Submit your abstracts for the 15th Russian Society of Urology Congress

Wed, 27 May 2015

St. Petersburg will host the 15th Russian Society of Urology (RSU) Congress from September 18th to 20th, a three-day event that will present a comprehensive scientific programme tackling major issues in urology, controversial topics in treatment and the latest updates in technology.

The Congress will be held in conjunction with the EAU and the European School of Urology. Abstract submission is open until June 1st. Abstracts may be submitted in English.

Below is an interview with Dr. Y. Alyaev, RSU chairman and head of the organising committee regarding the congress:

Q: What is the Congress dedicated to?Alyaev: The theme of the 15th Congress of the RSU - in collaboration with the EAU - is Urology in the 21st Century: Present and Future, covering new technologies but also current long-proven methods of treatment and new approaches and technologies.

Q: What are some of these new technologies? Alyaev: The rapidly evolving 3D-technology, for example, provides valuable information that allows diagnosis and determining the type of treatment (operative, conservative), its nature (organ-preserving, correcting and organ-resecting) as well as the option to plan technical operative details, virtually "rehearsing" the surgery in various ways.

The introduction of concepts in the internal anatomy of the kidney, internal topographic anatomy, computer simulation of the pathological process and virtual operations all have great practical impact and may lead to the probability of 3D-printing of kidneys. In the 14th RSU Congress the issue of integration in urology was considered to be very relevant. An integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment is not a fashionable trend but an urgent necessity to improve delivery of efficient urological care. But integrating the most significant innovations is not an easy task. For instance, data from the basic research is extremely important for daily practice and for assessing treatment results.

Q: What is special about the congress?Alyaev: The scientific programme of the 15th Congress is remarkable as it has been prepared in collaboration with the European Association of Urology, making it a significant event. Over the years many Russian urologists have been actively involved in the EAU’s committees and sections and with the European School of Urology. Understanding the need for mutual exchange of experience and educational resources has led to this collaborative meeting.

Q: Since when and in what areas do you cooperate with the EAU?Alyaev: In 2013, at the Annual EAU Congress in Milan, there was a meeting between the RSU and the EAU leadership. The question of joint activities in Moscow in 2015 was discussed. We are working on key issues to improve the postgraduate training programme for urologists. The RSU participates in European and international clinical and research projects. One example of cooperation was the joint translation work and adaption of the EAU Guidelines within the Russian context. An important step towards the creation of a unified approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with urological diseases are also planned.

Q: What medical fields do you expect to be represented during the congress? Alyaev: We expect to have delegates from various fields: andrology, uro-gynaecology, phthisiourology, oncourology, paediatrics, geriatric, emergency urology, etc. We also invite to join young professionals and head of departments, such as proctologists, oncologists, radiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, diagnosticians, internists, and paediatricians. In modern medicine it is necessary to be an expert in related fields.

Q: What can an expert from overseas gain from the Congress?Alyaev: Courses are offered on nine major topics (two to three-hour duration) with interactive discussions. The faculty consists of Russian, European and American lecturers. The programme includes several modules consisting of lectures, seminars with discussions, practical courses and an exam at the end.

Q: What is offered specifically for young doctors and medical scientists?Alyaev: There is a competition for young scientists and the best one will be selected in the oral presentations. We also encourage the most interesting work done in fellowships abroad. Young professionals can participate in satellite symposia, submit posters, attend the different courses, etc...

Q: What are the RSU’s achievements that you‘d consider as most important?Alyaev: Today the Russian Society of Urology is the largest professional medical organisation with over 5,000 Russian urologists. With the direct involvement of the RSU’s Executive Director, Prof. M. Gazimiev, virtual platforms were created-- website and mobile application for relevant news, job tasks solution, and exchange of experience, contacts and communication among its members. A new system for modular education for urologists is introduced for the first time in Russia. The programme‘s goal is the independent distance training of Russian doctors. Departments of urology and by leading Russian urologists created the nine modules which included, to name a few, Haematuria, Chronic Inflammatory Diseases of the Lower Urinary Tract, Acute Urinary Retention, Pyuria, Anuria, etc...

We have also active explored 3D-modeling experience. Achievements of 3D-technology are increasingly applied. We have published the book "3D-Technology in Operations of the Kidney: From Virtual to Real Surgery" issued at the 14th RSU Congress, including a digital version. Additionally, we organised this year a large number of conferences, video presentations and webinars.

Q: Why was Saint Petersburg chosen as the congress venue?Alyaev: The history of the RSU began in this city. The professor of the St. Petersburg Military Medical Academy, S. Fedorov founded our society in 1907. He was a well-known surgeon and urologist and the society’s first president. St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest political, industrial and scientific centre. With its cultural legacy, the city is called the "Venice of the North" and is a popular travel destination. The congress venue will be at the EXPOFORUM, a new and modern congress and exhibition centre.

Q: What other benefits will participants gain from the Congress?Alyaev: Section meetings of the congress are focused on major urology issues such as urolithiasis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, kidney and bladder cancer, neurourology, men's health and paediatric urology and andrology, among others. We have prepared a comprehensive scientific programme with key opinion leaders from both RSU and EAU, an exhibit with the latest developments in urology, the possibility to share professional knowledge and experience, peer networking, the participation of equipment manufacturers and medical suppliers, and participants can join courses and participate in a social programme that will give them the chance to see and experience this beautiful city.