• Learn from the best: We bring to you world-renowned experts.
• Share with your peers: A focus on course or masterclass offers a unique opportunity to train and to share knowledge with colleagues at your level.
• Avoid the basics: Designed for advanced practitioners and specialists, our focus-on trainings ensure your time investment is highly valuable.
• Hands-on training: With a limited number of participants, often just two per working station, our on-site training maximizes practical exercises and brainstorming sessions.

Residents in training are welcome in both courses and masterclasses.

We currently offer three Focus On Surgery series:

• Mini-invasive and endoscopic surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical oncology

Mini-invasive and endoscopic surgery
Veterinarians new to laparoscopic surgery should enroll in the ESAVS Basic Laparoscopy Course. This course covers the fundamentals of laparoscopy, enabling participants to perform laparoscopic spays and biopsies. Advanced mini-invasive surgery masterclasses are designed for specialists or specialized vets already proficient in basic procedures.

Advanced laparoscopic surgery 1 and 2 **
Participants to these advanced laparoscopy courses will become proficient in advanced procedures including gallbladder, porto-systemic shunts, hiatal hernias, adrenals, nephrectomies, lymphadenectomies and more.

Thoracoscopic surgery**
This masterclass is tailored for veterinarians well versed in basic and more advanced laparoscopic procedures. They will practice pericardectomy, thoracic duct ligation, lung lobectomy etc.

Advanced Ear-Nose-throat interventional endoscopy*
This course is designed as an extension of the ESAVS STS IV program. Participants will practice endoscopic guided interventions in the ears, nose and more.

Neurosurgery
We currently offer three “focus on neurosurgery” courses:
Neurosurgery Spine 1: Decompressive surgery*
This course is designed for veterinary surgeons with interest in neurosurgery already comfortable with neurologic examination and willing to master conventional decompressive techniques as hemilaminectomy, discectomy, dorsal laminectomy, corpectomy and more.

Neurosurgery Spine 2**
This masterclass is an advanced, hands-on course designed to equip veterinary surgeons with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform various spinal stabilization procedures for trauma and instability in small animals.

Neurosurgery Brain **
This specialized masterclass primarily targets surgeons or neurologists wishing to understand the intricacies of intra-cranial surgery. it will equip you with the necessary expertise and training to carry out a wide range of procedures including pituitary and brain tumours, brain trauma and hydrocephalus treatment.

Surgical oncology
This series will embark you on a transformative journey with our comprehensive Modular Training Course tailored for advanced surgeons* and specialists** in veterinary surgery. This cutting-edge program, comprising five modules, combines online and residential components to provide a holistic learning experience.

Online Module*,**: On-demand Webinars on Fundamentals of Surgical Oncology
The fundamentals of Surgical Oncology are brought to you through insightful webinars, designed for surgeons and given by leading specialists in their fields.

Onsite modules 1 to 4 *,**: Engage with experts, refine your skills, and network with peers through four residential modules that can be taken independently. You will be equipped with practical skills that can be immediately applied to enhance your surgical oncology expertise and improve patient outcomes.
• Surgical oncology 1: Cutaneous and subcutaneous tumours
• Surgical oncology 2: Body walls and musculoskeletal tumours
• Surgical oncology 3: Abdomen
• Surgical oncology 4: Head and neck

These independent programs aim to enhance your knowledge and skills in specific surgical domains. Topics are designed for advanced or specialist levels, depending on complexity.

The following topics are currently planned:
• Advanced esophageal and gastric surgery*
• Hernias*
• Surgery under magnification**: ureters, nerves,
• Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass and Artificial Urinary Sphincter*
• And more…

Target group: Advanced
This course is tailored for veterinary surgeons interested in advanced soft tissue surgery. Participants should have a strong surgical background, demonstrated by their previous participation to ESAVS soft tissue surgery courses or equivalent training. Certificate and master’s degree holders, as well as ECVS and ACVS residents are warmly invited to participate. A 30% discount will be offered to residents in training (limited number of seats).

Aim
To consolidate basic knowledge and develop advanced understanding and practice of indications and techniques related to abdominal wall and perineal hernia / ruptures repair.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants should:
• Differentiate between hernias, ruptures, and defects, and understand the clinical significance of these differences in veterinary practice.

• Evaluate and select the appropriate imaging modalities for diagnosing hernias and ruptures in various clinical scenarios.

• Analyze the anatomy of the abdominal wall, inguinal/scrotal/femoral regions, and prepubic tendon, and apply this knowledge to the repair of small hernias and defects.

• Implement local techniques such as muscle release and component separation for the repair of middle-sized hernias and ruptures.

• Assess the indications, selection, and use of mesh and biological implants in the repair of large hernias and ruptures and develop strategies to avoid compartment syndrome.

