Participants will be able to:
- Master Endoscopic Suturing Techniques: Develop competency in suturing techniques for managing leaks, fistulas, and perforations using advanced tools and methodologies.
- Optimize Equipment Setup and Functionality: Learn to efficiently set up and troubleshoot endoscopic equipment for seamless procedures, ensuring optimal visualization and accuracy during operations.
- Enhance Decision-Making for Complex Cases: Review and apply decision-making frameworks for challenging clinical scenarios such as stent fixation and full-thickness suturing.
- Achieve Proficiency in Defect Closure: Gain expertise in suturing to close GI defects, from routine cases to more complex perforations, using cutting-edge methods demonstrated by experts.
- Refine Troubleshooting Skills: Develop practical solutions to overcome common and complex challenges encountered in endoscopic procedures through real-time feedback and peer collaboration.
Course Requirements
Prior to the skills-training component, enrollees will be required to complete several online components in sequence:
- Baseline Assessment: This test will provide the enrollee an initial assessment of their knowledge.
- Literature: Participants will read and review guidelines, technology reviews and key articles.
- Instructional Videos: Participants will view instructional videos from the ASGE Endoscopic Learning Library (ELL).
- Interval Assessment: Enrollees will re-take the baseline assessment following the online instructional components.
- Participants will receive automatic feedback and references after completing the assessment.
- Participants will earn CME credit at the completion of the online curriculum.
Baseline Assessment
The baseline assessment is used to measure your baseline knowledge in this topic area. The assessment should take you no longer than 30 minutes to complete. After completing the baseline assessment, you will have access to many pre-course materials including guidelines, articles, and videos. Please watch all videos and complete the Interval Assessment prior to your arrival. You will earn CME & MOC credits for reviewing all this online material and completing all assessments.
Cognitive Post-Assessment
Your course participation is not complete until you have taken the online Cognitive Assessment with a score of 80% or better. You will have 30 days after the course to complete the Cognitive Assessment, if not taken within this timeframe you may not receive the Certificate of Completion for the STAR Suturing program. You will gain access to the Cognitive Assessment after completing all pre-requisite online course components.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
General Suturing: Setting the Foundation for Success
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Skill Check: Baseline Suturing Assessment & Feedback
Session Goal: Provide an opportunity for participants to assess their current skills and receive feedback on target areas for improvement before the main course. Encourage participants to reflect on their own performance and identify growth areas for the upcoming hands-on sessions. Using participant skill video for feedback and teaching points.
6:15 AM - 6:45 AM
Shuttle from The Westin to ASGE IT&T
Please note that these are the only shuttle transfer times. If you are unable to access the designated shuttle time, you will be responsible for your transfer to ASGE IT&T.
7:00 AM - 7:15 AM
Welcome & Introduction from Course Directors
7:15 AM - 7:45 AM
Mastering the Art of Endoscopic Suturing & Stent Fixation
Session Goals:
- Provide a comprehensive overview of the latest techniques in suturing and stent fixation.
- Explore the key decision-making processes involved in the placement and fixation of stents.
- Highlight challenges and troubleshooting tips in suturing.
7:45 AM - 8:15 PM
Fistulas and Leaks: Prevention and Management Strategies
Session Goals:
- Discuss the etiology of fistulas and leaks in GI procedures.
- Review current endoscopic approaches for closure and prevention of leaks.
- Share lessons learned from complex cases and the latest innovations in leak management.
8:15 AM - 8:50 AM
Setting Up for Success: Mastering Equipment and Video Demonstration
Session Goals:
- Teach participants how to set up endoscopic equipment for optimal performance.
- Provide a live demonstration or a recording of video equipment setup.
- Address common equipment malfunctions and troubleshooting techniques.
8:50 AM - 9:20 AM
Assessing Your Skills: Pre-Course Knowledge & Suturing Competency
Session Goals:
- Review group results from the pre-course GI Leap knowledge assessment.
