PS02.010: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UPPER GI INTERNATIONAL ROBOTIC ASSOCIATION (UGIRA)

Abstract Background Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly performed for both benign and malignant upper gastro-intestinal disease. However, no global consensus exists regarding exact techniques and implementation methods of robotic esophageal and gastric surgery. To facilitate the effective implementation and advancement of these procedures, evidence based guidelines should be generated. In this context, the ‘Upper GI International Robotic Association’ (UGIRA) was established in 2017. Until now, 20 experienced robotic surgeons from 10 different countries in Europe (The Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark), Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, North-Korea, Taiwan), North-America (United States…