29 March 2026

President Adam Dziki, President 2005-2006 Lars Påhlman, President 2006–2007 Andrew Shorthouse, President 2007–2008 Tomas Skricka, President 2008–2009 Giovanni Romano, President 2009–2010 Freddy Penninckx, President 2010–2011 Zoran Krivokapic, President 2011–2012 Søren Laurberg, President 2012–2013 Ronan O'Connell, President 2013–2014 Yury Shelygin, President 2014–2015 Stefan Post, President 2015–2016 Emmanuel Tiret, President 2016–2017 Ethem Gecim, President 2017–2018 Per Nilsson, President 2018–2019 Willem Bemelman, President 2019–2020 Evangelos Xynos, President 2020–2021 Klaus Matzel, President 2021–2022 Eloy Espin Basany, President 2022–2023 Oded Zmora, President 2023–2024 Antonino Spinelli, President 2024–2025 Secretary Anders Mellgren, Secretary 2006–2008 Ronan O'Connell, Secretary 2009–2012 Peter Dawson, Secretary 2012–2014 Eloy Espin Basany, Secretary 2014–2017 Gabriela Möslein, Secretary 2017–2020 Antonino Spinelli, Secretary 2020–2023 Treasurer Mike Parker, Treasurer 2006–2010 Thomas Schiedeck, Treasurer 2010–2013 Paul-Antoine Lehur, Treasurer 2013–2016 Filippo La Torre, Treasurer 2016–2019 Miguel Pera, Treasurer 2019–2023

19 November 2025

20 Years of ESCP: Reflecting on a Shared Legacy Twenty years ago, two societies came together to form a new force in colorectal science - one rooted in collaboration, education, and shared ambition. Video reflections from past ESCP office bearers A short series of video reflections capturing personal insights into the people, values, and decisions that shaped ESCP across two decades. Antonino Spinelli President 2024-2025 Oded Zmora President 2023-2024 Eloy Espin President 2022-2023 Klaus Matzel President 2021-2022 Evangelos Xynos President 2020-2021 Miguel Pera Treasurer 2019-2023 Willem Bemelman President 2019-2020 Per Nilsson President 2018-2019 Ethem Gecim President 2017-2018 Emmanuel Tiret President 2016-2017 Stefan Post President 2015-2016 Paul-Antoine Lehur Treasurer 2013-2016 Ronan O'Connell President 2013-2014 Søren Laurberg President 2012-2013 Zoran Krivokapic President 2011-2012 Thomas Schiedeck Treasurer 2010-2013 Giovanni Romano President 2009-2010 Andrew Shorthouse President 2007-2008 Lars Påhlman President 2006-2007 Mike Parker Treasurer 2006-2010 Anders Mellgren Secretary 2006-2008 Adam Dziki President 2005-2006 Written messages from past ESCP office bearers Explore written reflections from the individuals who led ESCP's evolution - a living archive of experience, vision, and legacy. Klaus Matzel President 2021-2022 Read Klaus' reflections Evangelos Xynos President 2020-2021 Read Evangelos' reflections Emmanuel Tiret President 2016-2017 Read Emmanuel's reflections Stefan Post President 2015-2016 Read Stefan's reflections Zoran Krivokapic President-2011-2012 Read Zoran's reflections Thomas Schiedeck Treasurer 2010-2013 Read Thomas' reflections Giovanni Romano President 2009-2010 Read Giovanni's reflections Andrew Shorthouse President 2007-2008 Read Andrew's reflections Lars Påhlman President-2006-2007 Read about Lars' contributions Adam Dziki President 2005-2006 Read Adam's reflections Fun Run at Nantes 2008, recalled by Paul-Antoine Lehur in his video A community grounded in shared values and purpose The European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) was born in 2005 from the unification of the European Association of Coloproctology (EACP) and the European Council of Coloproctology (ECCP). It was a moment of vision and trust - and a commitment to building something greater, together. Today, that vision has grown into one of the most respected scientific societies in the field of colorectal disease. ESCP now connects over 2,000 members across Europe and a global network of more than 14,000 colorectal professionals. Through evidence-based guidelines, international research collaborations, educational programmes, and its landmark annual congress, the Society continues to play a leading role in advancing the science and practice of colorectal surgery. But beyond the numbers lies something deeper. At its core, ESCP is a community grounded in shared values - excellence, inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning. These principles have guided the Society from its earliest days and continue to shape its identity today. Much of this journey has been shaped by those who stepped forward to lead it - individuals who brought vision, resilience, and their unique perspectives to moments of both change and growth. This 20-year milestone is a chance to hear from them. Through this series of reflections, we honour their contributions, trace the Society’s evolution, and celebrate the leadership and values that made it all possible. This isn’t just a look back - it’s a living archive of insight, progress, and shared purpose in colorectal science. It’s also a moment to look ahead. The next 20 years will bring fresh challenges: growing research demands, evolving technologies, workforce pressures, and the ongoing need for surgical excellence. But the same values that built ESCP - openness, rigour, and community - are the ones that will carry it forward. As we mark this anniversary, we do so with deep respect for what has been built - and renewed commitment to what comes next. 20 years. One Society. Thousands of voices. One shared vision and purpose.

