ISGE Advanced course in Endoscopic Surgery

Emphasis on the basics, endometriosis, vNotes and oncology

September 8-13, 2025

 

 

Participants: 12 (Belgium, UK, Greece,Serbia,Finland, Peru)

 

Teachers: Gûnter Noé, Bart De Vree, Omer Devaja, Ahmed El Gohari, Anneli Linnamägi,Oudai Ali

 

Logistic: Paula Simons

 

Introduction

The course was successfully completed with full participation. All participants passed both the theoretical and the practical examinations. The program combined lectures, hands-on training, and interactive elements to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Quality of the Event

The evaluation results highlighted the following strengths:

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• The hands-on suturing lab

• The surgical video sessions

• The practical exercises, particularly robotic training and suturing

• The theoretical components of the program

• The opportunity for direct interaction and discussion with the experts

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The worst aspect of the event was the catering, which received the lowest evaluation and was identified as an area requiring improvement.

Relevance of the Event

Participants emphasized that the course was highly relevant to their professional development. Particular value was noted in the areas of laparoscopic surgery, surgical videos, and robotic surgery. The balance between theoretical content and nearly live video demonstrations was especially appreciated.

Innovative Elements

Several innovative elements were introduced during the course:

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• vNOTES sessions

• Q&A sessions at the end of each day

• Demonstrations of surgical equipment

• A flipped classroom approach

 

 

Influence on Future Practice

The course is expected to have a positive impact on participants’ future professional practice by:

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• Improving surgical and teaching techniques

• Enhancing suturing skills

• Supporting the implementation of robotic surgery

Transparency and Commercial Bias

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It was noted that not all faculty members explicitly declared the absence of conflicts of interest (COI). For future editions, consistent COI disclosure is recommended to ensure transparency and compliance with ethical standards.

Conclusion

The course achieved its objectives by combining theory, practice, and innovation in a well-balanced program. Participants gained valuable skills and insights that are expected to influence their surgical practice and teaching. With minor improvements in transparency and logistics, future editions can further enhance the overall impact and participant experience.