Sarcoma
The ESSO Training Pathway in Sarcoma, organised in cooperation with the European School of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Surgery (ESSTSS) provides focused training in the surgical management of sarcoma.
What's included
In addition to the mandatory and optional courses, the pathway includes a short observership and culminates with the awarding of an ESSO Certificate of Competence. Participants may also choose to take the related EBSQ examination in Surgical Oncology, however, this exam is not part of the pathway itself and is entirely optional for those who wish to furher validate their knowledge.
Candidates wishing to further extend their expertise may pursue a practical training fellowship in a ESSTSS-approved unit.
Related courses
Basics of Oncology for Surgeons
Level 1
Mandatory
Annual
In person
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 emphasises cancer screening and prevention, with reference to the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.
Online Course on Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Surgery
Level 2
Optional
Annual
Online
Description of this course still to be developed.
Management of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)
Level 2
Optional
Annual
Online
This online event focuses on the multidisciplinary management of small intestinal NETs, aiming to raise awareness of this rare disease and highlight its unique clinical challenges. Participants will gain practical knowledge on appropriate surgical strategies and the importance of early diagnosis. Through expert-led lectures and interactive discussions, the course will also foster collaboration across specialties involved in NET care, promoting a more integrated approach to patient management.
Course on Abdominal Surgery – Surgical Technique
Level 1
Optional
Annual
In person
Organised every 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 in Healthcare
Level 1
Optional
Annual
In person
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, offering tools that enhance both clinical efficiency and patient care. In this hands-on workshop which is organised 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.
Fluorescence-Guided Surgery
Level 1
Optional
Biennial
In person
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, visualisation 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.
Related webinars
To complement your knowledge gained through the Training Pathway courses, ESSO recommends following optional webinars covering both specialty-specific and transversal topics. These webinars provide in-depth insights, may include interactive case discussions, and are designed to enhance clinical understanding and support continuous professional development.
Short-term observership
To enhance their training, candidates in Sarcoma Training Pathway are encouraged to independently arrange a short-term observership at one of the European School of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Surgery (ESSTSS)-approved units. Lasting 1 to 3 months, this self-organised observership can include access to operating theatres, outpatient consultations, MDT meetings, and research activities. Direct clinical involvement is not anticipated.
ESSO Certificate
The ESSO Certificate of Competence is awarded upon successful completion of the full Training Pathway, including all mandatory courses, and a short-term observership. It recognises a surgeon’s advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based surgical oncology within their chosen specialty.
EBSQ examination recommendation
Each year, the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) organises the European Board of Surgery Qualification (EBSQ) Examination in Surgical Oncology. This is an optional opportunity for those who feel prepared and wish to further assess and consolidate their knowledge.
