SAGES Education & Research Foundation
11300 West Olympic Blvd.
Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: 310.437.0544 x 114
Fax: 310.437.0585
E-mail: foundation@sages.org

Copyright 2007 Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

SAGES Foundation Successes

The SAGES Foundation has given research funding for a variety of subjects, including the study of laparoscopy on tumors and carcinoma, surgical robotics training and guidelines, and the evaluation of minimal access surgery in patients at high-risk for failure of abdominal hernia repair. The following are some of the most notable projects supported by the foundation.

Grantee: Society for Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

Project: Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS)

FLS is a comprehensive education module that teaches the physiology, fundamental knowledge, and technical skills required to perform basic laparoscopic surgery.  The module includes a visual CD-ROM study guide, a hands-on laparoscopic training box with surgical instruments, and an assessment examination.  The purpose for developing FLS was to address a long-standing issue with traditional medical training – to create a more effective and measurable alternative to the “watch and do” method.  Surgery is customarily learned by watching an experienced surgeon perform, then replicating the motions yourself.  There was no method for determining whether one’s technique was truly accurate.  The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) developed a method of standardizing laparoscopic surgery, definitively quantifying surgeons’ cognitive and manual skills, and training candidates to reduce patient risk.  Since its initial development, FLS has become the gold standard for laparoscopic surgery.  Over 700 modules have been purchased so far from surgeons, surgeons-in-training, and medical institutions from all over the U.S. and other countries, ensuring the best possible surgical care and saving the lives of thousands of patients.

Grantee: Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

Project: Outcomes Registry

Also developed by SAGES, the Outcomes Registry is a web-based repository for surgeons to enter the details and outcomes of each surgery they perform.  Because the results are posted anonymously and can be reported in aggregate, it provides an infrastructure for self-assessment and education through comparative performance.  The registry has not only been a useful tool in documenting and improving the quality of patient care, but the protection of both patient and physician has been a positive side effect as well.