Inside Surgery
Inside Surgery is the official podcast of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES). Each episode shares surgical insights, discussion and updates aimed at surgeons and other healthcare professionals working in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. The show covers clinical techniques, research developments and practical topics relevant to the European surgical community. It is produced in English for an international audience of specialists and trainees.
Afleveringen
Teamwork in the OR
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Prof. Tan Arulampalam is joined by Prof. Marlies Schijven and Prof. Catalin Copaescu to explore one of the most important factors in surgical success: teamwork. From operating room culture and psychological safety to communication, hierarchy, and the growing role of technology, the discussion examines what really drives high-performing surgical teams. Along
Groin Hernia Guidelines
In this episode of Inside Surgery, recorded live at the EAES Congress in Athens, host Dr. Bright Huo is joined by Dr. Stavros Antoniou, Prof. Salvador Morales-Conde, and Prof. Thomas Carus to explore the latest international guidelines on primary groin hernia repair. Together, they unpack the evidence behind the recommendation for laparoscopic repair, and discuss what the data means for surgeons a
Musculoskeletal Pain and Ergonomics in the OR
In this episode of Inside Surgery, recorded live at the EAES Congress in Athens, host Dr. Draga Maria Mandi talks with Dr. Ludovica Baldari, Prof. Rosa Jiménez Rodríguez, and Prof. Selman Uranues to discuss musculoskeletal pain and ergonomics in the operating room.From posture and instrument design to robotic surgery and long operating lists, they explore how working conditions affect surgeons’ we
The Death of Laparoscopy
Has laparoscopy reached its limits, or is it simply paving the way for the next era of surgery? Recorded live at the EAES Congress in Athens, this episode brings together Prof. Jaap Bonjer, Dr. Clarisa Birlog, and Dr. Draga Mandi for a thought-provoking discussion on robotic surgery, surgical training, AI, and the technologies transforming operating rooms around the world. From hernia repairs and
Reshaping from Within: The Endoscopic Revolution in Obesity Care
In this episode, host Alice Tsai talks with surgeons Dr. Maria Vannucci and Dr. Rita Rodríguez Luna, trained under Professor Perretta in Strasbourg, about endo-bariatric procedures like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)—a suturing technique that reshapes the stomach without cutting tissue. With only about 1% of eligible obese patients opting for traditional bariatric surgery, ESG offers a less
Literature review: An international Delphi consensus with Dr Amila Cizmic and Dr Monica Ortenzi
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr Alice Tsai speaks with Dr Amila Cizmic and Dr Monica Ortenzi about a 2023 paper published in Surgical Endoscopy, exploring surgical quality assessment in minimally invasive total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.They discuss how the project developed from an EAES Research Sandpit idea into an international Delphi consensus, and reflect on some of the decisi
Subject Editors for EAES
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr Alice Tsai speaks with Professor Young-Woo Kim (Section Editor for Surgical Endoscopy, based at the National Cancer Center Korea, and a leading gastric cancer surgeon specialising in minimally invasive and robotic surgery) and Professor Nicolò de Manzini (Section Editor for Surgical Endoscopy, Professor of Surgery at the University of Trieste, with expert
Hot topics in Surgery: AI with Professor Andrew Gumbs
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr. Alice Tsai speaks with Professor Andrew Gumbs, a world-renowned minimally invasive, robotic HPB surgeon and Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Intelligence Surgery, about the future of AI, robotics, and surgical autonomy.Professor Gumbs reflects on his international training across the US and Europe, his humanitarian surgical work in countries such as the Dem
Achalasia Guidelines: Evidence, Decisions, and Treatment Pathways
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr. Alice Tsai hands over to surgical resident Dr. Bright Huo (Surgical Resident, McMaster University, Canada) to explore the development of the upcoming 2026 multi-society clinical guidelines on the management of Achalasia.Joined by Dr. Stavros Antoniou (Chair Guidelines Committee, Greece), Prof. Milos Belovich (Bariatric Surgeon, Chair of Education & T