17 October 2025

The purpose of this new working group is to develop and coordinate impactful humanitarian initiatives aligned with our society’s mission. The group will focus on identifying priority areas for surgical relief, establishing strategic partnerships with humanitarian organizations, and creating comprehensive guidelines for surgical outreach in underserved and crisis-affected populations globally. Aybala Yildiz, Chair (Turkey) Eloy Espin Basany, ex-officio (Spain) Per J Nilsson, ex-officio (Sweden) Roland Scherer, ex-officio (Germany) Aybala Yildiz, Chair Aybala Yildiz Current position Private Yildiz Clinic (Founder, Professor of General Surgery) Ankara/Turkiye (since 2023) Ufuk University School of Medicine, Department of General Surgery (Lecturer) Ankara/Turkiye (since 2023) The Society of Pelvic Floor Disorders Ankara/Turkiye (President, since 2024) Medical School Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara/Turkiye (Graduated in 2004) General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery Training General Surgery Residency 2005-2010: University of Health Sciences School of Medicine; Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital General Surgery Resident Representative Turkish Republic Ministry of Health Resident Representative Turkish Medical Association Resident Representative General Surgery Consultant 2010-2012: Viransehir State Hospital/Sanliurfa/Turkiye Mandatory Service of Turkish Ministry of Health in low income regions of the country for 18 months Founder of Proctology Unit Chair of Proctology Unit Procurement Committee Assistant Professor, General Surgery 2012-2014: Kirikkale University School of Medicine Emergency Surgery Subunit, Lead Consultant Colorectal Surgery, Consultant Associate Professor, General Surgery 2015-2020: • Yildirim Beyazit University, Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital• Head of General Surgery Clinic Founder of Surgical Endoscopy Unit Founder of Proctology Outpatient Unit Head of Wound Care Unit• Chair of Resident Training Committee Professor, General Surgery 2020-2023: University of Health Sciences, School of Medicine; Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital Chair of General Surgery Department Main clinical and research interests Pelvic Floor Disorders Proctology Research and Communication Surgical Education Related Fields of General Surgery on Women Health Member of the Humanitarian Working Group since 2025 Additional information President of The Society of Pelvic Floor Disorders Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery Turkish Medical Association Turkish Surgical Association ESCP ACS

