Date: 30 November and 1-2 December 2023
Venue: RMK AIMES Surgical Training & Convention Center, Istanbul
Dr.Murat Can Kiremit
Course Secretary
Koç University Hospital
Department of Urology
Istanbul, TR
We are delighted and proud to have successfully conducted the minimally invasive stone treatment course on human fresh-frozen cadavers—a plan we had envisioned for a considerable time. To the best of our knowledge, this course stands as the first of its kind in our country and is among the few courses offered in Europe.
Embarking on this journey, our aim was to amalgamate three distinct modes of learning into a single gathering. Throughout this event, we provided trainees with the unique experience of receiving theoretical instruction, observing live surgical procedures, and, perhaps most significantly, engaging in hands-on practice with human fresh-frozen cadavers. This combination sets our course apart, offering a comprehensive and valuable educational opportunity.
The inaugural day of the course featured opening remarks delivered by the course directors, Prof. Kemal Sarıca and Prof. Yakup Kordan. Thereafter, Prof. Kemal Sarica had an excellent talk about the management strategies for urolithiasis based on the current guidelines. Subsequently, Dr. T. Emre Şener provided insights into the preparation, application, and clinical outcomes of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) and supine endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in anticipation of the cadaver course scheduled for the following day. The first day of the course concluded with an enjoyable dinner arranged along the Bosphorus.
In the morning session of the second course day, all participants were divided into three groups. They actively participated in practical exercises, taking turns to perform fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous access on supine-positioned human fresh-frozen cadavers, retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) on silicone-based models using single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes from Boston Scientific – Lithovue, and percutaneous access to the kidney model under the supervision of Prof. Yakup Kordan, Prof. Cenk Murat Yazıcı, Dr. T. Emre Şener, Dr. F. Arda Atar and Dr. M. Can Kiremit. After the lunch we had together at RMK AIMES, we moved on to the theoretical talks we planned for the afternoon session.
In this segment, Prof. Yakup Kordan provided a step-by-step explanation of the RIRS technique. Following that, Dr. M. Can Kiremit discussed the clinical applications of flexible ureteroscopes, details of their technical features and the clinical reflections arising from these technical attributes. Dr. T. Emre Şener addressed the audience, providing insights into the advancements in laser technologies—a particularly intriguing development in contemporary stone treatments. He also presented comparative clinical-preclinical results associated with these technological innovations. Prof. Cenk Murat Yazıcı led a discussion on the unique challenges and complications associated with each surgical approach, namely RIRS, PNL, and ECIRS. This served as a reminder that there is no easy surgery, and every procedure comes with its own set of complexities, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance and careful consideration not only during the surgery and also during the postoperative period. The final presentation was performed by Dr. F. Arda Atar and discussed highly interesting cases with valuable contributions from all instructors and attendees.
In the final day, two complex cases were operated by Dr. T. Emre Şener, Dr. Tzevat Tefik, Dr. M. Can Kiremit and Dr. Kayhan Tarım. These surgeries were broadcasted to the meeting room, situated in the OR, through SmartGlass technology. This session moderated by Prof. Kemal Sarıca and Dr. F. Arda Atar. During the live surgeries, the surgeons exchanged their experiences and insights, addressing the questions and topics that piqued the curiosity of the participants. Final presentation was made by Dr. Tzevat Tefik about robotic platforms in Endourology. In the end, we wrapped up this three-day, demanding yet enriching adventure by capturing a group photo featuring all the instructors, trainees, and officials-representatives from the sponsor company Boston Scientific Turkey and Erdoğu Medical.
On behalf of the organizing committee, I extend heartfelt thanks to all the faculty, participants, and the sponsors—Boston Scientific Turkey, Erdoğu Medical, RMK AIMES, and International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU)—for contributing to the realization of our long-awaited aspirations.
PHOTOS
ATTENDEE COMMENTS
Dr.Hasan Can Kuvan
Participant
Trakya University Urology Clinic
Hello, I am Dr. Hasan from the Trakya University Urology Clinic. I participated in the Fresh Cadaver Minimal Invasive Stone Treatment Course hosted by Koç University Urology Clinic in 2023. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the Koç University Urology team and Dr. M. Can Kiremit for organizing this course, which is the first of its kind in Turkey and one of the few globally. The course, conducted on a fresh cadaver, was highly valuable and instructive in terms of its resemblance to surgical scenarios.
The combination of performing percutaneous access under retrograde imaging on the fresh cadaver, mirroring the conditions during surgery, I believe, set the course a step ahead of others. I must emphasize that I greatly benefited from the course for my assistant training.
I would like to extend my thanks once again for this unique and educational opportunity. It was indeed a valuable experience for my professional development.
Best regards, Dr. Hasan