Women at the Console: Breaking Barriers in Robotic Surgery
In this special International Women’s Day episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr Draga Mandi speaks with Ms Gita Lingam and Dr Georgia Kotoreni, surgeons who completed the women only, EAES Intuitive robotics discovery course at the Amsterdam Skills Centre.Ms Lingam, a UK surgical trainee and research fellow in IBD and robotic surgery, and Dr Kotoreni, a general surgeon and PhD candidate in abdominal w
Telesurgery: Access and Training Without Boundaries
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr Alice Tsai speaks with Dr Youness Ahallal, urologist and robotic surgeon, internationally recognised for pioneering telesurgery and advancing robotic surgery across Africa.Dr Ahallal shares the story behind the world’s longest-distance robotic cancer surgery, performed between Shanghai and Morocco, and explains the four months of preparation required to m
EAES family: Fellowship
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr. Draga Mandi speaks with Dr. Dragoș Eugen Georgescu, Romanian surgical oncologist, lecturer at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and EAES Fellowship awardee.Dr. Georgescu reflects on his EAES Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Vilnius, sharing how immersive exposure to high-volume minimally invasive oncology reshaped his surgic
Hot Topics in Surgery: ICG
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr. Draga Mandi speaks with Dr. Ludovica Baldari, a leading voice in fluorescence-guided surgery and the renowned “Baldari protocol.” Dr. Baldari discusses her journey with ICG, the crucial role of mentorship and sponsorship, and the importance of research and engineering collaboration. Together, they explore gender bias in surgical training, highlighting ho
UEMS Exam
In this episode of Inside Surgery, Prof. Tan Arulampalam speaks with Dr. Marek Soltés and Prof. Georg Bischof about the UEMS Board Examination in Minimally Invasive Surgery. They explain the purpose, structure, and value of the exam as a Europe-wide benchmark for surgical excellence, combining logbook assessment, theoretical testing, and practical OSCE skills evaluation. The discussion highlights
Symposium on Innovation in Surgery 2026
In this episode of Inside Surgery, Prof. Tan Arulampalam hosts Portuguese surgeons Prof. Helder Ferreira and Prof. Jaime Vilaça to preview the upcoming EAES Symposium on Innovation in Surgery 2026. Held on 22 – 24 January 2026 in Porto, Portugal. They highlight the groundbreaking programme featuring AI-augmented surgical safety, telemonitoring with live demonstrations across Europe, and advances i
EAES Research Sandpit
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr. Draga Mandi speaks with Dr.med Valerie Nottberg and Hans Schmidt, members of the winning team from this year’s EAES Research Sandpit. They share their motivations for applying, the collaborative team-building process, and the creation of their winning project REACT, a digital companion app designed to support patients before and after surgery. They discu
EAES Family: Research Grants
Host Dr. Bright Huo speaks with Dr. Eran Shlomovitz about his EAES-funded research using AI and computer vision to automate scoring for the FLS laparoscopic skills exam. They discuss how this work builds on the BEST Box simulator, the potential to remove proctoring barriers, and the impact of EAES and SAGES grants in enabling scalable, objective surgical training. Dr. Shlomovitz also shares advice
Cholecystitis Guideline
Hosts Dr. Alice Tsai and Dr. Bright Huo discuss the new EAES Cholecystitis Guideline with Prof. Nicole Bouvy (President of the EAES) and Prof. Salvador Morales-Conde, and review the Tokyo classification for grading cholecystitis, its limitations, and the guideline’s key recommendations. The guests emphasise the importance of clear research questions, training, teamwork, and knowing surgical limits
Hot Topics in Surgery: Surgical Patents and Intellectual Property
Prof. Tan Arulampalam hosts Prof. Kiyokazu Nakajima and patent attorney in training Matilda Arulampalam to discuss Prof. Nakajima's recent research paper 'The EAES intellectual property protection guide' and his journey to this point.You can read the paper here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00464-025-12173-7If you enjoy this episode, why not subscribe to Inside Surgery
