HPB Cancer Training Pathway

This interactive in-person programme equips young surgeons with core knowledge and skills in surgical oncology. Organised once per year, this course provides a solid foundation in cancer biology, prevention, surgical techniques, and the role of the surgical oncologist within a multidisciplinary team. Through plenary lectures and discussion sessions, participants will explore cancer progression, early diagnosis, multimodal treatment strategies, and ethical, patient-centred care. The course also emphasizes cancer screening and prevention, with reference to the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

This 2-day course is organised yearly and it covers core liver surgery topics through a blend of theoretical sessions and hands-on practice. Mornings focus on essential concepts like liver anatomy, physiology, imaging, and surgical principles, while afternoons provide practical training with virtual planning tools, ultrasound on models, and liver resection techniques. The program also includes video demonstrations, MDT case discussions, and plenary lectures, emphasizing complication management and intraoperative ultrasound use.

This annual hands-on workshop offers a comprehensive update on surgical anatomy and operative techniques for pancreatic cancer treatment within an evidence-based, multidisciplinary framework. Participants engage in practical sessions using anatomical specimens, cadavers, and 3D models, supported by a pre-course e-learning module, plenary lectures, and MDT case discussions. Key topics include complication management, pancreatic cystic lesions, borderline and locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and neuroendocrine tumours.

Organised yearly, this hands-on workshop provides an in-depth understanding of functional liver anatomy and operative techniques essential for liver tumour surgery. Participants will explore surgically relevant liver diseases, diagnostics, perioperative care, radiological interventions, and transplantation within a multidisciplinary, evidence-based setting. The course includes cadaver sessions, educational videos, a 3D anatomy atlas, case discussions, and plenary lectures. Key topics cover liver anatomy and variations, tumour biology, primary and secondary liver tumours, and practical tips for intraoperative ultrasound, vascular resection, biliary reconstruction, and advanced surgical procedures.

This annual advanced course provides insight into key and controversial aspects of pancreatic cancer surgery, highlighting the latest advances in multidisciplinary management. Participants will explore innovative surgical techniques, complication management, and areas of uncertainty regarding surgical indications and timing for pancreatic neoplasms. Educational methods include plenary lectures, photo/video discussions, MDT case reviews, and hands-on 3D model workshops. Topics cover diagnosis and treatment of resectable, borderline, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, vascular and anastomotic techniques, complication management, postoperative care, and management of IPMN and pancreatic NET.

Organised each year, this hands-on workshop focuses on the surgical anatomy of abdominal organs and vessels, integrating practical dissection with interactive discussions on management challenges. Using specially embalmed bodies, participants will apply oncological surgical techniques, learning key pearls and pitfalls for each organ. The course includes video sessions, plenary lectures, and a pre-course 3D surgical anatomy atlas to enhance anatomical knowledge and surgical skills. Objectives cover cardiovascular access to abdominal organs and advanced oncologic surgical techniques.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, offering tools that enhance both clinical efficiency and patient care. In this hands-on workshop which is taking place once per year, interested surgeons and radiologists will explore how AI works, learn to train models for real-world applications, and apply their medical expertise to develop practical solutions using clinical data, images, and reports. This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to AI in medicine, covering model types, tasks, real-world use cases, and the role of clinical expertise. Participants will use Python tools to work with public datasets, analyse medical images, and create 3D organ models for surgical planning. The course includes plenary lectures and practical exercises.

Organised every 2 years, this course offers essential and advanced insights into fluorescence-guided surgery. It is focusing on tumour and lymphatic imaging, sentinel lymph node detection, visualization of vital structures (bile ducts, ureters, nerves), and tissue perfusion assessment. Participants will explore both standard and targeted imaging agents (e.g., antibody-, peptide-, nanobody-based) and gain practical experience in open, laparoscopic, and robotic settings. Hands-on sessions using different fluorophores and imaging systems are complemented by plenary lectures on key topics, including lymphatic and tumour imaging, perfusion assessment, and intraoperative navigation of vital structures.