2026 Urogynecology for the Advanced Practice Provider-Navigating the Pelvic Landscape: A Guide for Urogynecology Surgical Assistants

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Beth Klump, a PA in urogynecology at UPMC McGee Women’s Hospital, gave a practical overview of the surgical first assistant role in urogynecologic surgery. She emphasized that APPs are essential “extra hands and eyes” for the surgeon, helping with patient preparation, OR setup, positioning, retraction, hemostasis, suturing, and anticipating each step of the procedure.  <br /><br />The talk focused on common urogynecologic operations, especially prolapse and incontinence surgeries, including vaginal hysterectomy, uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament fixation, obliterative procedures, midurethral slings, and laparoscopic/robotic sacrocolpopexy. She highlighted the importance of knowing pelvic anatomy and surgical landmarks such as the pubic symphysis, ischial spine, sacral promontory, ureters, sacrospinous ligament, and presacral space to reduce complications and improve efficiency.  <br /><br />A major theme was patient safety, especially proper positioning to prevent nerve injuries, and awareness of risks during minimally invasive surgery. She also discussed ergonomic strategies to protect the assistant’s long-term health. Her overall message was that mastery of anatomy, anticipation, and teamwork improves surgical outcomes and patient care.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe the role and responsibilities of the surgical first assistant in FPMRS procedures
Demonstrate knowledge of surgical anatomy relevant to gynecologic and pelvic floor surgery
Understand common urogynecologic procedures and key steps for assisting
Apply principles of surgical safety, instrumentation and troubleshooting
Anticipate surgeon needs throughout urogynecologic cases

Speaker: Beth Klump, MPAS, PA-C

Keywords

urogynecologic surgery

surgical first assistant

pelvic anatomy

prolapse surgery

incontinence surgery

patient safety

sacrocolpopexy