The course, aimed at 12 future specialists, is designed to impart basic practical knowledge on the use of endoscopic devices, both standard and advanced, and on the main techniques to be used in endoscopic activities, both elective and emergency.

The course is divided into three modules (upper-GI, lower-GI and bilio-pancreatic) and is conducted exclusively in “hands-on” mode so as to give trainees the opportunity to familiarise themselves with various instruments in ex vivo models with the support of expert tutors, so that they can acquire the necessary confidence for subsequent use in-vivo independently.

• First module – Upper-GI → review of the main devices and preparation methods, with comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of those available in the various facilities; from ligators to sclerosing substances and clips including over-the-scope clips.
• Second module – Lower-GI → teaching of the main ‘tips & tricks’ for the use of available haemostatic products, the use of the endoloop, the hybrid mucosectomy technique (to deal with lesions that do not have an adequate lifting sign and to remove en-bloc even large mucosal lesions) and the removal of foreign bodies.

In both modules, there is a radiological part to teach the placement of luminal prostheses (oesophageal and colic) in a practical way.

• Third module – bilio-pancreatic → covering of the main topics to provide a practical foundation on the usage of the primary catheters and guidewires, the cannulation and biliary clearance techniques, and the placement of plastic and metal stents.

The course takes place entirely in the simulation laboratories at AIMS Academy, with 4 stations and 3 trainees per station and a total commitment of 4 hours per day (Total 12 hours).

Course Director: Francesco Pugliese
Faculty: Lorenzo Dioscoridi, Guido Manfredi, Nico Pagano, Cristina Panetta, Francesco Pugliese, Mario Schettino

This Master Class required a contribution from the Fund of € 11,660 equivalent to € 972.00 for each participant.

The course is aimed at 12 future specialists and aims to improve knowledge and awareness of the principles and procedures of damage control surgery (DCS) among general surgery residents.

The course is divided into three modules:

• First module → classroom theoretical lessons for a total hourly commitment of 5.30 hours
• Second module → Dry lab session with 6 workstations and 2 trainees per workstation and an hourly commitment of 7 hours
• Third module → animal lab session with 4 stations and 3 trainees per station and an hourly commitment of 5 hours

Course Directors: Osvaldo Chiara, Stefania Cimbanassi
Faculty: Michele Altomare, Roberto Bini, Stefano P.B. Cioffi, Federica Renzi, Francesco Virdis

This Master Class required a contribution from the Fund for each participant of € 474.00.

The course is aimed at 6 future specialists. It aims to facilitate the understanding of such a complex disease as obesity and clarify its potential surgical treatments and indications based on the recent Italian SICOB guidelines. The live section of the course includes a part in which students observe bariatric surgery operations broadcast live from the operating room (sleeve gastrectomy, Rouxen- Y gastric bypass, anastomotic gastric bypass and duodenoileal bypass with sleeve) and a part in which they can put key aspects of the surgical procedures into practice on an animal model. It is an opportunity for the trainees to meet some of the leading experts in the field and test their skills in advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

The course consists of two modules:

• First module → live section: live broadcast of surgeries, with a total hourly commitment of 7 hours
• Second module → animal lab session with 3 stations and 2 trainees per station for an hourly commitment of 5 hours

Course Directors: M. De Luca, L. Angrisani
Co-Director: A. Iossa
Faculty: G. Silecchia, V. Bruni, L. Busetto, E. Paone, I. Grandone, F. C. Campanile

This Master Class required a contribution from the Fund for each participant of € 650.00.

The course is aimed at 6 future specialists and is designed to provide an improvement in practical skills in the performance of laparoscopic ileo-colic and gastro- enteric intracorporeal anastomosis with endosuture and perforated suture on biological tissues (with mechanical stapled sutures combined with manual running sutures on biological tissues).

The course consists of two modules:

• First module → a one-hour theoretical-practical lecture in which trainees receive an overview on surgical steps deduced from the evidence-based literature of laparoscopic intracorporeal gastro-enteric anastomosis.
• Second module → animal lab session with 2 stations and 3 trainees per station for a total hourly commitment of 6.30 hours as follows: 3 hours in the morning dedicated to laparoscopic intracorporeal ileo-colic anastomosis + barbed wire suture, 3.30 hours in the afternoon dedicated to laparoscopic gastroenteric intracorporeal anastomosis + barbed wire suture

Course Directors: Raffaele Pugliese, Andrea Costanzi

This Master Class required a contribution from the Fund for each participant of € 500.00.

The aim of the course is to present to an audience of young surgeons the state of the art in liver transplantation, also covering organ donation issues and the most innovative technologies. The ultimate aim is to open the horizon to possible vocations in the field of liver transplantation.

It is aimed at 30 participants and consists of 3 days of lectures for an hourly commitment of 6.30 hours per day. The topics will be presented by the Faculty both in presence and remotely via web connection, with active participation of the learners present in the classroom.

Scientific Director: Stefano. Di Sandro
Special Guest Lecture: Francesco Di Benedetto
Faculty: 29 experts representing the most advanced level of current knowledge on the subject of the course

This Master Class required a contribution from the Fund for each participant of € 653,00.