Dear Colleagues,
It is my great honor and pleasure to invite you to the 14th National Congress of Gastrointestinal Surgery and the 3rd National Congress of Liver Transplantation, which will be held in Malatya, Türkiye, from September 9–12, 2026.
Throughout history, surgery has evolved not only through advances in techniques but also through transformations in the way we think. Today, one of the most significant driving forces behind this evolution is undoubtedly minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic, robotic, and advanced endoscopic interventions are no longer merely alternative approaches; they have become paradigm-shifting treatment strategies for many diseases. For this reason, we have selected "Minimally Invasive Surgery" as the main theme of our congress.
During the congress, we will comprehensively explore the current status, ongoing controversies, and future perspectives of minimally invasive approaches across a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal surgery, including upper gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, and bariatric and metabolic surgery. The rapidly expanding role of robotic surgery, advanced laparoscopic techniques, the evolving boundaries of therapeutic endoscopy, artificial intelligence–assisted applications, and innovative approaches to surgical education will constitute the core topics of our scientific program.
The congress will begin with two parallel pre-congress courses on the first day. The course entitled "Pancreatic Surgery" will focus on gastrointestinal surgery, while "Challenging Decisions and Complex Cases in Liver Transplantation" will address current issues in liver transplantation. These courses are designed to provide participants with practical, experience-based knowledge and are expected to make a significant contribution to the development of clinical skills and decision-making.
On the second day of the congress, we will have the privilege of hosting the annual Colloquium of the International Living Donor Liver Transplantation Group (iLDLT Group), one of the world's leading academic platforms in liver transplantation. Hosting this prestigious international meeting in Malatya will further strengthen both the international visibility and the scientific excellence of our congress. This year's Colloquium will focus on "Minimally Invasive Living Donor Liver Transplantation." The latest developments in robotic and laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, robotic living donor liver transplantation, and minimally invasive transplantation techniques will be presented and discussed by internationally renowned experts. We believe that this distinguished scientific gathering will foster international collaboration and further enhance the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Supporting the scientific development of our young colleagues is one of our highest priorities. Therefore, we are pleased to offer complimentary congress registration to surgical residents, enabling them to access current knowledge, interact with experienced colleagues, and actively participate in scientific discussions.
Holding our congress once again in Malatya this year carries a special significance. Following the devastating earthquake that profoundly affected our region, gathering in our city as it continues its recovery symbolizes the importance of scientific solidarity, collaboration, and our shared commitment to building a stronger future together.
In addition to the scientific sessions, our social program will provide valuable opportunities for participants to reconnect with colleagues, establish new friendships, and develop future collaborations. Guests will also have the opportunity to discover the rich historical heritage, cultural attractions, and natural beauty of Malatya.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to this important scientific gathering, where inspiring discussions, innovative ideas, and the latest advances shaping the future of gastrointestinal surgery and liver transplantation will be shared.
I firmly believe that your participation and valuable contributions will greatly enhance the scientific success of our congress, and it will be our distinct honor and pleasure to welcome you to Malatya.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Sezai Yılmaz, MD
Congress President
14th National Congress of Gastrointestinal Surgery
3rd National Congress of Liver Transplantation (iLDLT Colloquium)
