Collective experiences in Rome and Madrid: Excerpts from the JUA-EAU reports
What techniques and procedures have participants observed during the recent Japanese Urological Association (JUA) - European Urological Association (EAU) Academic Exchange Programme? What are their memorable cultural experiences in Italy and Spain? This article provides excerpts and links to full reports of Dr. Tomokazu Sazuka of the Chiba University Hospital and Dr. Hideto Ueki of the Kobe University Hospital.
Report A: “JUA-EAU Academic Exchange Programme: A stepping stone to even greater achievements”
"Upon arriving by plane, we visited the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where I met Prof. Bernard Rocco. At the hospital, I had the opportunity to observe the robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedure and was thrilled to study the Rocco anastomosis technique.
"After 4 days in Rome, we travelled to Madrid. There, I had the opportunity to visit the Urology Department at the Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, under the guidance of Prof. Francisco Javier Burgos Revilla.
"On the first day, I observed robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed on the Versius platform. Compared with the da Vinci system, the Versius has a slightly weaker arm and seems slightly less intuitive, but the surgeon’s expertise more than compensated for it. I was also fortunate to witness the first case of robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) at the hospital.
"We also attended a Real Madrid basketball game with the hospital staff. Real Madrid won, and the shared excitement helped us bond quickly. With Prof. Burgos fostering an open and engaging atmosphere, the 3-day clinical visit in Madrid was a unique and valuable experience that complemented my experience in Rome."
Read the full report of Dr. Tomokazu Sazuka here.
Report B: "A unique opportunity across two nations: My experience in the 2025 JUA-EAU Academic Exchange Programme"
"At Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, we observed several robotic surgeries across different platforms. The surgical team demonstrated a high level of precision and skill, and I was impressed by their experience and efficiency. The hospital also has strong collaboration between clinical care and translational research, with advanced infrastructure for data-driven medicine.
"In Madrid, we visited Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal under the guidance of Prof. Francisco Javier Burgos Revilla, who organised both hospital activities and cultural visits. We observed a variety of surgeries, including endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS), RARP, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), urethroplasty, and kidney transplantation."
Read the full report of Dr. Hideto Ueki here.
