First ESU course in Pristina, Kosovo

The European School of Urology (ESU) held from May 4 to 5 this year its first course in Pristina, Kosovo, which ran concurrently with the 9th Congress of the Kosova Urological Association. The two-day course covered the latest updates in uro-oncology such as renal tumours and prostate cancer, two of the most widely discussed and encountered diseases in urology.

The course aimed to provide participants not only the expert knowledge of the invited speakers but also to provide practical tips and insights to those specialising on uro-oncology. Thanks to the efforts of Professors Henk Van Der Poel (Netherlands) and Bob Djavan (Austria), the course was a success, gathering around 150 participants coming from the region. Participants also expressed enthusiasm about the ESU course and gave positive comments, with many saying they look forward to a similar course in future meetings.

The members of the Kosova Urological Association also expressed their thanks to ESU staff member Stephanie Van Borrendam for carefully assisting in the organisation of the course. We also extend our appreciation to Prof. Shpetim Telegrafi (USA) for his contribution to the Kosovo Urological Association and his participation as a guestspeaker in our ninth congress. We also appreciate the assistance of Prof. Van Der Poel who also gave a lecture during the course.

Insights and recommendationsThe open forum during the course prompted lively exchanges among the participants and speakers and many said they have gained new insights and useful recommendations on how to deal with difficult cases in prostate and kidney cancers. Among the issues taken up was the quality of diagnostic tools in specialised urology centres. Professors Djavan and Van Der Poel explained the ways and methods of treatment and diagnostic work-up performed in their respective countries, providing comprehensive treatment approaches.

In their lectures it was also mentioned that many patients seek treatment only in the late stage or phase of the disease. Participants were therefore interested on how to prevent and treat complications. The audience also raised a lot of questions regarding the various treatment approaches during the discussion on clinical cases. The enthusiasm was such that discussions continued even during the coffee and lunch breaks.

The invited experts expressed their thanks for the hospitality of the hosts, and also noted the enthusiastic Q&A forum during the course. They also expressed the wish that these interactions, exchange visit and contacts will continue in the future through various activities such as masterclasses or the introduction of new approaches and technologies in urology.

We believe that this kind of course will help us have a better understanding of where we are now regardingurological education and training issues, helping us in our aim to provide the best quality healthcare.

This report is featured in the forthcoming issue of European Urology Today.