Y-ESCP Basic Robotic Skills Course

One-day foundational course in robotic colorectal surgery in collaboration with Intuitive

Dates: Thursday 10 September and Friday 11 September 2026
Time: 08:00-16:00
Venue: Intuitive Surgical Deutschland GmbH, Guerickestraße 1, 79108 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Y-ESCP (Young ESCP), in collaboration with Intuitive, invites young trainees and fellows to participate in our basic robotic colorectal surgery workshop.

This one-day intensive course is specifically designed for surgeons at the beginning of their robotic journey who wish to build a strong foundation in robotic colorectal surgery. Led by three experienced robotic colorectal surgeons from within ESCP, the workshop combines essential theoretical principles with structured hands-on exposure in a supportive learning environment.

This workshop represents an ideal starting point for surgeons aspiring to integrate robotic techniques into their colorectal practice in a safe, structured, and mentored setting.

On this page

• Workshop overview
• Structured hands-on learning
• Focus on foundational skills
• Eligibility criteria
• Cost
• Why attend?
• Application process
• Agenda

Workshop overview

Led by ESCP Robotic Experts

Participants will learn directly from three highly experienced ESCP robotic colorectal surgeons, who will guide the course:

• Jan Colpaert (Belgium)
• Eloy Espin Basany (Spain)
• Irshad Shaikh (UK)

The faculty will focus on:

• Fundamentals of robotic platform setup and operating room configuration
• Patient selection and case planning
• Safe docking and port placement strategies
• Core principles of robotic dissection and ergonomics

Teaching will emphasise clarity, reproducibility, and safe adoption of robotic techniques in early clinical practice.

Structured hands-on learning

The workshop is designed to maximise practical exposure for beginners. Learning objectives across the course are designed to get you started on robotic surgery. Participants will:

• Understand da Vinci system setup, instrumentation, and port placement concepts.
• Build foundational robotic skills.
• Apply key surgical principles in a supervised dry lab environment.
• Learn procedural steps, safety considerations, and troubleshooting for colorectal resections.
• Receive faculty guidance on learning curves and best practices.

The small group format ensures individualised mentoring, allowing trainees to ask questions freely and consolidate their learning in a collegial atmosphere.

Focus on foundational skills

Unlike advanced expert courses, this workshop concentrates on:

• Understanding robotic system components
• Docking, draping and handling the system
• Fundamentals of port placement
• Safe energy use and tissue handling
• Avoiding common beginner pitfalls
• Developing a structured approach to robotic colorectal procedures

The aim is to build confidence, safety awareness, and technical familiarity - creating a solid platform for future progression.

Eligibility criteria

Participants must:

• Be ESCP Trainee members living in Europe. Applications from non-members will not be accepted.
• Have a da Vinci surgical system in their hospital and be interested in RAS.
• Have a mentoring commitment from your institution's chief of surgery or equivalent (minimum 10 annual console cases).
• Have completed a full in-service at their hospital prior to the course.
• Have at least 5 cases as bedside assistant.
• After selection, complete the Online training and Online Assessment at https://learning.intuitive.com.
• Have registered and have access to my.intuitive app

Simulator training is recommended before the course.

Required documents

Before you complete the application form, it is important that you have the following information ready to upload:

• Letter from the chief of surgery or equivalent to committing to mentoring. Download template here.
• Short CV (1 page PDF)
• Short motivational letter (1 page PDF)

Selection will be based on ensuring equitable access and prioritising candidates who will benefit most from foundational robotic exposure.

Cost

Once selected for this course, a registration fee of €100 will be asked from the participants.

Why attend?

This course offers a unique opportunity to:

• Build essential robotic colorectal skills in a structured environment
• Gain practical insights from experienced ESCP robotic surgeons
• Develop confidence in robotic system handling
• Learn safe, reproducible techniques for early adoption
• Connect with fellow young surgeons beginning their robotic journey
• Become part of the growing Y-ESCP network (register here)

We warmly encourage motivated young trainees and fellows to apply early, as places are limited.

Application process

There are a maximum number of 36 places available.

• Day 1: Thursday 10 September - 18 places
• Day 2: Friday 11 September - 18 places

Your application is subject to review by the ESCP faculty. Your documents, as listed in the eligibility criteria, must be submitted at the time of application. You will be notified regarding the status of your application two weeks after the closing date.

Application Form

Please submit your application here >

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 15 April 2026

Agenda