Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, hosted the 10th edition of CATALYST – Advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Skills Course from September 18 to 20, 2026, at Courtyard Marriott, Cantonment, Trichy. The programme was designed for surgeons looking to advance their skills beyond basic laparoscopic surgical techniques through structured practical training, expert mentorship and live operative learning.

CATALYST (Centre of Academy of Training in Advanced Laparoscopy and Surgical Techniques) was a three-day programme that combined two days of intensive hands-on wet-lab training with a full day of live laparoscopic surgery, allowing participants to gain practical exposure to advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques under the guidance of experienced mentors. The programme also included step-by-step operative videos, technical tips and focused discussions on the prevention and management of intraoperative challenges.

The course was directed by Dr.S.Velmurugan -HOD & Senior Consultant Laparoscopic GI/HPB/Bariatric & Robotic Surgeon, Kauvery Hospital and brought together faculty and mentors from across Tamil Nadu. The programme feedback from previous editions for its academic rigour and practical focus.

Speaking about the programme, Dr. D. Senguttuvan, Co Founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy stated and reiterated that, “Medical education is integral to our mission at Kauvery Hospital. CATALYST has evolved over the years into a focused platform for surgeons to strengthen their practical skills, learn from experienced faculty and engage with advances in minimally invasive surgery. The tenth edition reflected our continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for professional learning and clinical development.”

Dr Velmurugan S, said, “The tenth edition of CATALYST built on our focus on practical, hands-on surgical learning. By combining wet-lab training, personalised mentorship and live operative learning, the programme gave participants an opportunity to refine their techniques and address the practical challenges encountered in advanced laparoscopic surgery.”

Kauvery Hospital’s Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Minimal Access Surgery also conducted academic and skill-development initiatives as part of its broader focus on clinical learning and professional development. The department offers a comprehensive range of advanced procedures, including Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic CBD Exploration, Laparoscopic Choledochal Cyst Excision, Laparoscopic Fundoplication, Laparoscopic Heller’s Cardiomyotomy for Achalasia Cardia, Laparoscopic Perforation Closure, and Laparoscopic Hernia Repair including Complex Incisional Hernia. In GI/HPB cancer surgery, the department’s expertise spans Total Laparoscopic Whipple’s, Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy, Laparoscopic Puestow, Laparoscopic Radical Cholecystectomy for GB Cancer, Laparoscopic Colectomy, Laparoscopic Anterior/Abdomino Perineal Resection, Laparoscopic Gastrectomy with D2 Lymphadenectomy, Thoracoscopy and Laparoscopic Oesophagectomy, and Laparoscopic/Open Liver Resections, along with Obesity Surgery procedures such as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, and advanced Robotic Surgery.

The department was additionally a recognised centre for the FNB Fellowship Course in Minimal Access Surgery, recognised by the National Board of Examinations.