Inside Surgery
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 wall reconstruction in Greece, reflect on their experience in an all-women robotic training programme designed to build both technical expertise and professional community.
The conversation explores access to robotic training ac...
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 make transcontinental telesurgery safe and feasible. The conversation explores signal latency, fibre-optic networks, AI-assisted motion stabilisation, and the teamwork required on both ends of a complex radical prostatectomy.
Beyond the technical achievement, Dr Ahallal reflects on his journey fr...
EAES Fellowship
In this episode of Inside Surgery, host Dr. Draga Mandi speaks with Dr. DragoČ™ 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 surgical practice. The conversation explores the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, the role of mentorship and technical refinement, and how international fellowships foster long-term professional growth, collaboration, and adaptability in modern European surgery.
If you enj...
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 how instrument design often overlooks women’s ergonomics. She emphasizes the need for systemic change, representation, and collective European action to advance equity in surgery.Â
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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 how the exam supports harmonisation of training across countries, validates surgical mastery beyond national certifications, and enhances professional credibility. With growing international recognition, the UEMS exam is presented as a key step for surgeons committed to quality, lifelong learning, and high s...
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 in robotic autonomy, flexible endoscopy, and medical device development. The guests also spotlight immersive hands-on courses in fluorescence-guided surgery, bariatrics, abdominal wall repair, and remote-access thyroidectomy. Set in the scenic Alfândega Congress Centre, the symposium aims to accelerate safe innovation, empower surgical teams, and position Port...
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 discuss challenges such as time pressure, feasibility, and app-development costs, as well as the crucial role of their mentors. Their story highlights the Sandpit’s unique mix of innovation, teamwork, mentorship, and the confidence it builds in youn...
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 for early-career researchers applying for grants and highlights the future directions of his minimally invasive surgery research.
The call for EAES Research Grants 2026 is open till 30 November 2025. Apply now!
If...
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.
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This podcast is sponsored by Richard Wolf System Green, the real-time ICG/NIR solution for enhanced vision an...
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/s00464-025-12173-7
If you enjoy this episode, why not subscribe to Inside Surgery so you don't miss out on future episodes?
This podcast is sponsored by Richard Wolf System Green, the real-time ICG/NIR solution for enhanced vision and saver decision in 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, empathy, and the concept of “one medicine.”
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This podcast is sponsored by Richard Wolf System Green, the real-time ICG/NIR solution for enhanced vision and...
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 out on future episodes?
This podcast is sponsored by Richard Wolf System Green, the real-time ICG/NIR solution for enhanced vision and saver decision in surgery.
Would you...
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 where to visit while in Belgrade.
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Would you like to become a part of...
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.
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Would you like to become a part of the EAES family? Become...
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 discuss the relationship between engineers and surgeons and how it has changed over time, as well as considering the successes and challenges of innovating in surgery, and how to respond when it doesn't work first time.
If you enjoy...
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 as an intraoperative assistant while emphasising the need for careful implementation. Discussions cover AI-driven task automation, augmented reality, and competency assessment tools. The episode highlights AI’s role in surgical education, ethical considerations, and the future of automation, reinforcing that while AI will transform surgery, human...
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 for pelvic dissection—to optimise outcomes. Key surgical insights include meticulous dissection, cross-stapling strategies, and the role of fluorescence-guided perfusion assessment to reduce anastomotic leaks. He emphasises the need for standardisation, patience, and attention to detail to achieve the best results in rectal cancer surgery.
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 Perretta discusses the synergy between this procedure and weight-loss drugs, the training process for surgeons, and the low complication rates associated with the technique. She emphasises the importance of learning this method as part of a comprehensive obesity treatment strategy.
If you enjoy this episode...
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 paper on 'Endoscopic-assisted repair of combined ventral hernias and diastasis recti: minimizing seroma incidence by quilting'.
Reference:
Cossa JP, Ngo P, Blum D, PĂ©lissier E, Gillion JF. Endoscopic-assisted repair of...
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 discuss CLASSICA, an EU-funded project bringing together five leading cancer surgery centres across Europe to look at how to deploy cancer classification AI technology in the operating theatre. As well as explaining the phases...
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 ACM, Tejedor P, Milone M, Andriopoulou E, Kontovounisios C, Leeds IL, Awad ZT, Barber MW, Al-Mansour M, Nassif G, West MA, Pryor AD, Carli F...
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 emphasise how the programme has given them lifelong professional networks and foster lasting friendships.
Find out more about the Research Sandpit: https://eaes.eu/about-eaes/committees/research/research-talent-academy/
If you enjoy this episode, why...
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 leadership coaching draws parallels between the critical role of captains and surgeons, emphasising the importance of results ("golden eggs") while maintaining personal health and resilience ("the goose").
You can find out more about captaincy on Mike's website: www...
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 priorities, and Alice experiences coaching live from Kristine.
Links:
> The Academy for Surgical Coaching
> Wisconsin Surgical Coaching Program
If you enjoy this episode, why not subscribe<...
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 conversation also highlights successful U.S. coaching programs and Dr Lombardozzi's personal journey into coaching, driven by her commitment to improving surgical education and performance. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of practical applications...
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 innovative teaching methods like using cooperative multiplayer games to engage younger generations. Secondly, Dr Mert Tanal interviews Dr Audrius Dulshas from Lithuania, exploring his journey to becoming a surgeon. He shares how his childhood dream of surgery motivated him throughout his...
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 (Assistant Professor of Surgery at UniversitĂ Politecnica delle Marche in Italy).
Article reference:
Geitenbeek, R.T.J., Burghgraef, T.A., Moes, C.A. et al. Functional outcomes and quality of life following open versus laparoscopic versus robot-assisted versus t...
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 https://eaes.eu/become-a-member
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 cultural change among surgeons and the potential for AI to democratise access to surgical expertise worldwide.
Would you like to become a part of the EAES family? Become a member via https://eaes.eu/become-a-member
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 his initial aspirations ranged from becoming an author or classical singer to being a researcher in genetic engineering.
Secondly, Dr Anne Yeh from National Taiwan University Hospital. Dr Ye, a dedicated general surgeon with...
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 perseverance and resilience. Mina also talks about the support she found in international surgical networks and the impact of mentorship and research involvement on her career. The conversation explores the broader issues of gender...
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 importance of non-technical skills like communication and empathy. She highlights the challenges female surgeons face and the importance of mentorship.
This episode is sponsored by Medtronic.
Interested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn more about the HugoTM RAS sy...
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 curricula, stressing the importance of practical, hands-on training with experienced mentors and advanced simulations.
Prof Ozmen notes significant technological advancements, such as new robotic systems and micro-robots, and the crucial role of GPUs and TPUs in processing big data for enhancing machine learning a...
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 training models.
This episode is sponsored by Medtronic.
Interested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn more about the HugoTM RAS system? Sign up here: https://cvent.me/2eNBGZÂ
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 more about the HugoTM RAS system? Sign up here: https://cvent.me/2eNBGZÂ
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 Medtronic
Interested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn more about the HugoTM RAS system? Sign up here: https://cvent.me/2eNBGZÂ
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.
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This episode is sponsored by Medtronic
Interested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn more about the HugoTM RAS system? Sign up here: https://cvent.me/2eNBGZÂ
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.
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This episode is sponsored by Medtronic
Interested in starting with Robotics or would like to learn more about the HugoTM RAS system? Sign up here: https://cvent.me/2eNBGZÂ
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.
