Surgeons from all over the world attended the course on site to learn more about the latest developments in laser application with exciting specialist lectures by experienced surgeons and scientists and to apply their acquired knowledge in a practical way. Especially the mix of lectures, live surgeries, training model workstation and workshop on the anaesthetized pig make this course versatile.

The Expert Meeting focused on the basics of surgical laser systems, technical aspects of the Nd:YAG laser and surgical aspects of laser-assisted metastasis surgery. The topics of resection limits and local recurrence as well as indications and results of pulmonary metastasis surgery were of special interest for the attendees. In the afternoon, the theoretical topics were complemented by two live transmissions from the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the University Hospital Freiburg, both minimally invasive and open surgery. The participants had the opportunity directly speak to the surgeons in the operating theater and ask their questions.

The first day of the course was rounded off by a workshop station where the participants were able to use the Limax® laser endobronchially. This was characterized in particular by the use of a realistic training model, which was equipped with a prepared pig lung including bronchus. 

Theory is followed by practice. The participants were able to apply their acquired knowledge in practice on the second day of the course. The IRCAD Training Center in Strasbourg was used for this purpose. There the participants were able to perform a minimally invasive and open metastasisectomy on pigs using our Limax® laser and maXium® electrosurgery unit. Every workstation was supervised by a surgeon with experience in the field of laser application, who provided support with tips and tricks. The participants particularly appreciated the intensive training in small groups and the possibility of simulating an entire procedure. 

We look back on a successful course in Freiburg and Strasbourg and are already looking forward to its 14th edition this year.