Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Participants,
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the 2nd Joint Symposium of the Hellenic Association for Endoscopic Surgery, in collaboration with the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery. This year, our focus lies on Hernia Surgery and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR), two vital areas in the field of surgical intervention.

We are thrilled to witness the convergence of leading experts, researchers, and practitioners from around Europe in the historic city of Athens. Our venue provides an ideal setting for our collective exploration of innovative techniques, emerging trends, and best practices in hernia surgery and AWR.

This symposium serves as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals dedicated to advancing the frontiers of endoscopic surgery. Through engaging lectures, interactive sessions and spirited discussions, we are confident that we will collectively enrich our understanding and enhance our skills in addressing the complexities of hernia surgery and AWR.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed speakers, sponsors, and organizing committee for their invaluable contributions in making this symposium a reality. Your commitment to excellence is paramount in shaping the future of our discipline.

We encourage all participants to actively engage in the sessions, seize the opportunity to network with peers, and forge lasting connections that will propel our field forward. Once again, welcome to Athens, welcome to the 2nd Joint Symposium of the Hellenic Association for Endoscopic Surgery. Let us embark on this enriching journey together, united in our pursuit of excellence and innovation.

Warm regards,

Fotios Archontovasilis MD, PhD
Consultant Hernia and AWR Surgeon
Head and Director, 6th Department of Surgery, Metropolitan General Hospital
Head and Director, Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery, Metropolitan General Hospital
Scientific Associate, 1st Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Medical School, Athens
University, “Hippocration” General Hospital

Georgios D. Ayiomamitis
MD,MSc(MIS),PhD,FACS,MSc(SO),FEBS/MIS,FICRS,MHM
Advanced Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon, Surg. Oncology
Medical Director at Tzaneio General Hospital, Piraeus, GR
Head of 1st Surgical Department – Laparoscopic Unit
2nd Vice President Hellenic Assoc. of Endoscopic Surgery
Board of Directors Piraeus Medical Association
Member Chicago Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery, USA

Dimitrios Linardoutsos MD, MSc, PhD
Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon Metropolitan General
1st Propedeutic Department of Surgery, University of Athens