Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are very proud to invite you to the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) 5^th International Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology, to be held in Istanbul, between 6-10 April 2011.

The chance to combine leading world experts in Gynaecologic Endoscopy and Minimal Access Surgery with the unique art treasures and Bosphorus atmosphere of Istanbul represents a valuable opportunity to promote the science of “Endoscopy“ and to allow people coming from different countries to meet and exchange ideas.

The 5^th AAGL International Congress in conjunction with the Turkish Society of Gynecological Endoscopy (TSGE), which will be held in 2011, promises an exciting program, including the latest developments in minimally invasive surgery, pre-congress workshops, telesurgery sessions and live surgeries. Istanbul is a bridge between Europe and Asia, and should prove fascinating atmosphere for participants from the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, North Africa, Asia and Europe.

AAGL is the largest organization in the field. The TSGE, with more than 700 members, is the first organization in Turkey to draw together gynecologists in the field of invasive gynecology, into one assembly.

TSGE has made a concerted effort to advance endoscopic surgery in Turkey; it is believed that this conference can be a powerful catalyst for increasing the endoscopic surgery potential here.

Let’s Scope Where the Continents Meet.

On behalf of the AAGL Board of Trustees I would like to welcome you to the Vth AAGL International Meeting which will be held April 6 – 10, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Our hosting society, The Turkish Society of Gynecological Endoscopy, has carefully planned a meeting that will be packed with scientific material but still leave time for you to enjoy one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Asia and Europe meet at Istanbul and are separated by the beautiful Bosporus Straits. The meeting title “Let’s Scope Where the Continents Meet” says it all. The program will consist of postgraduate courses, video and open communications; live surgery; and sponsored symposium. Abstracts are encouraged. A worldwide faculty has been invited. Indeed the program will bring the continents together to “scope”.

The venue is the world renowned Swissotel The Bosphorus. It is close to all main historical attractions, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque. Istanbul is one of Europe’s least expensive cities which makes the time there especially appealing to those visiting.

Finally the AAGL must emphasize this meeting would not have been possible without the careful planning of Fatih Sendag, M.D. Ceana Nezhat M.D.and the Turkish Society of Gynecological Endoscopy. Our sincere thanks go to them and all who have worked so hard to make this meeting a reality.

We hope to see you there.

Franklin D. Loffer M.D.
Executive Vice President/ Medical Director
AAGL Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide