GYNAECOLOGICAL endoscopy, surgical education, and technological innovation took centre stage as almost 2,400 delegates from 85 countries gathered in Kraków, Poland, for the 35th Annual Congress of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE).
Opening the Congress, its President, Rafał Stojko, reflected on advances that have transformed gynaecological surgery, from hysteroscopy and laparoscopy to robotic surgery and artificial intelligence (AI). Despite this technological progress, Stojko emphasised the people behind these developments, including surgeons mastering new skills, educators training colleagues, young doctors beginning their surgical careers, and patients placing their trust in clinical teams.
ESGE President Ertan Sarıdoğan highlighted the international reach of the meeting. Almost 2,400 delegates had registered from 85 countries, following record attendance of more than 2,500 at the previous Congress in Istanbul.
The scientific programme includes around 40 sessions over 3 days, alongside two keynote lectures and two live surgery sessions. The Congress also provides opportunities for researchers to present their work through approximately 400 oral presentations across 24 free communication sessions and around 500 poster presentations.
Education began before the main scientific programme, with 16 pre Congress courses. Eight focused on theoretical education, while a further eight provided hands on training.
Scientific Chairs Pierre Collinet and Luis Alonso Pacheco described the extensive collaboration involved in developing the programme, which brings together different perspectives from across the international gynaecological surgery community.
Developments in gynaecological endoscopy training were also highlighted by ESGE Academy Director Benoit Rabischong, who reported that more than 8,000 certifications had now been achieved.
The educational pathway progresses from theoretical knowledge and psychomotor skills developed through simulation to demonstrated surgical competence in the operating theatre. Advanced assessment incorporates peer reviewed surgical logs and video recorded procedures assessed by ESGE experts using validated tools, with feedback intended to support continued technical development.
Rabischong also highlighted ongoing work to implement AI based assessment within the training system, with the aim of supporting assessment while reducing reliance on human evaluation.
Together, the opening presentations positioned education, international collaboration, and technological development as central priorities for the evolving field of gynaecological endoscopy.
Reference
Stojko R et al. Opening Ceremony. ESGE 35th Annual Congress, 4–7 October, 2026.
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