Minimally Invasive Surgery continues to shape the future of surgical practice, and at Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC), more than 200 on-site attendees and 60 online participants gathered last Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to gain deeper insights into the field. The lecture, “Complications of Minimally Invasive Surgery,” was delivered by Dr. Steve Eubanks, a distinguished professor and surgeon known for his expertise and contributions to minimally invasive surgery.
The event, held at the CGHMC Auditorium, opened with welcoming remarks from CGHMC Medical Director, Dr. Samuel Ang, who highlighted Dr. Eubanks’ dedication to surgical education.
“This is a rare opportunity for us to have Dr. Eubanks with us today. He has been a Professor of Surgery at the University of Florida and has recently retired at a young and tender age of 60. But instead of slowing down, he has chosen to dedicate his time and resources to teaching young surgeons and surgical residents around the world—entirely at his own expense. His passion for sharing knowledge is something we should all be grateful for,” said Dr. Ang.
Dr. Eubanks, who has been instrumental in advancing laparoscopic surgery worldwide, shared his wealth of experience, including his work treating high-profile patients such as King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. He began his talk with a thought-provoking statement:
“Unfortunately, many times we as surgeons tend to think of ourselves as bigger-than-life figures. We walk out of the operating room with our fists in the air, excited about what we’ve done. But if we always walk through life thinking ‘I am the greatest,’ I assure you, humility will come to you. One of the greatest challenges as a surgeon is learning to balance ego and humility.”
Dr. Eubanks then delved into the various complications associated with MIS, including:
- Physiology of Pneumoperitoneum
- Procedure-specific complications
- Insertion of trocars
- Inherent dangers of instruments
- Errors of judgment
- Errors of technique
- Management of complications
Throughout the lecture, he provided visual examples, real-life case studies, and technical demonstrations to reinforce his points.
Following the lecture, an engaging question and answer session took place, where trainees and consultants enthusiastically asked questions. Dr. Eubanks answered them with clarity and insight, ensuring a highly interactive discussion.
