Robotic surgery is growing in Europe. More and more specialities are adopting the technique in more and more countries. This has started a discussion on the need for a European forum for exchange of experience and ideas focusing on both education, training and science.
On 18–20 April 2007 the first multidisciplinary European meeting on robotic surgery was held in Lund, Sweden.
Day one was an introduction to robotic surgery with both theoretical and practical sessions, e.g., how to prepare as console surgeon, how to position the patient, how to build a robotic team, the importance of teamwork and the role of the OR nurse. The two following days included plenary sessions and break-out sessions in urology, gynecology, surgery and pediatric surgery with lectures, videos, live-operation transmission and meet-the-expert sessions. The conference was ended with a round-table discussion, Evolution of Robotic Surgery in Europe, with participants from five European countries.
Close to 200 delegates—both doctors and nurses—from more than ten countries attended the conference. It became obvious that there was a great interest for further similar European gatherings. In fact, there will be a continuation in Berlin already next year (29–31 May 2008). It was also discussed whether the time has come for a multidisciplinary European society of robotic surgery. A working group was formed and committed to investigate this question and make preparations for further discussion at the Berlin meeting on establishing such a society. Please feel free to contact anders.bergenfelz@med.lu.se for comments and questions.
Magnus Anderberg MD
Magnus Annerstedt MD
Anders Bergenfelz MD
Christina Etén-Bergqvist RN
Ingemar Ihse MD
Jan Persson MD
Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden