frequently necessitate the formation of a temporary or permanent stoma. A poorly constructed stoma can significantly affect a patient’s recovery and lead to challenging management issues. Additionally, complications such as hernia, prolapse, retraction, and stenosis may arise. Therefore, it is imperative for the surgeon to possess a thorough understanding of how to prevent and address these potential complications.

National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer: Who, What, Why, and How?

  • Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
  • Location: 101_Lobby Level_South
  • Description: The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) was established through a partnership between the OSTRiCH (Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer) consortium and the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. Research has consistently demonstrated that outcomes for rectal cancer patients can vary significantly based on the level of specialization, training, and caseload of healthcare providers. The primary goal of the NAPRC is to enhance and standardize care for rectal cancer patients by implementing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

Not Always a Hemorrhoid: Evaluation and Treatment of the Patient with Anorectal Pain

  • Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 2024 @ 11:30 AM
  • Location: 2006_Level 2_West
  • Description: Anorectal pain is a frequent concern encountered by surgeons in practice. Although many patients may initially report symptoms of hemorrhoids, it is essential for surgeons to remain informed on identifying and managing all potential causes of anorectal pain. This includes recognizing and treating conditions such as fissures, fistulas, abscesses, and other less common sources of discomfort. It is crucial for surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of anorectal pain in order to provide optimal care for their patients.

Upon completion of the Clinical Congress, attendees will have the ability to apply newfound knowledge and ideas to enhance their surgical practice, adapt concepts and quality measures to support research advancements, and improve the quality of patient care. We encourage you to explore the full range of sessions available at the event. Please click here to access the comprehensive list of topics and sessions that will be covered. We look forward to your participation at ACS 2024, where you will have the opportunity to engage with colleagues and leading experts for an informative gathering.

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