5 January 2025

Another landmark for ESCP - we now have a full in-house secretariat! Read our announcement here > Our dynamic secretariat team work remotely providing day-to-day support to its members and committees. You can contact the team by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone +44 07349 724 383. Opening hours are: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:30 GMT. UK holidays when the ESCP office is closed this year: 3 April: Good Friday 6 April: Easter Monday 4 May: Early May Bank Holiday 25 May: Spring Bank Holiday 31 August: Summer Bank Holiday ESCP Christmas Closure: 23 December - 5 January 2027 Meet the team! Vanessa, Executive Director Professional background I joined Integrity Events in 2016 as ESCP Secretariat Coordinator and never looked back! Fun personal fact I qualified as a PADI Divemaster and Nitrox Diver whilst living in Sharm El Sheikh for a year. While there I also got the opportunity to travel the Western Desert of Egypt from Siwa into Libya and Sudan and back up to Cairo! Carla, Sponsorship and Conference Manager Professional background An event manager for 30 years, I began working with blue chip pharmaceutical companies in a medical communications agency. I was introduced to association work by Integrity Events in 2010, working with ESCP and ACPGBI. Fun personal fact True to my Italian-Irish heritage, I have a passion for hosting. From Christmas lunches (22 guests being my record!) to summer BBQs. I love creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for friends and family. In my spare time, I am training my working cocker spaniel, Paddy, to work in the field. It's a rewarding experience that combines my love for dogs and the great outdoors Sam, Digital Marketing and Communications Administrator Professional Background Administration professional with over 10 years of experience across diverse roles, bringing a creative edge through a background in Graphic Design and E-Media. Fun personal fact I am a big music lover! In my spare time, I play guitar or record with my band projects when I’m not at a gig. If I’m not doing something music-related, I’ll be on a wilderness adventure with my friends. Nicky, Membership Administrator Professional Background I began my career with PepsiCo in Sales and Marketing and after living in America and starting a family, I began career No 2, Event Management, with Integrity. My first event was ESCP in Dublin, over 10 years ago. Fun personal fact I like to keep as fit as I can, but I also love gorgeous food and wine, which can sometimes get in the way of the fitness. I love organising things socially, and feel very lucky to have lovely friends and family around me. Nessa, Secretariat Administrator Professional background I studied psychology, which has shaped my approach to communication, organisation and working with people. Alongside this, I have experience managing an architectural office, where I supported operations, coordination and administration across multiple projects and stakeholders. Fun personal fact In my free time, I enjoy event planning, particularly organising intimate dinners in unusual and unexpected locations. I also love hosting and cooking, and take great pleasure in bringing people together around good food and a thoughtfully created atmosphere.  