Breaking Barriers Human & Animal
Hosted by Draga Mandi, this podcast features Dr. Constantin Ifteme, a veterinarian who introduced minimally invasive and fluorescence-guided surgery to animals, inspired by human medicine. He pioneered advanced techniques, trained surgeons globally, and founded a major veterinary surgery center. The discussion celebrates collaboration between human and veterinary surgeons, emphasizing innovation,
TaTME Guidelines
Dr. Bright Huo hosts a discussion on new TaTME guidelines, with expert guests Prof. Michel Adamina, Prof. Patricia Sylla and Prof. Alberto Arezzo.Experts highlighted its advantages for low rectal cancers, where it can ensure oncologic safety while preserving the sphincter, leading to better functional outcomes.If you enjoy this episode, why not subscribe to Inside Surgery so you don't miss ou
EAES 2025: Looking forward to Belgrade
In this episode Dr Alice Tsai speaks with Prof. Milos Bjelovic, EAES 2025 Congress President, about the upcoming 33rd international EAES congress that will be held in Belgrade, Serbia from Tuesday 17 June through Friday 20 June in corporation with the Serbian Association for Endoscopic Surgery (UEHS). Prof. Bjelovic talks about the theme of the congress, what he's most looking forward to and
Hot topics in Surgery: Artificial Intelligence and Surgery with Dr Chen Sagiv
In this episode, Professor Tan Arulampalam talks to Dr Chen Sagiv about how Artificial Intelligence can create super surgeons rather than lazy surgeons! They discuss current and potential applications of AI in surgery and their fears that AI might stop us thinking for ourselves.Dr Sagiv is a mathematician and image processing researcher, as well as co-founder of DeePathology.If you enjoy this epis
Hot topics in Surgery: Surgical Innovation with Tim Horeman
In this episode, Professor Tan Arulampalam speaks with Dr. Ir.ing Tim Horeman about innovation in surgery and the relationship between surgery and engineering. Dr Horeman is Associate Professor of Sustainable Surgery & Translational Technology and Academic Portfolio Director of Medical Technology at Delft University of Technology, as well as being a member of the EAES Tech Committee. They disc
Hot topics in Surgery: a spotlight on AI
In this episode Professor Tan Arulampalam interviews a range of guests to spotlight the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery. Professor Silvana Perretta discusses AI’s ability to enhance surgical precision, starting with procedures like cholecystectomy and laparoscopic hernia repair. Other experts, including Kiyokazu Nakajima and Rosa Jimenez-Rodriguez, explore AI’s potential a
SIS2025: Re-live procedure by Luigi Boni
In this episode, Professor Tan Arulampalam joins Professor Luigi Boni as he prepares for a real-life robotic-assisted low anterior resection on a 42-year-old patient with rectal cancer. He discusses the importance of patient selection, multidisciplinary planning, and precise surgical techniques. Professor Boni explains his hybrid approach—combining laparoscopy for the initial steps and robotics fo
SIS2025: Re-live procedure by Silvana Perretta
In this episode, hosted by Professor Tan Arulampalam, we welcome Professor Silvana Perretta from the University of Strasbourg, a renowned surgeon specialising in endoscopic and bariatric procedures. She introduces a groundbreaking flexible suturing system that reduces gastric volume and slows gastric emptying, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional bariatric surgery. Professor Pe
Literature review: Minimising seroma incidence by quilting
In this episode hosts, Dr Alice Tsai and Dr Monica Ortenzi speak with three surgical specialists from The Hernia Institute Paris, which was the first French centre to specialise in laparoscopic abdominal wall and hernia surgery. The guests Dr Édouard Pélissier, Dr Philippe Ngo and Dr Jean-Pierre Cossa are all members of the French Academy of Surgery. Alice and Monica discuss with the guests their
CLASSICA EU-funded Project: Professor Alberto Arezzo
To kick off Series 5 of Inside Surgery, hosts Dr Alice Tsai and Dr Monica Ortenzi are joined by Professor Tan Arulampalam to interview EAES General Secretary, Professor Alberto Arezzo. Professor Arezzo is the winner of eight Horizon Projects, four of which are still running and involve the EAES. He has also won the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant from European Research Council. In this podcast they
