Advanced Laparoscopy Course for Small Animal Veterinary Practitioners

The increasing demand for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery in small animal practice highlights the need for specialized training. Our advanced laparoscopic surgery course is specifically tailored for veterinarians with prior experience in this field. The course's primary focus is on laparoscopic Assisted- Gastropexy and the option of using the Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), offering a blend of essential theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. Participants will begin with bench-top laparoscopic models and simulators, gradually advancing to procedures on live patients. This approach ensures a deep understanding and proficiency in these advanced techniques. Additionally, the instructors and the representatives from equipment companies will provide insights on integrating these surgical methods into your practice effectively. Upon completion, participants will be fully equipped to safely perform assisted-laparoscopic gastropexy and the use of SILS, enhancing their surgical capabilities in response to the growing market needs.

The program is divided into two parts, focusing on the assisted-laparoscopic gastropexy procedure and the use of the Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS).

Part 1: The morning session starts with an introductory lecture and video presentations on the assisted-laparoscopic gastropexy procedure, including its potential combination with laparoscopic ovariectomy. In addition, the advantages, and disadvantages of using the SILS. Participants will receive comprehensive training on simulators, covering the equipment and instrumentation involved. The session will delve into the steps of the procedure, including the use of various cautery-cutting sealing devices currently available in the market.

Part 2: This session is devoted to practical training. Participants will perform laparoscopic assisted- gastropexy surgery on live dogs. The procedures may also include ovariectomy, depending on the case. This hands-on experience is designed to provide the application of part 1 theoretical learning, enhancing participants' laparoscopic surgical skills in a controlled, supervised environment.

Veterinary Technician Training

Looking to enhance the laparoscopic skills of your veterinary technicians? Let them join the course and equip your technicians to handle the demands of Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS) procedures. In addition to lectures and training on models (activities that are common to both DVMs and RVTs), technicians will learn about the preparation of MIS equipment and instrumentation, patient preparation for MIS procedures, and anesthesia considerations for patients undergoing MIS procedures that involve abdominal insufflation. By the end of the course, your technicians will be ready to assist efficiently in your clinic laparoscopic procedures.

CERTIFICATION

At the end of the course, each clinician will receive a certificate of small animal laparoscopy course completion.

Continuing Education Credits: 9 CE Credit Hours*

*This continuing education program was submitted to the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine (WU-CVM) Continuing Education Committee. It approved 9 hours of continuing education credit. WU-CVM would provide this CE credit as AVMA accredited veterinary college. Participants should be aware that some veterinary medical boards have limitations on the content and provider of continuing veterinary education credit. Please consult your state's practice act.

INSTRUCTORS AND LECTURERS

Dr. Ohad Levi, DVM

Dr. David Clark, DVM, DABVP

Dr. Lyon Lee, DVM, PhD, DACVAA

Dr. Young Joo Kim, DVM

Dr. Maria Fahie, DVM, DACVS

Ms. Annette Chavarria-Marron, RVT

Ms. Leslie Tortez, RVT

Ms. Prisma Martinez, RVT

And additional staff from our Pet Health Clinic (PHC)

COURSE LOCATION

Western University of Health Sciences

College of Veterinary Medicine

Pet Health Center

611 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766

https://pethealthcenter.westernu.edu/

COURSE SCHEDULE

Monday, June 2, 2025

7:30am - 8:00am Breakfast (provided) and check-in

8:00am - 9:00am Dr. Ohad Levi: Advanced laparoscopic procedure - Laparoscopic Assisted-Gastropexy and Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

9:00am – 9:15am Coffee break

9:15am – 10:15am Laparoscopic training on models/simulators (Laparoscopic Assisted-Gastropexy and Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

10:30am – 12:30pm Laparoscopic Assisted-Gastropexy and +/- Ovariectomy on a live dog

12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch (provided), round table Ovariectomy vs. Ovariohysterectomy

1:30pm – 5:00pm Continue - Laparoscopic Assisted-Gastropexy and +/- Ovariectomy on a
live dog

REGISTRATION FEE

Fees:

Veterinarians - $1800

Veterinary Technicians - $250

(only credit card payments are accepted through the registration site)

Registration is limited to four veterinarians and two Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs). Once the course registration is full, please contact us, and additional names will be placed on a waiting list. If any spots become available, we will contact you.

Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellations greater than 30 calendar days prior to the event's start day will result in a refund of 100% of registration costs. Cancellations less than 30 days before the event starts will result in no refund.

TRAVEL & LODGING

Travel

Local airports: Ontario International (ONT ~15 minutes) and Los Angeles International (LAX ~ 60- 120 minutes, depending on traffic)

Lodging

We recommend the following lodging based on distance to the campus.

POMONA

Sheraton Fairplex Hotel

Address: 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Phone: (909) 622-2220
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ontsi-sheraton-fairplex-hotel-and-conference-center/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

CHINO HILLS

Ayres Hotel
Address: 4785 Chino Hills Pkwy, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Phone: (909) 631-2922
Website: https://www.ayreshotels.com/ayres-hotel-chino-hills

Hampton Inn & Suites
Address: 3150 Chino Ave, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Phone: (909) 591-2474
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ciccahx-hampton-suites-chino-hills/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HX-CICCAHX&y_source=1_MjA4MzY1MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D

CLAREMONT

Double Tree by Hilton
Address: 555 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 626-2411
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontcldt-doubletree-claremont/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-DT-ONTCLDT&y_source=1_MTM3MjY3NS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D
Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge, CA
Address: 425 W 1st St, Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 624-2272
Website: https://www.casa425.com/

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Ohad Levi [email protected]

Office: 909-469-8428

Thank You to Karl Storz – Endoskope for their continued support for the WesternU CVM Laparoscopy Training Program.

Host or Publisher Westernu - College of Veterinary Medicine