12th European Colorectal Congress, St. Gallen

Michel Adamina, from S-ECCO, is co-organising the meeting. Every year, the European Colorectal Congress of St. Gallen focusses on different topics in colorectal disease while emphasising interdisciplinary decision-making and treatment. In 2018, more than 40 lectures by renowned experts will address key developments in colorectal surgery, including refinements in diagnostic and surgical techniques, augmented reality and artificial intelligence, social media and simulation/advanced training. As well, innovative surgical approaches like complete mesocolic excision, new robotic systems and transanal resection will be discussed together with recent oncology trials of major importance for the colorectal specialist. 

Also, the interdisciplinary management of complications and complex situations will be reviewed, including genitourinary and bowel dysfunction, failed rectopexies and obstructed defaecation. Conversely, daily yet still often demanding situations like mesenteric ischaemia, occult bleeding, bowel obstruction, ugly haemorrhoids and fistula will be debated. 

One important feature of the European Colorectal Congress is a dedicated session on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, which is approved by ECCO leadership. Experts will discuss clinical challenges, including tailored surgical approaches in Crohn’s Disease (CD), which will be addressed by Willem Bemelman (Amsterdam), ECCO Secretary. Present and past S-ECCO Members Yves Panis (Clichy) and Antonino Spinelli (Milan) will consider the management of dysplasia in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and single port surgery, while Janindra Warusavitarne (London) will discuss how to handle toxic colitis.

The 12th European Colorectal Congress of St. Gallen and its Masterclass are accredited for up to 25 Swiss CME credits. It is endorsed by national and international organisations, including the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and ECCO.

12th European Colorectal Congress in Switzerland © ECC