Future of Colorectal Surgery: Innovation At USC

Elevating the Future of Colorectal Surgery

We were honored to support the 9th Annual Advanced Endoscopic & Endoluminal Surgery Course, hosted by the USC Division of Colorectal Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine—a flagship event in the world of minimally invasive colorectal care.

More than a training session, this two-day intensive was a platform for transformation—where the latest techniques, ideas, and technologies converged to shape the next generation of surgical excellence. From real-time collaboration to advanced 3D visualization, attendees explored a future-forward approach to surgical care.

Expert Spotlight: Dr. Sang W. Lee, Leader in Colorectal Surgery

A true highlight of the event was the leadership and vision of Dr. Sang W. Lee, Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Costello Clinical Professor at Keck Medicine of USC. Recognized nationally and internationally as a pioneer in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, Dr. Lee has performed more than 2,500 laparoscopic procedures and published extensively on advanced surgical techniques.

His innovations include the development of CELS (Combined Endolaparoscopic Surgery)—a groundbreaking, organ-preserving approach for removing complex colon polyps without bowel resection—and a wearable negative pressure surgical dressing that reduces infections and accelerates healing.

Beyond his surgical achievements, Dr. Lee’s passion for education was on full display. As a course leader and mentor, he helped design a hands-on, high-impact curriculum that gave surgeons a new way to learn, think, and operate. His presence reminded attendees that the future of colorectal surgery is not just technical—it's thoughtful, collaborative, and relentlessly patient-focused.

CHANGING HOW SURGEONS THINK, TRAIN, AND COLLABORATE

At the heart of this course wasn’t just technology—it was a paradigm shift in surgical training. Attendees weren’t passive observers. They were active problem-solvers, engaging in real-world scenarios, asking tough questions, and refining their clinical decision-making in an open, collaborative environment.

The experience emphasized:

• Strategic thinking in high-risk and complex cases
• Minimally invasive alternatives to traditional resections
• Stepwise approaches to EMR, ESD, and full-thickness resection
• How tools like the EndoPro® 3D Visualization System support safer, more informed surgical decisions

This was a space where knowledge wasn’t just delivered—it was built together, in real time, through guided experimentation, peer learning, and mentorship from some of the best in the field.

SEEING IS BELIEVING: ENDOPRO® 3D IN ACTION

Throughout the course, participants had access to the EndoPro® 3D Visualization System, which brought a new level of anatomical clarity to the labs and live demonstrations. Through stereoscopic 3D imaging, attendees could better appreciate spatial relationships and surgical landmarks—sharpening depth perception and confidence in real-time.

Whether navigating challenging lesions or learning new resection techniques, EndoPro® gave participants a tool that enhanced their understanding and elevated their technique—all in a format that felt as immersive as it was intuitive.

This wasn’t just a visual upgrade—it was a leap forward in how we teach and train.

USC’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Under Dr. Lee’s leadership, the Division of Colorectal Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC continues to set a national standard for innovation, education, and excellence in patient care. Their mission goes beyond technique—it’s about providing comprehensive, compassionate, and minimally invasive solutions that preserve function, reduce recovery time, and optimize patient outcomes.

With a commitment to organ preservation, enhanced recovery protocols, and cutting-edge surgical strategies, the USC team is not only shaping procedures—but reshaping lives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDOPRO® 3D

Curious how EndoPro® 3D is transforming surgical training—from colorectal surgery to skull base procedures?

👉 Click here to explore EndoPro® 3D and discover how immersive visualization is helping surgeons elevate precision, accelerate learning, and reimagine what’s possible in the OR.