Literature Review: Optimising perioperative care in older adults
In the final episode of Series 4, Dr Alice Tsai and Dr Monica Ortenzi speak to Dr Deborah Keller about a paper she co-authored on optimising perioperative care in older adults.Link to join SAGES as a Candidate Member: https://www.sages.org/membership/candidate/Reference:Keller DS, Curtis N, Burt HA, Ammirati CA, Collings AT, Polk HC Jr, Carrano FM, Antoniou SA, Hanna N, Piotet LM, Hill S, Cuijpers
EAES Family: EAES Research Sandpit with Amila Cizmic
In this episode host Dr Draga Mandi and guest Dr Amila Cizmic discuss the transformative impact of the EAES Research Sandpit Programme on their surgical careers and lives. They share how the Research Sandpit has helped them build connections with renowned researchers, develop research proposals, compete for funding and gaining hands-on experience in surgical research. Both Dr Mandi and Dr Cizmic e
Hot topics in Surgery: Captaincy in Surgery with Mike Blackhurst
In this episode recorded at EAES 2024 in Maastricht Dr Alice Tsai interviews coach Michael Blackhurst, who shares insights on the captaincy mindset - perfect for surgeons working in high-risk, complex environments. This unique approach balances team-based performance and personal well-being, helping surgeons lead teams effectively while ensuring long-term success both in the OR and in life.Mike’s
Surgical Coaching - Change in Behaviour
In the second episode, on surgical coaching, hosts Alice and Monica speak again with Dr Kristine Lombardozzi, a trauma surgeon and director at the Academy of Surgical Coaching. This time their discussion focuses on the practical aspects of setting up a surgical coaching program. They identify the key steps to follow and what metrics can be used to measure success run line with organisational prior
Surgical Coaching - Change in Belief
In the first of two podcast episodes on surgical coaching, hosts Alice and Monica speak with Dr Kristine Lombardozzi, a trauma surgeon and director at the Academy of Surgical Coaching. Dr Lombardozzi discusses the origins and importance of surgical coaching, emphasising its role in enhancing the performance of surgeons at all career stages and how it differs from teaching and mentoring. The conver
Inspiring Surgeons: Ass. Prof. Aung Myint Oo & Ass. Prof. Audrius Dulskas
In this episode, firstly Dr Alice Tsai interviews Ass. Prof. Aung Myint Oo, a prominent gastrointestinal surgeon and educator from Singapore. He shares insights into his multifaceted roles, including his work as a senior consultant, clinical informatics officer,and president of the Bariatric Society of Singapore. He discusses his passion for training future surgeons and the importance of innovativ
Literature Review: Evaluating functional outcomes and quality of life after TME
In this first in series of literature review podcasts Dr Ritch Geitenbeek (PhD Candidate at the University Medical Center, Groningen, Netherlands) discusses his recent journal article comparing outcomes for rectal cancer patients of different surgical methods. This episode is hosted by Dr Alice Tsai (Post-CCT Fellow in Oesophagogastric Surgery at Imperial College London, UK) and Dr Monica Ortenzi
EAES Family: A Special Interview with Thérèse van Velthoven
In this special episode, Gisela Brandsma recollects her time working with Thérèse van Velthoven, and Draga Mandi interviews Thérèse about how the EAES has grow and developed over her three decades with the association.If you enjoy this episode, why not subscribe to Inside Surgery so you don't miss out on future episodes?Would you like to become a part of the EAES family? Become a member via h
Hot Topics in Surgery: AI in Surgery with Dr Pietro Mascagni
In this episode Eugenio Licardie interviews Pietro Mascagni, a surgical resident and clinical research advisor based in Rome. Pietro shares insights into his work in artificial intelligence (AI) for surgery and discusses the potential for AI to improve surgical training and intraoperative performance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating AI in surgery, the need for cultur
Inspiring Surgeons: Professor Young-Woo Kim & Dr Anne Yeh
In this episode Dr Alice Tsai interviews two inspiring surgeons.Firstly, Professor Young-Woo Kim from the Graduate School of the National Cancer Center in Korea shares his experiences in the field of gastric cancer surgery. He discusses the importance of high-quality clinical trials to validate new technologies and improve patient care globally. Reflecting on his path to medicine, he reveals that
