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.

Target group:
This masterclass is tailored for veterinary surgeons with prior experience in neurosurgery, particularly those proficient in neurological examinations and decompressive surgeries. Residents training under ECVN, ECVS, and ACVS programs are highly encouraged to join.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this masterclass, participants will be able to:
• Develop treatment plans for spinal conditions requiring stabilization.
• Utilize diagnostic imaging for preoperative planning and postoperative assessment.
• Understand the biomechanical principles of spinal stabilization in small animals.
• Select and apply appropriate implants and instrumentation for various spinal procedures.
• Perform different stabilization techniques based on spinal location and construct type.
• Identify intraoperative and postoperative complications and implement effective solutions.
• Establish a postoperative management plan for spinal stabilization patients.

Program Overview:
The masterclass will feature 1.5 days of interactive lectures and discussions, followed by 1.5 days of hands-on wet labs, where participants will perform a range of stabilization techniques on cadavers.

Target audience: Advanced course and masterclass
This exclusive masterclass is specifically tailored for diplomates, specialists, experienced surgeons, and residents who already possess a strong foundation in the field of basic oncology. In order to fully engage in the masterclass, participants are required to possess a good understanding of fundamental reconstruction techniques. The focus of the masterclass will revolve around exploring and delving into advanced techniques and engaging in in-depth discussions.

Aims and learning outcomes:
This module will aim at elevating the surgical oncology skills of advanced surgeons. Its contents will be tailored to participants, from reviewing fundamentals, where needed, to the most advanced considerations and techniques. Our aim is to equip each participant with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills that can be immediately applied to enhance practice and improve outcomes.
Upon completion of this expert session, attendees will acquire comprehensive proficiency in the latest principles of surgical oncology. Moreover, they will develop the ability to meticulously devise appropriate treatment strategies for cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. Additionally, participants will gain the expertise to proficiently execute advanced resections and reconstructions specifically tailored for these tumors.

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.

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.

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).