On 19th November 2019, GHRG-ST travelled to Bagalkot in India to attend the 27th Annual National Conference of Association of Rural Surgeons of India (ARSI) and 8th International Conference of International Federation of Rural Surgery (IFRS).
During the conference, GHRG-ST delivered 2 workshops on Gas Insufflation Less Laparoscopic Surgery (GILLS). The first workshop took place on Thursday and was for GHRG-ST invited faculty and senior members of ARSI only for participants to trial the new RAIS equipment, bellowscope and lap pack through hands on feedback and one to one discussions with researchers on each of the projects.
The second workshop was delivered as part of the main ARSICON programme. Delegates signed up to the workshop prior to the conference with a maximum of 20 participants. During this session the current GILLS equipment was showcased through a cadaveric session, plus the new innovations were available for participants to have a look at. Both workshops were very well received by all and we have received feedback to refine designs on the innovations.
On Friday the team presented work we have undertaken in India over the past 2 1/2 years. Presentations from GHRG-ST included the TARGET training programme and GILLS registry and surgical innovations including the RAIS equipment, bellowscope and lappack. After the presentations the team were presented with a token on appreciation from ARSICON.