• Identify and manage associated lesions in challenging perineal hernias, and apply muscular flaps and other advanced repair methods.

• Engage in case discussions to develop problem-solving skills for complex hernia cases, including scenarios where initial repairs fail and repeat surgery is necessary.

Aims and Learning Outcomes:
Our goal is to enhance your ENT endoscopic anatomical knowledge, explore the impact of endoscopic treatments on the physiology of hearing and respiration, and train you in performing comprehensive endoscopic evaluations. You will also learn relevant interventional procedures for the ear canal, middle ear, auditory tubes, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx.

Aims:
Our aim is to improve your ENT endoscopic anatomical knowledge, understand the impact of endoscopic treatment on physiology of hearing and respiration and train you in performing thorough endoscopic evaluation and relevant interventional procedures of the ear canal, middle ear, auditory tubes, nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Learning outcomes:
• Understand and comprehend the anatomy and function of the ear, auditory tubes and nose
• Develop the ability to perform video-otoscopy of the ear canal.
• Learn to conduct myringotomy and assisted endoscopy of the middle ear cavity, evaluating middle and inner ear structures, including the auditory tube.
• Be able to place perendoscopically ventilation tubes in the ear drum
• Become proficient in debriding obstructive middle ear mucosa and performing septotomy.
• Master techniques for rhinoscopy, normograde and retrograde nasopharyngoscopy, polyp removal, and biopsy procedures.
• Learn to treat nasopharyngeal stenosis.
• Understand the role of endoscopy in turbinate resection in brachycephalics and treatment of nasal cancer
Target group Advanced courses*:
This course is designed for Internal medicine, surgery or feline specialists as well as residents and experienced veterinary surgeons with experience in ENT medicine, surgery and basic endoscopic techniques.

Introductory words:
Building on the success of our previous advanced laparoscopic training sessions at the Surgical Training Institute in Bucharest, we are excited to announce a new training program focused on adrenal and liver procedures, among other topics. Alongside Program 1, scheduled for October 19-21, 2026, this course covers the full spectrum of current minimally invasive techniques for small animals, including the most advanced applications of ICG and NIRF. Please note that these advanced courses are designed to be independent of each other, addressing different topics and can be completed in any order.
Under the expert guidance of Prof. Bart Van Goethem, our team of world-renowned specialists, including Manuel Jimenez and Federico Massari, will offer personalized instruction and insights. This will equip you with the skills needed to integrate these innovative minimally invasive procedures into your practice, ultimately benefiting your patients.
To maximize surgical training and individual benefit, participants will work in pairs, with a maximum of 10 tables available.

Aims and learning outcomes: This masterclass will elevate your proficiency in minimally invasive surgery to the highest level.

By the end of this masterclass, you will be able to:
• Safely perform left and right adrenalectomies.
• Understand and utilize ICG and NIRF technology.
• Identify and dissect sub-lumbar and pelvic lymph nodes in different recumbent positions.
• Select appropriate cases for minimally invasive liver lobectomies and extra-hepatic shunt banding.
• Practice liver lobectomies, laparoscopic-assisted nephrectomies, and splenectomies.
• Explore additional techniques involving the pancreas, prostate, and ductus deferens.

Target group: This course is designed for individuals who possess prior experience in the field of small animal laparoscopy.

Introductory words:
For this distinctive masterclass, the collaboration between a small animal surgeon specializing in neurology and a neurologist with a keen interest in surgery provides an optimal training environment. Together, they offer the most extensive expertise available to elevate your neurosurgical skills to unprecedented levels.
It is crucial, however, to acknowledge that discussing intracranial surgery without addressing the essential component of perioperative care would result in an incomplete examination of the subject. With this consideration in mind, we have expanded the program to include a comprehensive array of topics presented in recorded webinars, covering diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, intensive care, and adjuvant therapies.

Aims and learning outcomes:
The main objectives of this masterclass are to acquaint the veterinary surgeons with the intricacies of intra-cranial surgery and equip them with the necessary expertise and training to carry out a wide range of procedures.

Upon completion of this masterclass, participants will have achieved the following outcomes:
• Understand Indications for Brain Surgery:
-Identify and describe various surgical diseases that necessitate brain surgery.
-Explain the role of surgical interventions in cases of meningioma, the roles of biopsies, hydrocephalus management, and trauma treatment.
• Diagnostic Imaging in Surgical Decision-Making:
-Evaluate the importance of diagnostic imaging in the decision-making process for brain surgery.
-Interpret imaging results to inform surgical planning and approaches.
• Technical Proficiency in Brain Surgery:
-Demonstrate knowledge of the technical aspects and procedures involved in brain surgery.
-Apply surgical techniques appropriately in different clinical scenarios.
• Pituitary Tumor Surgery:
-Understand the fundamentals of pituitary tumor surgery in both dogs and cats.
-Recognize the unique challenges and considerations associated with pituitary surgery in different species.
-Recognize common mistakes and challenges encountered in brain and pituitary surgeries.
-Develop strategies to avoid pitfalls and manage challenges effectively during surgical procedures.
• Clinical Case Analysis:
-Analyze and discuss various clinical cases, including those involving trauma and reconstruction.
-Develop critical thinking skills to assess complex cases and determine appropriate surgical interventions.

