Robotic Colorectal Surgery, the exclusive webinar series coordinated by ESCP, will be delivered by our Colorectal Robotic Surgery Working Group – ColoRobotica.

Attendees can look forward to an expert panel of hosts, speakers, and moderators from across Europe over the coming months who will take you on a unique robotic colorectal surgery learning experience. From setting up a colorectal robotic surgery program to understanding the tips and tricks, pitfalls and mistakes of low anterior resection and complete mesocolic excision.

The four-part webinar series kicks off on Wednesday 12 November with ‘Robotic Surgery – Why & How’ at 17:00 CET.

Professor Dr Klaus Matzel (Germany) will introduce the webinar followed by Mr Samson Tou (UK) who will provide an overview of the rationale behind robotic surgery. Dr Ellen van Eetvelde (Belgium), will then discuss the fundamentals of robotic surgery as well as how to set up and implement a robotic surgery program.Klaus Matzel

Klaus Matzel, Head Coloproctology at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, said:

"Robotic surgery represents the next step of the technical evolution of surgery in general, not only in the field colorectal surgery. Today’s available technology, allows improved manoeuvrability and operative precision - which is of great interest to colorectal surgeons, as they operate in confined anatomical areas, like the pelvis. From our perspective, it is essential to engage with robotic surgery to ensure a critical evaluation of the technique and its introduction into the field.

"The series of webinars aims to reach colleagues who are new to robotic colorectal surgery as well as those who already have experience."

Dr Eetvelde, colorectal surgeon at UZ Brussels in Jette, specializing in colorectal surgery said:

Ellen van Eetvelde"Robotic surgery is rapidly gaining interest in the field of colorectal surgery. Although the robotic platform renders complex surgery ‘easier and more feasible’ for surgeons, this is only the case after proper training. In unexperienced hands, the robotic platform is a potentially dangerous tool.

"It is no longer acceptable to establish value of a surgical technique while practicing on patients. Surgical training should be done while maintaining patient safety and outcomes, and this can only be guaranteed via a structured training program."

The session will cover preparation, planning, training, good case selection and the proctoring involved, as well as how to keep track of progress and data collection.

The introduction of a robotic colorectal program is a team effort that requires excellent preparation from all participants. A dedicated team, good planning with goals set, and a training pathway with continuous evaluations are all key.

Dr Eetvelde continued:

"The session will provide useful guidelines, tips and tricks as well as my own personal experience in setting up a robotic colorectal program. Surgeons that are looking to implement a robotic program of their own will have a good idea of what to consider after attending."

Professor Neil Mortensen, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and session commentator, added:

"Robotics has always been seen as the surgery of the future, but it is happening right now, and we need to get involved."

A Q&A will follow the webinar and attendees are encouraged to share any questions they may have with the panel.

Registration is now open to all: https://colorobotica.com/

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