EAES 2024: Attendee highlights from Maastricht
Dr Alice Tsai interviews attendees live at EAES 2024 in Maastricht about their experience of the congress, as well as finding out about their favourite surgical instrument and celebrity surgeon!Become a member of EAES via https://eaes.eu/become-a-member
Breaking Barriers - Dr Draga Mandi and Dr Emina Letic
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr Draga Mandi is joined by Dr Emina Letic from Bosnia, a surgical resident with a passion for colorectal surgery. Mina shares her journey, from her fascination with surgery as a medical student to her current residency in Sarajevo. She discusses the challenges and biases she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, highlighting the importance of persever
Rising Stars: Dr. Clarisa Birlog and Dr Draga Mandi on Mentorship, Challenges, and Surgical Excellence
In this guest-presented episode Dr Draga Maria Mandi from Romania interviews her friend and contemporary, consultant surgeon Dr Clarisa Birlog. Clarisa shares her journey in surgical training and reflects on the opportunities available through engagement with surgical associations. Dr. Birlog discusses her passion for mentoring young surgeons through the EAES Rising Star Academy, emphasising the
Future Innovations in Robotic Surgery - Professor Mahir Ozmen and Dr Mert Tanal
The pod focuses on Turkish surgeons and features guest presenter Dr Mert Tanal interviewing Professor Dr Mahir Ozmen. They discuss the advancements and future of robotic surgery, highlighting the transition from laparoscopic to robotic surgery, emphasising improved patient outcomes and reduced complications. Prof Ozmen advocates for integrating robotic surgery into surgical residency and oncology
SIS2024: EAES curriculum + surgical coaching, hands-on simulation
In the second instalment from the Symposium of Innovation in Surgery in Bucharest, Hamish talks with Alberto Arezzo, Alice Tsai, Monica Ortenzi and Ken Cambell on a range of topics. Alberto discusses the development of the EAES training curriculum, Alice and Monica talk about coaching and surgical travel while Ken Summarises some of his research and practical development of hands-on surgical tra
SIS2024: Surgical Education Progression and the SIS concept
For the first in a series of Episodes from the Symposium on Innovations in Surgery in Bucharest, Hamish is joined by Juan Sanchez-Margallo, Salvador Moralez-Conde and Arjan Appel for a discussion around the developing paradigm of technology enhanced training and the growing popularity of the SIS. This episode is sponsored by Medtronic.Interested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn mo
SIS2024: Innovations in surgery
In this episode, Hamish is joined from Romania by the local host of SIS 2024 Prof. Catalin Copaescu to discuss visiting Bucharest for the upcoming winter meet and the topics it will cover including the development of robotic surgery and training opportunities through the hands on courses accompanying the event.This episode is sponsored by MedtronicInterested in starting with Robotics or would like
Coreal Programme Anastomotic Leak Registry
In this extended episode, Professor Tan Arulampalam is joined by Dr Pat Willer and Professor Nader Francis to discuss the Coreal programme. This programme aims to build consensus on standardising the definition and reporting registry for anastomotic leaks to allow for statistical comparison and robust scientific evaluation of new technologies and approaches. This episode is sponsored by MedtronicI
EAES2024: Professor Nicole Bouvy and Arjan Appel - Maastricht UMC+
In this episode, Hamish is joined by by the 2024 EAES congress president, Nicole Bouvy and EAES Excutive Director, Arjan Appel. Recorded at the UMS+ Maastricht, they discuss the congress themes and scientific programme delegates can expect in the forthcoming 2024 annual congress. This episode is sponsored by MedtronicInterested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn more about the HugoTM
EAES2023: Technology, Research Guidelines and Worklife
In the final episode from the EAES Roma Congress, Hamish shares the microphone with members of the communication task force Pedro Botello and Marina Yiasemidou. They catch up with professors Michel Adamina, Manish Chand, and Nader Francis for wide ranging conversations on technology, research and work-life as a surgeon.
