ISDE 2016 World Congress

Dear ISDE, ESDE, Associated Societies, and Esophageal Enthusiasts:

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Singapore to share our expertise in dealing with esophageal diseases. These past two years since the very successful Vancouver meeting have dramatically increased the interactions from the various specialties involved in our Society. It is the probably the best time to be involved in the ISDE to date with all of the initiatives that are now bringing together surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists, and oncologists that are interested in the esophagus. As can be seen in our educational programs, at no point in history has our combined expertise been so necessary. The fantastic program that has been assembled through the tireless efforts of Professor’s Ho and Van Lanschot promises one of the best meetings ever.

We have all seen the phenomenal increase in the number of POEM procedures being performed around the world. These procedures are being performed by both surgeons and gastroenterologists with remarkable results. It is clear that this is becoming the therapy of choice for achalasia and consideration is being given to making this combined procedure with the ability to perform an anti-reflux procedure. There is definitely a great deal of interest in this procedure and defining its place in our specialty. These techniques and instruments are being demonstrated in workshops and demonstrations during this meeting.

Combined procedures are rapidly being considered for oncological applications as well as larger malignancies can be treated with endoscopic approaches. It is clear that for early stage disease, endoscopic therapy is preferred with excellent long-term results. However, procedures in more advance disease may very well respond to a combined approach that reduces the morbidity and mortality with esophagectomy. Several demonstrationsare being performed during this conference that are illustrate the novel approaches our members are pioneering to enhance the treatment of neoplastic diseases. These further blur the distinction between endoscopic and surgical approaches.

Finally imaging has arrived that can almost take the place of histology. Confocal endomicroscopy has developed to the point that both surgical and medical colleagues can define histological changes. Widefield microscopic imaging with volume laser endomicroscopy can be used to image a Barrett’s esophagus segment. These are truly breakthrough technologies that deliver real time diagnosis that allows physicians to implement therapy. Pathologists are now helping to interpret these images and to bring the field forward.

I wish to thank all of the Society members for their continued support. All of our committee chairs and members have worked hard to produce the guidelines and educational programs to enhance the profession. Professors John Pandolfino and Giovanni Zaninotto have continued to enhance our journal and keep building the terrific content improving its impact factor to over 2. I also want to thank Prof. Mark Ferguson, the Society’s executive director, who has continued to keep the Society growing and its finances sound. Let us all enjoy Singapore and this great international meeting.



Kenneth K. Wang

ISDE President