ESGURS-ESAU26 Scientific Programme: Interview with Prof. David Ralph
In an interview, ESGURS Chair Prof. David Ralph (GB), highlights several advancements in urological reconstruction that will feature at ESGURS–ESAU26, alongside the topics he is most keen to see debated.
The ESGURS–ESAU26 meeting will take place in Ghent, Belgium on 24–25 September 2026 and is a collaboration between the EAU’s Sections of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons and Andrological Urology. The two-day scientific programme will cover topics including reconstructive urethral surgery, penile implants and reconstruction, gender-affirming surgery, male infertility, the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the management of patients with diabetes and priapism.
Prof. David Ralph: “Key developments shaping the field in 2026 include benign robotic reconstruction, prosthetic surgery – including a new penile implant and sphincter, and innovations in urethral reconstruction.”
This year’s programme includes several sessions on complications, such as penile implant failure and difficult priapism cases. “The ESGURS–ESAU26 meeting provides an educational platform for openly discussing failures and challenging outcomes,” said Prof. Ralph. “It is essential for surgeons to be able to manage complications in reconstructive surgery. With many prosthetic procedures performed, complications are not uncommon. The meeting’s live surgical demonstrations of complication management will provide an important learning process. Younger surgeons are often discouraged by the prospect of complications, but seeing them handled in a structured, logical way can be highly instructive, helping them to progress and build confidence.”
Addressing one of the most pressing obstacles facing clinicians in urological reconstruction today, Prof. Ralph stated: “The main challenge for reconstructive urologists is the dominance of oncological surgery within our field. Many hospitals give preference to cancer therapy, which can quite often make it difficult to establish and maintain reconstructive services in the modern era. However, quality of life outcomes from benign and often malignant reconstruction remains a key part of urology, and in some cases quality of life is just as important as quantity.”
On the topic of new techniques and technologies to be showcased in the ESGURS-ESAU26 scientific programme, he added: “I’m looking forward to the live surgeries, which are invaluable for keeping up-to-date and learning new techniques, particularly in penile and urethral surgery. There are also state-of-the-art lectures on infertility and other andrological topics that should not be missed.”
---
- The ESGURS-ESAU26 scientific programme includes live and semi-live surgical sessions, step-by-step video demonstrations, and case-based discussions with opportunities for debate. These sessions are designed to address both established practices and emerging developments in the field.
- Abstract submission – If you have cutting-edge research in urological reconstruction or andrology, don’t miss the abstract submission deadline of 25 June 2026 – 23:59 CEST.
- Registration is open – you can save on your registration with the early fee discount (also with a deadline of 25 June 2026 – 23:59 CEST).