EAES2023: Consultant viewpoints from across the EAES network
In this second live episode from the 2023 Roma Congress, Hamish is joined on presenting duties by Pedro Botelho (Portugal) where they talk with consultant surgeons Sonja Chiappetta (Italy), Danilo Miskovic (UK) and Daniel Preda (Romainia)They discuss a variety of issues ranging from new approaches to training and education innovation, the development of surgical guidelines, the work of the EAES r
EAES2023: Younger surgeon viewpoints from around the EAES network
In this live episode, Hamish is joined by a range of trainee and early career surgeons from across Europe. They reflect on the value of EAES to younger members and the trends in training and surgical opportunities across Europe in 2023. The epsiode features insight from; Michael Okocha (UK)Mert Tanal (Turkey)Draga-Maria Mandi (Romainia)Daniel Preda (Romainia)Audrius Dulskas (Lithuania)
Paul Barach - Human Vulnerability and Safety Management Systems in Medicine
In episode 2 of the pre-Roma series, Tan is joined by Paul Barach. Paul is an anaesthesiologist, researcher and lecturer from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. They discuss the importance of team training and safety management systems in the progression of medical systems.
The Social Surgeon - What can surgeons gain from social media?
In the first of the new series of of Inside Surgery running up to the EAES Annual Congress in Rome, Hamish Mackenzie is joined by Professors Marlies Schrijven and Tan Arulampalam. They discuss the benefits of social media for surgeons and some of the guard rails that might be considered when developing and engaging with a professional network. Marlies shares some of the positive stories from her
SIS2023: Technology and Team Training
In the final episode from the mini-series recorded at the EAES Symposium on Innovation in Surgery, Hamish is joined first by Yoav Mintz (Israel) and Zobia Gundkalli (UK) to discuss the changing format of the Wintermeet and the diversity of technology and training available to participants. Yoav reviews teh programme for the event whilst Zobia takes listeners through the concept of a 'surgical
SIS2023: Sustainability Focus - Prof Sheraz Marker and Stefania Marconi
In this episode, Prof Sheraz Marker reflects on his academic and clinical progression and some of the challenges of balancing this with the pressure of a young family. Sheraz discusses the support and progression available from working with the EAES research committee for the past 7 years. Stefania Marconi shares her research on environmental sustainability in the medical sector from her perspect
SIS2023: The Value of Research - Informing Practice Across Europe
In this episode from the Malta Wintermeet, Hamish Mackenzie is joined by research committee members Stavros Antoniou (Greece), Dimitris Mavridis (Greece) and Albert Wolthuis (Belgium) to discuss the tole of research within the EAES. They discuss the impact of the guidelines sub-committee and how research can inform practice across Europe.This episode is sponsored by Olympus
SIS2023: Gender, cognitive diversity and the next generation of EAES surgeons
In the next episode from the EAES Malta Wintermeet, Hamish is joined by consultant surgeons Ana Senent Boza (Chair, young members task force committee - Spain) Monica Ortenzi (research committee - Italy). They discuss the value younger surgeons can derive from the EAES and the importance of network in the early stages of career. This episode is sponsored by Olympus
SIS2023: Leadership and Direction of Travel
In this episode from the recent Malta Wintermeet, Hamish Mackenzie is joined by the EAES President, Salvador Morales Conde, President Elect, George Hanna and Roma Congress President, Nicola Di Lorenzo. They discuss direction, leadership, eduction and training and reflect on some of the major challenges and opportunities in the sector. Nicola looks forwards towards the annual congress in Roma on 20
SIS2023: Training Future Surgeons - Conversations from Wintermeet 2023
For the first in a series of conversation from the EAES Symposium on Innovation in Surgery 2023, Tan Arulampalam (UK) is joined by Suzanne Gisbertz (the Netherlands) and Barbara Seelinger (France) to discuss the future of surgical training and some of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This episode is sponsored by Olympus
Inside Surgery: Christmas Cracker
Professor Tan Arulampalam launches the new Inside Surgery podcast from the European Society for Endoscopic Surgery. In this Christmas Cracker episode, Tan talks with the executive board from the EAES about the forthcoming Symposium on Innovation in Surgery Malta and the plans the organisation has for expansion to support more surgeons over the course of 2023. The themes include collaboration, edu
