The Klinikum Saarbrücken runs a successful Liver and Pancreas Center. The hospital performs over 80 liver and over 70 pancreas procedures annually and is certified by both the DKG and the DGAV as a center. 
As early as 2018, Klinikum Saarbrücken established a program for laparoscopic liver surgery. By 2025, the hospital had performed over 200 minimally invasive liver surgeries and over 50 pancreatic surgeries. Since introducing the da Vinci Xi robotic system, most of these operations have transitioned to robotic surgery. Since 2025, we have performed over 300 robotic procedures and have developed a high level of expertise in robotic surgery at "The Winterberg."

HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) surgery, in particular, has seen an increase in minimally invasive techniques in recent years, driven by advances in laparoscopic training and technology as well as expanded robotic system use. In Germany, however, the field is still emerging.

The most important aspect of advancing minimally invasive surgery in this field is training and networking with recognized experts — this is the only way to successfully implement such a program. Therefore, beyond the knowledge gained from such an event, developing connections with experts and established experienced centers offers clear advantages.

Several surgical procedures of varying degrees of difficulty are scheduled as live cases during the event. The first day will be dedicated to liver surgery, followed by a second day focusing on pancreatic surgery. In the laparoscopic theater, Prof. Edwin and his team from the University of Oslo will share their expertise. The robotic theater will be led by Team Winterberg in collaboration with invited guest surgeons. Furthermore, the program will be complemented by live transmissions from additional centers.

All of the surgeons are recognized experts and pioneers in these methods and have published numerous papers on the subject. This offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from these experts. Additionally, a highly experienced faculty of moderators will be present for the live operations, ensuring a wide-ranging exchange on the topics.

The focus of the event is clearly directed toward technical advancement and firsthand surgical training. Based on the experience of the first master class, there is strong evidence that this format enables highly effective knowledge transfer. The event has also received formal endorsement from several professional societies, including the DGAV, ILLS,SSAT, I Go MILS and liveRS.

Since many of the speakers and some of the participants are not from Germany, the presentations and discussions will be in both English and German.

Registration 

Please register by email at:
⇒ masterclassthou-shalt-not-spamklinikum-saarbruecken.de
 

Contact information

Monika Schöneberger

Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgical Oncology
(Head: Dr. Dr. habil. Gregor A. Stavrou, FEBS (HPB, SurgOnc))

• Tel. +49 (0)681 963 2468
• Fax +49 (0)681 963 2510
• E-Mail: masterclassthou-shalt-not-spamklinikum-saarbruecken.de
   

Conference fee

The conference fee is €350 (including conference and dinner). A reduced fee of €300 applies for members of the ILLS, SSAT, DGAV, I Go MILS and liveRS.

Accreditation 

The event is recognized by the Saarland Medical Association as a continuing education activity and is accredited with 15 Category A credits.