Staff Reporter –
The 20th World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery (WCES 2024), the flagship event of the International Federation of Societies of Endoscopic Surgeons (IFSES), was inaugurated today at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata. This year’s congress is held in conjunction with the 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (IAGES), bringing together over 2,000 delegates, including more than 200 international faculties and 1,000 trainees from around the world.
The WCES-IAGES 2024 serves as a tribute to the late Prof. T.E. Udwadia, the founding president of IAGES, honoring his legacy of compassion and innovation in the field of endoscopic surgery. The conference has attracted participation from multiple global societies, including the Society of Endo-Laparoscopic Surgeons of Bangladesh, the Society of Surgeons of Pakistan, the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, and others from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
WCES-IAGES 2024 marks a significant milestone in the advancement of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery, fostering collaboration and innovation across international borders in memory of a pioneering figure, Prof. T.E. Udwadia. The congress will continue to serve as a platform for the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge and techniques, ensuring continued progress in the field of minimally invasive surgery, Said Dr. Subhash Khanna, Congress Chairman, WCES-IAGES 2024.”
“We are thrilled to bring the World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery to India,” said Prof Ramesh Agarwalla Congress Secretary, WCES-IAGES 2024, he also adds “This collaboration with our international counterparts not only underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing surgical practices but also signals India’s growing influence in the field of minimally invasive surgery.
Program Highlights:
- Pre-Congress Master Classes (October 23): Seven specialized master classes covering various areas such as Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), bariatric surgery, laser proctology, and more.
- Pre Congress Live Surgery Sessions: Featuring five hours of live surgical demonstrations across six screens, with 50 cases transmitted from leading hospitals worldwide, including MR Bangur, Zydus Hospitals, Max Delhi, and Apollo Chennai.
- Scientific Program (October 24-26): The conference will feature invited talks by 100 international and 200 national experts, as well as presentations of over 300 research papers, case studies, and e-Posters from students and young professionals.
Ceremonial Events:
- Inauguration Ceremony: The official inauguration took place today at 6:30 PM IST, with prominent figures such as Prof. Eduardo Targarona, President IFSES, Dr.Davide Lomanto, Secretary, IFSES, Dr. Subhash Khanna, Congress President 2024 and Professor Ramesh Agarwalla, Congress Secretary 2024 presiding over the event.
- Felicitation and Awards Ceremony (October 25): Honorable Supreme Court Justices B.R. Gavai and Ujjal Bhuyan will be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, respectively, for the evening’s celebrations.
- Convocation Ceremony (October 26): Approximately 500 fellows will receive fellowship certificates during the closing ceremony, recognizing their successful completion of IAGES-organized courses.
As one of the most significant events in the field, the World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery will feature a comprehensive scientific program that includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and live surgical demonstrations. This year’s congress will focus on groundbreaking developments in laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and robotic surgery, as well as the role of artificial intelligence and digital tools in enhancing surgical outcomes.
For more information, you can click to the Congress website:
https://wces-iages2024.in/