This autumn, Antwerp will be the centre of not only European but certainly transatlantic reconstructive and andrological urology. Local arrangements for the meeting fell to a local organising committee led by Ass. Prof. Gunter De Win (Antwerp, BE) and Prof. Koenraad Van Renterghem (Hasselt, BE), who share their thoughts on the approaching meeting here.
The EAU Sections of Genito-Reconstructive Surgeons and Andrological Urology (ESGURS and ESAU) have held joint section meetings in recent years, but for 2024 they will be joined by the US-based Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS). This step promises to bring new speakers, new participants as well as new insights to the meeting.
The meeting, taking place on 9-11 October will partially run in parallel to the ESU-ESAU-ESGURS Masterclass on Erectile Restoration and Peyronie’s disease (9-10 October).
Prof. De Win is specialised in adolescent urology and lower urinary tract reconstruction in all forms, and in his position at the University of Antwerp, he researches adolescent sexual health. Prof. Van Renterghem is an ESGURS board member and consultant urologist at the Leuven University Hospitals and professor of urology at Hasselt University.
A worldwide perspective
Prof. Van Renterghem: “Seeing as this is an event that brings together our two EAU Sections, the European School of Urology, our colleagues from GURS, and also includes a session by the International Society of Reconstructive Urology [ISORU], delegates can expect all facets of reconstructive urology to be covered.”
“That will certainly be the case for erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, penile implants of different varieties, fertility, urethra surgery, male and female incontinence, transgender care, ureter problems, bladder neck surgery and so on. We are also proud to offer (even more than usual!) live surgery at this meeting, covering the majority of the aforementioned conditions.”
“The faculty will be diverse and come from all over the world. To summarise, we hope to present a unique and ‘once in a lifetime’ event in Belgium this October.”
On recent ESGURS-related meetings, Prof. De Win points out that the live surgery element has become a defining characteristic: “But at GURS meetings, we see more wide-ranging discussions and debates, roundtables and other expert lectures. By combining these two approaches in our scientific programme, we hope to offer delegates the best of both worlds.”
“While live surgery will take place on all three congress days, we will offer a parallel series of plenary sessions that cover a huge variety of topics. The participation of the ISORU, as led by Indian urethra experts Sanjay Kulkarni and Pankaj Joshi, will give the meeting an additional international touch.”
“Speaking generally, reconstructive urology is inherently diverse: every corner of the world has different pathologies. We all can learn from each other. The global character of the meeting will be a real selling point for people to attend.”
Live surgery
Global (ES)GURS-ESAU24 will feature no fewer than eight live surgery sessions spread out over its three days. Each session will typically showcase three complete procedures, most of which will be performed live in Antwerp.
Profs. Van Renterghem and De Win: “Patients will come primarily from our centres in Antwerp and to a lesser extent from Hasselt. We already have a lot of interesting cases lined up, from female, upper tract and penile reconstructive cases and implants to urethral surgery and the management of complications. Our hospitals are well-equipped and experienced to offer live surgery for educational events. We feel it continues to have great educational value, especially in cases where technique and complications management are key.”
“In addition, Antwerp is conveniently located near major transportation hubs and can be reached easily by train by neighboring countries and even the UK. We would heartily recommend coming to the meeting by train as our beautiful venue is located right next to Antwerp Central Station. The closest international airports are Brussels and Amsterdam Schiphol, with regular train connections to Antwerp from either. We hope to see all of our colleagues there!”
- Abstract submission on various topics is open until 10 July
- The discounted Early Fee is available until 10 July, with various price points available for members of the associations involved, nurses, residents etc.