London Live Endoscopy course
BMJ 2013; 346 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f2762 (Published 10 May 2013) Cite this as: BMJ 2013;346:f2762
- Aruchuna Mohanaruban, specialist registrar in gastroenterology
- aruchuna{at}doctors.org.uk
London Live Endosocopy is an interactive two day course which covers all aspects of interventional oesophagogastric and pancreaticobiliary medicine. The course is targeted mainly at consultants and senior specialist registrars practising advanced endoscopy.
Who organises the course?
The course is held annually at University College Hospital London and is endorsed by the British Society of Gastroenterologists and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. It is run by a faculty of gastroenterologists with a wealth of knowledge and skills in interventional endoscopy.
How was the course structured?
The course centred on live endoscopy cases, with two endoscopy rooms running in parallel with cases in pancreaticobiliary and oesophagogastric medicine. Each endoscopy case was undertaken by two faculty members, and this was broadcast in real time to the delegates in the auditorium. A faculty member chaired each session and invited the delegates to challenge the endoscopists by commenting on the case and to discuss any questions. The live cases were complemented by 30 minute didactic lectures, which covered a broad range of topics in oesophagogastric and pancreaticobiliary medicine. In addition, there were breakout sessions at lunchtime providing tips and tricks in many aspects of interventional endoscopy. Another novel activity on the course was an interactive touch screen video wall, with access to clips and tutorials on interventional endoscopy.
Why did you do it?
Interventional endoscopy is a rapidly advancing field, and many of the topics and techniques tackled in this course are extremely challenging and complex. As a gastroenterology trainee, I wanted to gain an insight into these various treatment strategies. I also thought it was important to understand some of the difficult clinical decision making that is undertaken when managing common conditions in gastroenterology, such as Barrett’s oesophagus and biliary stone disease.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the course is £230 for consultants and £150 for trainees and nurses; lunch is included. A reduced rate is available for members of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Was it worth it?
Yes. The lectures were delivered by enthusiastic speakers, and the quality of the slides and videos was impressive. The main highlight for me was the live element of the course. The course’s interactive nature, with opportunities to ask questions and learn from the vast experience of the faculty, was invaluable.
Top tip
To get the best out of the live sessions and lectures ask lots of questions and get involved in the debates after each case. The faculty are extremely friendly and happy to answer any clinical or technical questions you may have.
Topics covered
Pancreaticobiliary medicine
Biliary access techniques
Endoscopic ultrasound
Stricture assessment
Mesh metal stenting
Cholangioscopy
Needle-knife/bowstring sphincterotomy
Difficult stones
Oesophagogastric medicine
Barrett’s assessment
Endoscopic mucosal resection
HALO
Oesophageal stenting
Laser
Endo-clipping fistula
Footnotes
Competing interests: I have read and understood the BMJ Group policy on declaration of interests and have no relevant interests to declare.