Editorial Overview: Highlights from the 25th EUPSA Congress, Bologna, 2024

This special issue of the European Journal of Pediatric Surgery (EJPS) brings together notable contributions presented at the 25th EUPSA Congress in Bologna, June 12–15, 2024, showcasing the breadth and depth of research shaping pediatric surgery in Europe.

Adrian Chi Heng Fun's systematic review investigates whether staging is necessary for Fowler–Stephens laparoscopic orchidopexy in managing intra-abdominal testes, offering valuable insights into optimizing this complex procedure.

Elena Chiara Garrisi examines gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric lung transplant recipients, presenting a structured diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this challenging complication.

Hilmican Ulman's Trainees of European Pediatric Surgery (TEPS) survey provides an analysis of techniques in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs across pediatric age groups, revealing trends and preferences among surgeons and trainees. Nagoud Schukfeh explores the financial burden of esophageal atresia repair, emphasizing the influence of associated malformations on medical costs. Amit Beher contributes another TEPS survey, focusing on the management of testicular torsion and providing a comprehensive overview of pre-, peri-, and postoperative practices.

This issue also highlights advances in understanding pediatric pathologies. A study on the histopathology of fistulas in anorectal malformations offers a deeper look into the tissue characteristics of this complex condition with a valuable discussion on how much the rectum should be resected. Pengfei Gao's research examines non-neoplastic renal parenchyma in Wilms tumor specimens, shedding light on the broader renal implications of this malignancy. Richard Martel introduces novel data on interferential current stimulation of rectal motor activity in an isolated porcine model, which could inform future treatments for bowel dysfunctions. Finally, Valentina Forlini examines the frequency of tuberous breast deformity in female adolescents with Poland Syndrome and outlines treatment approaches.

The 50 manuscripts were reviewed and discussed intensively by the EUPSA Publication Committee consisting of professors Ernest van Heurn from Amsterdam, Martin Lacher from Leipzig, Udo Rolle from Frankfurt, Annika Mutanen from Helsinki, Richard Keijzer from Winnipeg, and Augusto Zani from Toronto. We thank the members of the committee for their extraordinary input and support.

The manuscripts of this special issue underscore the innovation and collaboration evident at the EUPSA Congress and reflect the dynamic advancements in pediatric surgery. We hope this issue inspires continued exploration and dialogue within the global surgical community.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 January 2025