On February 12-13, 2026, IRCAD North America (IRCAD NA) held the course “Laparoscopic & Robotic Foregut Surgery.” Led by co-directors Dr. Paul Colavita and Dr. Lee Swanstrom, this program offered an international group of trainees the chance dive deep on the newest surgical techniques and knowledge.
Didactic sessions in the main auditorium featured lectures, lively debate, and Q&A panels. Trainees also had a chance to watch live cases: faculty performed surgeries on patients at local hospitals, which were livestreamed to IRCAD NA.
Both days of the course offered substantial in the lab, when learners had one-on-one time with faculty to put their new knowledge into practice. Trainees were able to do multiple procedure types at both laparoscopic and robotic stations.
