Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology
The primary objective of the AAGL and its Professional Interest Partner, the Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (CGE) is to promote the adoption of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. With its reduced morbidity and shorter post-operative recovery time, many patients benefit from a minimally-invasive approach to gynecologic surgery. Quality minimally invasive gynecologic surgery requires qualified surgeons who are adequately supported by the centers and hospitals in which they practice. Patient outcomes are a critical measure of efficacious and safe minimally invasive procedures, and these are linked not only to individual surgeon's performance, but also to the institutional support of the practice.
The CGE conducts a comprehensive, peer-reviewed CGE Registry of physicians performing minimally invasively gynecology procedures and a rigorous evaluation of institutional programs to identify institutions committed to providing quality minimally invasive gynecologic care and thus qualifying for designation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology.
Centers qualify for designation as a Center of Excellence by participating in a rigorous evaluation process designed to document an existing or developing comprehensive program that meets established CGE criteria for providing an environment that will enable excellent minimally invasive gynecologic care. Excellent short- and long-term patient outcomes are the primary measure of assessment. In addition to outcome results, the evaluation documents aspects of process, i.e., equipment, supplies, training of surgeons and staff, educational programs, and the availability of consultant services.
Application for designation as a Center of Excellence is voluntary and based on the responses provided in the application. Centers applying for designation must demonstrate appropriate resources to support physicians in providing safe and effective minimally invasive gynecologic care to patients.
Minimally invasive gynecology includes any procedure (surgical or otherwise) that is less invasive than open surgery used for the same purpose. Centers of Excellence must meet guidelines for major laparoscopy and hysteroscopy and preferably any one or more other categories. Minimally invasive gynecology consists of the following procedures.
Required:
Additional categories: