3rd Annual Meeting European Society of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons & 22nd Congress of GECI

Dear Members, Guests and Friends,

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the joint 3rd Annual Congress of ESPES and 22nd Annual Congress of GEI in Marseille, which promises to be an excellent programme for all qualified and trainee surgeons who may have an interest in paediatric minimal access surgery and advances of technology , as well as allied specialists, scientists, technicians, nurses and industry .
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The 1st half of day one “Thursday 26th”, is dedicated to an intensive expert lead advanced workshop (Masterclass – Laparoscopic Renal Surgery) and a parallel basic hands-on workshop. The scientific programme will start in the afternoon and continues throughout Friday 27th and Saturday morning 28th, covering all aspects of basic and advanced minimal access surgery and technology in children, including thoracoscopy, gastrointestinal and urological laparoscopy, oncology as well as basic science. There will be three keynote lectures-Hepatobiliary Surgery:the Minimal Invaasive approach and Aspiring to Authorship, and one minisymposia/ panel discussion – Minimal Invasive Surgery for Congenital Thoracic malformation.

As usual, the abstract, programme and organising committees, have made specific efforts to include all levels and styles, but appropriate and proportionate, contributions from all over Europe and beyond; keep the cost of both the workshops and congress to bear minimum so the less privileged and trainees can benefit and contribute.

I am extremely grateful to the Local Organisers in particular Jean Michel Guys and Pascal de Lagausie , Nathalie Fontant and ESPES/GECI Members of the Organising Committee for making this event possible and enjoyable.

I would also like to thank the sponsors, industry partners and those who have helped before, during and after the congress.

I look forward to seeing you all in Marseille - September 2013.

Azad Najmaldin
ESPES President