Pre-Congress Workshops

Half Day

Beyond The Pap Smear: Practical Use Of Primary Hpv Screening, Interpretation Of Test Results And Subsequent Management

Gynaecology HPV

Facilitators: Hennie Botha, Haynes van der Merwe, Jennifer Butt, Elbie Zwanepoel
Faculty: Prof H Botha, Dr H van der Merwe, Dr J Butt, Dr Elbie Zwanepoel

Registration Category Workshop Fee
SASOG Member Specialist R1600.00
Non Member Specialist R2000.00
Registrars, GP’s & Pensioners R1440.00

Sponsors

Summary & Objectives

This workshop is designed to support clinicians through the transition from cytology-based cervical screening to primary HPV testing. With the Pap smear no longer the primary test, many clinicians are faced with new pathways, unfamiliar result types, and uncertainty about appropriate follow-up.

Through case-based discussion and practical examples, this session will clarify how primary HPV testing works, how to interpret results, and what actions to take in common and challenging scenarios. The workshop will focus on applying current screening guidelines in day-to-day practice, improving confidence in clinical decision-making, and supporting clear patient communication.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a practical understanding of the new cervical screening pathway and feel confident using primary HPV test results to guide management and follow-up.

Programme

TimeTopic
09:00Welcome & Setting the Scene
09:10HPV vs Cytology: The Evidence
Why the shift to primary HPV screening is redefining best practice
09:30When and How to Screen
Starting age, screening intervals, and the role (or not) of co-testing
09:45Understanding the Tests
HPV infection explained: DNA vs RNA testing — what really matters?
10:05Sampling Strategies
Clinician-collected vs self-sampling?
10:15Risk-Based Management
The new algorithm: does HPV genotype change management?
10:45Tea Break
11:15Rethinking Colposcopy
Can we move away from routine colposcopy?
11:30Thermal ablation in place of LLETZ
When is it appropriate?
11:45Post-Treatment Surveillance
Best practices for follow-up after treatment
12:00Interactive Case Discussions
Practical application in real-world clinical scenarios
12:30Close