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This is Your ONLY Destination in Africa for Training in laparoscopic SKIlls
The ALTO Programme
The African Laparoscopic Training Online Programme is the ultimate web based solution to training in Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery.
With its roots in Nigeria and in collaboration with the South Shore Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Lagos, the ALTO is a 8 week programme for registrars, specialists and consultants in Gynaecology wishing to extend their laparoscopic experience and improve their skills in intracorporeal suturing.
Each delegate will be provided the ALTO Blade - a foldable laparoscopic training package which you can keep (and don't have to return). You will be expected to attend all seven Zoom based online masterclasses of the programme and complete the web based tasks by online video submission.
The 8 week programme comprises following Masterclass modules:
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New concepts in laparoscopic suturing techniques
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Tubal surgery, salpingotomies, salpingostomies and salpingectomies
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Suturing of the vaginal cuff
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Total and sub-total laparoscopic hysterectomies
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Ovarian cysts and endometriomas
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Simplifying the laparoscopic myomectomy
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Energy sources in laparoscopic surgery
All delegates will also be invited to attend in-person to a Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery Masterclass in Lagos normally held twice a year.
As a delegate you will also receive lifetime membership to the ALTO Programme's members area on the website which boasts a comprehensive library of surgical videos and course material. Each delegate will also be appointed a mentor from the UK, for lifelong guidance and contact.
At the end of the Programme you will receive a Certificate of Completion of this comprehensive programme which will enrich your CV and Portfolio, and also contribute towards your CME / CPD Points for the year.
Apply Now
For the Programme
Register your interest to be one of our delegates!
Our fifth group has been selected for The ALTO.
Please register your interest for the sixth round here.
The applications are reviewed on a first come first served basis.
There are anticipated to be up to three rounds a year.
We are fully booked for 2022.
Our next available round begins on the 23rd of February, 2023
The ALTo
MASTERCLASSES
If you are unable to commit to the 8 week Programme, you have the option of attending any one of the online ALTO Masterclasses separately. This offers you the flexibility of attending each Masterclass module of the complete Programme at your convenience. You are also able to purchase the ALTO Trainer separately as well.
The 7 online Masterclasses are:
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New concepts in laparoscopic suturing techniques
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Tubal surgery, salpingotomies, salpingostomies and salpingectomies
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Suturing of the vaginal cuff
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Total and sub-total laparoscopic hysterectomies
-
Ovarian cysts and endometriomas
-
Simplifying the laparoscopic myomectomy
-
Energy sources in laparoscopic surgery
Along with the 7 online Masterclasses, there are 2 in-person Masterclasses that are scheduled every year at the South Shore Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Lagos. You are also able to attend these ALTO Masterclasses separately and these will contribute towards your overall credit in completing the ALTO Programme.
The 2 in-person Masterclasses are:
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Laparoscopic Surgery Summer Masterclass
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Laparoscopic Surgery Winter Masterclass
As a delegate to any of the Masterclass courses you will also receive a one year membership to the ALTO Programme's members area on the website which boasts a comprehensive library of surgical videos and course material.
The Faculty
Mr Gourab Misra - Lead Organiser - Consultant Gynaecologist - The Royal Stoke University Hospital Endometriosis Centre, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent
Mr Zahid Khan - Lead Organiser - Consultant Gynaecologist - Northwest Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester
Mr Malikarjun Kodampur - Consultant Gynae-Oncology Surgeon - Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent
Mr Nitish Raut - Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent
Mr Prashant Bhamare - Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - International Faculty based in India
Miss Latika Chawla - Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - International Faculty based in India
Mr Sameer Umranikar - Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton
Miss Sobha Ramakoti - Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester
Mr Colin Simpson - Medtronic Programme Lead - Disease State Manager UK/IRL- Gynaecology | Surgical Innovations
Upcoming Events
Wed, 10 JanStoke-on-Trent10 Jan 2024, 08:00 GMT – 11 Jan 2024, 17:30 GMTStoke-on-Trent, UHNM, Newcastle Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG, UK10 Jan 2024, 08:00 GMT – 11 Jan 2024, 17:30 GMTStoke-on-Trent, UHNM, Newcastle Rd, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG, UKTwo days of hands-on training on laparoscopic suturing (intracorporeal, extracorporeal, ipsilateral and contralateral), laparoscopic dissection, use of different energy sources and adnexal surgery. All the topics of the ALTO Programme will be covered during this intensive and immersive 2 days.