These learning outcomes aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of brain and pituitary surgery in veterinary medicine.

Target group: This specialized course primarily targets surgeons or neurologists but it also welcomes residents in their final years of training who possess advanced knowledge in neurology and/or surgery.

Introductory words:
Intervertebral disc disease is the most common spine condition in dogs and decompression of the spinal cord often the only treatment for regaining locomotory function. However, relatively few surgeons or neurologists feel confident performing spinal surgery. This hesitancy stems from several factors: First, neurosurgery requires a comprehensive neurological examination combined with accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging to precisely locate the site of spinal compression. Second, there is a significant fear of causing harm to the spinal cord, particularly if the surgical approach or technique is not optimal. To help you overcome these challenges, I have invited two highly experienced neurosurgeons, Bianca Hettlich and Björn Meij, both renowned for their expertise in performing and teaching neurosurgery, to lead this Masterclass spinal surgery 1 on decompressive techniques with more than 50% of the time dedicated to hands-on exercises. Please note that, for those interested in stabilization techniques for spinal fractures or instability, these topics will be addressed in Masterclass spinal surgery 2.

Aims and learning outcomes:
The goal of this masterclass is to equip participants with the confidence and skills to perform the most common decompressive surgical procedures. Topics to be covered in this three-day masterclass include a quick review of neurologic examination, of the imaging of the spine, and of the most relevant surgical spinal diseases of the dog. Decompressive procedures will be reviewed and afterwards performed by participants in a cadaver lab. The course will also address procedural complications and postoperative management.

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
-Interprete findings of the neurologic examination for spinal lesion localization and assessment of severity.
-Appraise pros and cons of different imaging modalities for assessment of spinal conditions.
-Choose appropriate technique and instrumentation for decompressive spinal surgery.
-Describe the different steps of decompressive procedures of cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine and lumbosacral spine.
-Apply skills to perform hemilaminectomy, mini-hemilaminectomy, lateral corpectomy, dorsal laminectomy, microdiscectomy, ventral slot and dorsal laminectomy.
-Recognize and manage possible intraoperative and postoperative complications
-Develop a postoperative management plan for patients after spinal decompressive surgery.

Target group:
This course is designed for veterinary surgeons with interest in neurosurgery. Participants should be comfortable in conducting comprehensive neurological examinations and determining neurolocalization before attending the masterclass. ECVN, ECVS, and ACVS’ residents in training are warmly invited to participate.

Introductory words:
Thoracoscopy represents a remarkable achievement in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The lectures will be dedicated to showcasing, describing surgical techniques and engaging in discussions with participants. By using a model of ventilated anatomical parts and anesthetized sheep, this masterclass will allow you to approach the reality of small animal thoracoscopic surgery most effectively. The fundamentals of thoracoscopic anesthesia will be provided through a recorded webinar. Three renowned experts will be your guides for a unique training experience tailor-made for any veterinary surgeon with experience in mini-invasive surgery.

Target group: This masterclass is designed for veterinary surgeons and residents who already possess experience in laparoscopic surgery.

Aims and learning outcomes:
The primary goals of this masterclass are to familiarize the veterinary surgeon with the unique aspects of thoracoscopic surgery. At the end of this masterclass, participants will:
• Understand the setup and instrumentation required for thoracoscopic procedures.
• Gain proficiency in the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) and Near-Infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) in thoracoscopy.
• Learn to manage conditions such as pyothorax and foreign bodies within the pleural space, chylothorax, including thoracic duct ligation (TDL) and cisterna chyli ablation (CCA).
• Master the techniques for lung biopsy, partial lobectomy, and total lobectomy.
• Explore alternative methods and additional clinical cases utilizing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).
• Understand the pathophysiology and selection criteria for cases involving mediastinal masses.
• Practice the techniques of pericardial window procedures, subtotal pericardectomy and pericardioscopy and understand the procedure for right appendage removal.
• Study the diagnosis and thoracoscopic treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA).
• Apply theoretical knowledge in practical wet lab sessions using models (with 2 participants per table) and hands-on wet lab sessions on sheep (with 3 participants per table).