Section Meetings: from in-depth sessions to live surgeries

From in-depth sessions on key urology issues to live surgeries demonstrating the latest techniques in minimal surgeries, the eight EAU Section Meetings today attracted full attendance with specialists from various countries and disciplines examining a wide range of topics covering uro-oncology, reconstructive surgery, paediatrics, stones, female urology, to name a few.

“We have 15 live surgeries from six operating rooms in Paris, Aalst in Belgium and Mannheim, Germany. One of the highlights is the use, for the first time, of 3D-computerised tomography (Dyna-CT) which shows the access to the kidney,” said Prof. Jens Rassweiler, organiser and chairman of EAU Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT). The day-long programme which demonstrated prostate biopsies, the use of video-assisted surgery and a line-up of minimal invasive surgeries, was co-organised with the ERUS, EULIS and ESIU.

Meanwhile, the EAU Section of Oncological Urology (ESOU), Uropathology (ESUP), Urological Research (ESUR) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Genito-Urinary Group (EORTC-GU Group) tackled current issues in kidney, prostate and bladder cancers. The need for individualised patient management was the main message in the morning session. Whether this is currently possible in uro-oncology or it is something to aim for in the future was debated and examined by speakers from all groups, and all agreed that further trials are necessary to improve patient care.

Professors Kirstin Junker (DE) and Joaquim Bellmunt (ES) both discussed the importance of finding multiple biomarkers in order to profile the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients. This will enable a more individualised patient treatment. Bellmunt stressed the necessity to “genotype every patient.” The response from the audience and Prof. Cora Sternberg was that although this would be the ideal situation, it is difficult in the current clinical setting.

Sternberg concluded the session by emphasising that a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for better uro-oncological care. A case discussion with urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists will give greater insight into the diagnosis and treatment options. In turn, those options should be discussed with the patient.