- Introduce the Fundamentals of Suturing Skills assessment framework.
- Identify key areas for improvement before hands-on training.
9:35 AM - 12:00 PM
Hands-On Mastery: Equipment Setup & Suturing Techniques (Part 1 of 2)
Session Goals:
- Deepen participants’ technical abilities through more advanced suturing exercises.
- Build confidence in handling complex cases with minimal supervision.
- Offer individualized critique and suggestions for improvement.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Refining Your Skills: Advanced Hands-On Suturing (Part 2 of 2)
Session Goals:
- Deepen participants’ technical abilities through more advanced suturing exercises.
- Build confidence in handling complex cases with minimal supervision.
- Offer individualized critique and suggestions for improvement.
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Troubleshooting Suturing Challenges: Tips from the Experts
Session Goals:
- Address common suturing difficulties participants encounter.
- Share expert insights on avoiding and overcoming these challenges.
- Offer practical solutions for immediate improvement in the lab.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Endoscopy Unplugged: Networking Reception with Faculty
Session Goal: Facilitate networking opportunities and informal discussions between participants and expert faculty members. Encourage faculty to share their own challenges and success stories in EMR during the reception.
5:45 PM - 6:00 PM
Shuttle from ASGE IT&T to The Westin
6:15 AM - 6:45 AM
Shuttle from The Westin to ASGE IT&T
If you are checking out of the hotel on this day, it is recommended that you bring your luggage with you on the shuttle – ASGE will have luggage storage available onsite and you can arrange for taxi transportation to the airport.
SKILL ASSESSMENT TIMES BY GROUPS
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: GROUP 1
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: GROUP 211:45 AM – 12:45 PM: GROUP 3
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Sealing the Deal: Suturing Defects & Perforations
Session Goals:
- Explore the critical steps in closing defects and perforations using suturing techniques.
- Discuss case-based scenarios to help participants apply knowledge in real-world settings.
- Review different suturing methods and their advantages for various defect types.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Going Deeper: Full Thickness Suturing in GI Procedures
Session Goals:
- Review the indications and techniques for full-thickness suturing.
- Provide hands-on demonstrations and video case examples.
- Address common pitfalls in full-thickness suturing and how to avoid them.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Suturing Beyond the Basics: Innovative Applications
Session Goals:
- Introduce participants to cutting-edge suturing techniques and applications.
- Highlight emerging technologies that enhance suturing outcomes in challenging cases.
- Provide a platform for participants to ask in-depth questions about advanced techniques.
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Questions and Answers with Next Steps on Feedback on Skills Assessment and Knowledge-Based Assessment in GI Leap
Registration Fees
| In-Person | |
| ASGE Member | $3,300 |
| Non-Member | $3,900 |
| Member Trainee | $1,300 |
| Non-Member Trainee | $2,000 |
- Register online
- Call 630-573-0600 Monday through Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm CT to register by phone
- If you would like to submit a check, please make it payable to ASGE and mail to:
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
P.O. Box 809055, Chicago, IL 60680-9055
Attention: STAR Fundamentals of Suturing
View ASGE’s Policies and Procedures for information on Cancellation & Refunds.
Hotel Accommodations
In-person participants who require lodging are encouraged to book a room at:
The Westin Chicago Lombard
70 Yorktown Center
Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: 630-719-8000
ASGE CME Statement
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. ASGE designates this Other activity (blended learning) for a maximum of 26.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Maintenance of Certification
Successful completion of this CME activity enables the participants to earn up to 26.75 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC points. If you are interested in claiming these points, please follow the prompts after passing the Cognitive Assessment with a score of 80% or higher and completing the online evaluation. You will be prompted to enter your ABIM ID number and your date of birth (MM/DD) this information will be shared on the ACCME PARS system and automatically sent to ABIM on your behalf. Please allow up to 48 hours to appear on your ABIM profile. Deadline to submit MOC points will be March 1, 2026.
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