5 September 2024

Franco Marinello (Chair) Semra Demirli Atici Christina Fleming Tina van Loon Sreelakshmi Mallappa Bruno Scotto Franco Marinello, Chair Franco Marinello Current position Colorectal Surgeon, Vall d’Hebrón University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain Medical school Cordoba National University, Argentina. Graduated in 2005. General surgical and colorectal training Resident in General Surgery at Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain Fellow of Colorectal Surgery at Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain Main clinical and research interests Pelvic floor disorders Neuromodulation Low anterior resection syndrome Member of the DEI Working Group since 2022 Semra Demirli Atici Semra Demirli Atici Current position General Surgeon and Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Acibadem Kent Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Izmir, Turkey (since 2022) Medical school Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey (graduated in 2010) General surgical and colorectal training University of Health Sciences Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey (2021) 2019 April: Qualified for Turkish Surgical Association (Board) Written Exam 2025 May: Qualified for Turkish Colon and Rectal Surgery Association (Board) written, oral and academic exam Main clinical and research interests Colorectal cancer Proctology (complex anal fistulas) Inflammatory bowel disease Robotic surgery Peritoneal surface malignancies Pelvic exenteration Innovation in surgery Collaborative studies Member of the DEI Committee since 2026 Additional information Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery member since 2021 European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation member since 2022 Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Working Group and Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Working Group member since 2026 Editorial Board of the Turkish Journal of Colorectal Disease (section of Proctology) since 2024 Christina Fleming Christina Fleming Current position Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. Appointed 2022. Medical school University College Cork, Cork, Ireland (2011) General surgical and colorectal training Basic and Higher Surgical Training Programmes RCSI (2012-2021) Robotic Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, CHU Bordeaux, France (2021-2022) Main clinical and research interests Colorectal cancer Pelvic floor disorders Robotic surgery Member of the DEI Working Group since 2022 Additional information PhD, Inflammation and Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer, University College Cork, Ireland PROGRESS Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) (2022) ESCP Robotic Surgery Fellow, CHU Bordeaux (2021-2022) ESCP Programme Committee Member (2021-2024) Specialty Lead, RCSI Robotic Surgery National Advisory Committee Scientific Advisory Committee, National Surgical Research Support Centre, RCSI Surgical Oncology Lead, Limerick Cancer Trials Unit, Limerick Ireland Tina van Loon Tina van Loon Current position Fellow of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Robotic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands, since June 2022 Medical school University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands, graduated in 2013 General surgical and colorectal training General surgical training: Elisabeth TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands (Jan 2014 to June 2018) Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands (July 2018 to Sept 2019) Colorectal/GI training: Pantein Hospital, Boxmeer, The Netherlands (Oct 2019 to Dec 2019) Elisabeth TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands (Jan 2020 to June 2021) Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands - robotic colorectal training (July 2021 to Dec 2021) Elisabeth TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands (Jan 2022 to March 2022) Fellowship colorectal and robotic surgery (since June 2022) - current position see above FEBS Coloproctology (Sept 2023) Main clinical and research interests Clinical interests: Benign (especially IBD and endometriosis) and malignant colorectal cancer surgery, Robotic colorectal and abdominal wall surgery Research interests: Use of stomas in colorectal surgery Improvement using pathways in colorectal surgery Perianal fistula treatment Member of the DEI Working Group since 2022 Additional information ESCP Education committee member 2017-2023 Dutch Society of ColoRectal Surgery board member 2017-2022 EBSQ Colorectal Surgery organising committee since 2016 Linkedin: ytvanloon PhD-thesis: STOMA - Challenges in stoma surgery and patient management (2022, University of Maastricht, co-promotor Dr. D.D.E. Zimmerman, promotor prof. dr. L.P.S. Stassen) Sreelakshmi Mallappa Sreelakshmi Mallappa Current position Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK Medical school RGUHS, India General surgical and colorectal training Qualifications: FRCS (RCS England) PhD, Imperial College, London Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Member of Faculty of Surgical Trainers (RCS Edinburgh) Training: Core and Higher Surgical Training, London, UK RCS England Laparoscopic Colorectal Fellowship, Peterborough, UK Pan-London Colorectal Fellowship (IBD Surgery), University College London Hospitals Main clinical and research interests Inflammatory Bowel Disease Colorectal Cancer AWR Mentorship and Surgical Education Member of the DEI Working Group since 2026 Additional information PhD, Metabolic consequences following colectomy (St Mark’s Hospital), Imperial College, London Deputy Chair, RCS England Women in Surgery Forum (WinS) Emerging Leader, RCS England Chair and Mentorship Lead: ACPGBI Early Years Consultant Network (2023-2026) ACPGBI Guidelines Committee Member ASGBI EDI Committee Member ACPGBI EDI Committee Member (2021-2024) IBD Surgery Lead, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Clerkship Director for Surgery and Assistant Professor, St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada Bruno Scotto Bruno Scotto Current position Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon, Bernardino Ramazzini Hospital, City of Carpi, AUSL Modena, Italy. Appointed 2018. Medical school “Luigi Vanvitelli” University of Campania, Italy. Graduated in 2009. General surgical and colorectal training General Surgery Training, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy (2010-2016) Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, Whipps Cross Hospital, London, UK (Sep 2013 to Feb 2014) 2nd Degree Universitary Master in Colorectal and IBD Surgery, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Roma, Italy (2020-2022) Main clinical and research interests Benignant and malignant colorectal surgery IBD surgery Coloproctology Laparoscopic surgery Member of the DEI Working Group since 2026 Additional information Member of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) during the period 2024-2025.