Wed, 03 JanOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Medtronic03 Jan 2024, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Medtronic03 Jan 2024, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by MedtronicA range of energy sources are used in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. These energy sources include monopolar electrosurgery, bipolar electrosurgery and various ultrasonic and hybrid technologies. Medtronic will update us with regards to new and emerging energy sources and generators.
Sun, 31 DecOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr Umranikar31 Dec 2023, 14:00 – 15:00 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr Umranikar31 Dec 2023, 14:00 – 15:00 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr UmranikarThis online tutorial will cover practicalities of carrying out an ovarian cystectomy and its reconstruction. You will be supervised whilst completing the practical exercise on the cystectomy model provided in your laparoscopic simulator package.
Wed, 27 DecOnline Zoom Tutorial27 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial27 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom TutorialThis is a bonus tutorial for all the members of The ALTO Programme outlining the relevant techniques and approach to the laparoscopic identification and dissection of the pelvic ureter in different surgical situations. It is a great overview for surgeons tackling the pelvic sidewall regularly.
Wed, 20 DecOnline Zoom Tutorial20 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial
Wed, 13 DecOnline Zoom Tutorial13 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial13 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom TutorialThis tutorial will cover the details of how a minimally invasive hysterectomy is performed. Drawing on years of practical experience, the procedure can be condensed into 10 essential steps. During your tutorial, each step will be carefully explained and important tips and tricks will be shared.
Wed, 06 DecOnline Zoom Tutorial06 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial06 Dec 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom TutorialThe ultimate step at the end of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy - vaginal cuff closure is a critical component of a hysterectomy, with many variations in surgical technique and materials. You will be supervised whilst completing the practical exercise on the vaginal cuff model provided.
Wed, 29 NovOnline Zoom Tutorial29 Nov 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial29 Nov 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom TutorialThis online tutorial will cover the nuances of tubal surgery and detailed anatomy of the Fallopian tube and its anatomical relations. You will be supervised whilst completing the practical exercise on the salpingectomy model provided in the laparoscopic simulator package.
Wed, 22 NovOnline Zoom Tutorial22 Nov 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial- Thu, 16 NovOnline Zoom Tutorial16 Nov 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 GMTOnline Zoom Tutorial
- Tue, 08 AugOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Medtronic08 Aug 2023, 18:30 BST – 09 Aug 2023, 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Medtronic08 Aug 2023, 18:30 BST – 09 Aug 2023, 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by MedtronicA range of energy sources are used in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. These energy sources include monopolar electrosurgery, bipolar electrosurgery and various ultrasonic and hybrid technologies. Medtronic will update us with regards to new and emerging energy sources and generators.
- Tue, 01 AugOnline Zoom Tutorial01 Aug 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial01 Aug 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom TutorialThis is a bonus tutorial for all the members of The ALTO Programme outlining the relevant techniques and approach to the laparoscopic identification and dissection of the pelvic ureter in different surgical situations. It is a great overview for surgeons tackling the pelvic sidewall regularly.
- Sun, 30 JulOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr Umranikar30 Jul 2023, 17:00 – 18:00 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr Umranikar30 Jul 2023, 17:00 – 18:00 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr UmranikarThis online tutorial will cover practicalities of carrying out an ovarian cystectomy and its reconstruction. You will be supervised whilst completing the practical exercise on the cystectomy model provided in your laparoscopic simulator package.
- Tue, 25 JulOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr Bhamra25 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial led by Mr Bhamra
- Sun, 23 JulOnline Zoom Tutorial23 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial23 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom TutorialThis tutorial will cover the details of how a minimally invasive hysterectomy is performed. Drawing on years of practical experience, the procedure can be condensed into 10 essential steps. During your tutorial, each step will be carefully explained and important tips and tricks will be shared.
- Tue, 11 JulOnline Zoom Tutorial11 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial11 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom TutorialThe ultimate step at the end of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy - vaginal cuff closure is a critical component of a hysterectomy, with many variations in surgical technique and materials. You will be supervised whilst completing the practical exercise on the vaginal cuff model provided.
- Tue, 04 JulOnline Zoom Tutorial04 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial04 Jul 2023, 18:30 – 19:30 BSTOnline Zoom TutorialThis online tutorial will cover the nuances of tubal surgery and detailed anatomy of the Fallopian tube and its anatomical relations. You will be supervised whilst completing the practical exercise on the salpingectomy model provided in the laparoscopic simulator package.
- Thu, 29 JunOnline Zoom Tutorial29 Jun 2023, 19:30 – 20:30 BSTOnline Zoom Tutorial