“Everest Project” International Masterclass on Pelvic Exenteration Surgery Concludes Successfully
A Major Milestone in Pelvic Oncology Education and Global Collaboration !
Bringing Together Global Expertise
From July 15th to 17th, the 2025 Everest Project International Masterclass on Pelvic Exenteration Surgery successfully brought together over 40 surgeons from five countries, as well as four international committee chairs, all of whom are leaders in the field of pelvic oncology. The event was supported by a distinguished group of professors and clinical experts, offering an immersive educational experience aimed at enhancing the clinical and research capabilities of every participant.
The masterclass included a dynamic mix of hands-on practical training, live surgeries, and expert-led discussions on the latest advancements in pelvic exenteration surgery. The event also facilitated international academic exchanges, paving the way for collaborative growth in the field.
A Well-Structured Curriculum
The event featured a comprehensive curriculum that spanned three full days, covering the latest technologies and innovative approaches in pelvic surgery. The key highlights were:
July 15th: Cadaveric hands-on dissection
July 16th: Live surgery broadcasts featuring complex pelvic exenteration (TPE) procedures
July 17th: An international academic symposium focused on preoperative planning, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative management
Through carefully designed courses and immersive learning activities, the masterclass created a platform for global collaboration and shared knowledge, significantly enhancing participants’ clinical and academic skills.
Distinguished Faculty Members
We were honored to have leading experts from around the world contribute to the success of the masterclass:
Prof. Peter Lee
Head of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia
Prof. James Khaw
Senior Consultant, Penang General Hospital, Malaysia
Together with renowned domestic experts, they provided participants with a rich blend of clinical insights and surgical techniques, ensuring a high-level, hands-on learning experience.
On July 17th, the international academic symposium allowed experts to share the latest developments in pelvic surgery, while engaging in in-depth discussions to foster collaboration between Chinese and international researchers.
Prof. Hongwei Yao
Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University
Prof. Moubin Lin
Vice President of Yangpu Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University
Prof. Jian Zhang
Chief Physician, Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University
Prof. Guoyi Shao
Director, General Surgery Dept. I, Chengzhong Branch, Jiangyin People’s Hospital
Prof. Haiyang Zhou
Deputy Chief Physician, Deputy Director, Colorectal Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai
Prof. Ning Su
Assistant Director, Colorectal Surgery, Chang Hospital, Naval Medical University
July 15th – Immersive Hands-on Cadaveric Dissection
The masterclass began on July 15th with a hands-on cadaveric dissection day, where participants had the opportunity to practice on real anatomical specimens.
In the morning, Prof. Jian Zhang and Prof. James Khaw demonstrated advanced pelvic surgery techniques through detailed dissections. Prof. Peter Lee then provided valuable insights on both fundamental and complex steps of pelvic surgery, focusing on critical principles for effective procedures.
In the afternoon, participants were split into small groups, where they practiced various surgical tasks under the direct supervision of experts like Dr. Haiyang Zhou, Dr. Chu Cheng-Chang, and Dr. Ning Su. The hands-on sessions allowed participants to simulate real-life surgeries, refining their techniques with expert guidance. Each group successfully completed high-difficulty procedures, gaining both practical experience and technical confidence.
The day concluded with a group-wide debriefing, where participants discussed the lessons learned and reflected on how to apply them in future surgeries.
July 16th – Live Surgery Day: Real-Time Surgical Experience
On July 16th, participants observed two live Total Pelvic Exenteration (TPE) surgeries, broadcast directly from the operating room. These surgeries, which showcased some of the most complex procedures in pelvic surgery, provided participants with an unprecedented view of real-time surgery.
The morning session focused on:
– Live TPE surgeries, where internationally and domestically recognized experts shared their approaches to complex pelvic procedures, including detailed surgical commentary.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to:
– Standardized TPE Procedures and the “Changzheng Standards” presented by Prof. Jian Zhang
– Case-based Surgical Video Demonstrations
– Expanding Beyond TME (Total Mesorectal Excision): Strategies for managing the five pelvic compartments, presented by Prof. Peter Lee
The day culminated in Hands-on Group Showcases, where participants had the chance to interact with instructors and demonstrate their newly acquired skills. The session was a perfect blend of practical engagement and theoretical learning, preparing attendees for the academic discussions that followed.
July 17th – Academic Symposium: Shaping the Future of Pelvic Surgery
On the final day, July 17th, the focus shifted to an academic symposium. The day’s discussions revolved around three core themes: preoperative planning, intraoperative strategies, and postoperative management. Renowned experts shared their knowledge and provided insights into the most advanced techniques in pelvic surgery.
Morning sessions covered:
– Pelvic Membrane Anatomy
– The role of imaging techniques in Beyond-TME surgery
– Latest Clinical Research on low-lying rectal cancer and advances in neoadjuvant immuno-chemoradiotherapy (nCRT)
– Safe Surgical Techniques for performing Pelvic Exenteration (PE)
Afternoon sessions expanded on reconstructive strategies, including:
– Repairing Empty Pelvis Syndrome
– Iliac-Inguinal En Bloc Resection and principles of myo-osseous foramen repair
– Strategies for treating locally advanced rectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis
The afternoon continued with a focus on postoperative management, including the latest advancements in managing infections and complications, as well as ctDNA for predicting recurrence.
The event concluded with a final certificate presentation and group photo, marking the end of an intensive and enriching learning experience.
Looking to the Future: A Global Network for Pelvic Oncology
The 2025 Everest Project International Masterclass was a landmark event for the field of pelvic oncology. The connections made, knowledge shared, and techniques learned during the event have set a foundation for ongoing collaboration among surgeons worldwide.
We believe that the knowledge exchanged at this masterclass will have a lasting impact on both clinical practice and research, helping to shape the future of pelvic surgery and improve outcomes for patients globally.
We look forward to continuing the journey of global collaboration and innovation in pelvic exenteration surgery, working together to bring new solutions and technologies to those in need.
📸 Photo credits: Everest Project 2025 Organizing Committee
🌐 Learn more at http://www.pelvexchina.com