EAU 2nd Eastern Mediterranean Meeting expected to highlight cystectomy

Because the 1st Eastern Mediterranean Meeting (EMM), which was held in Antalya (TR) in 2007, was a great success the 'second edition' will be organised on 23 and 24 January 2009 in the Pyramisa hotel in Cairo (EG). Approximately 250 participants from the eastern Mediterranean area are expected to participate.

Professor Hassan Abol-Enein, Chairman of the EAU 2nd EMM says: "What I have learnt from the previous EMM meeting is that it is a very much appreciated scientific event that should be promoted as much as possible. The idea behind this regional meeting is to give young urologists and residents the chance to attend an international meeting. They can increase their 'visibility' by participating, talking presenting and discussing the scientific issues. These meetings act as 'incubators' to give younger generations the opportunity to become more mature, so that they can take part in the main international meetings at a later stage".

The meeting focuses on a variety of interesting subjects through a number of state-of-the-art lectures presented by a group of experts in their fields. Since bladder cancer is one of the three most common cancers among men in the Mediterranean area, it is among the highlights of the meeting. Diagnosis and topical therapy for bladder cancer, advantages of early cystectomy and treatment of patients after cystectomy will be discussed extensively.

"Other topics are reconstructive urology - such as in urethral strictures - stress incontinence in women and repair of damaged ureters. The importance of lymphadectomy in bladder cancer and different modalities of stone management will be discussed as well", according to Prof. Abol-Enein. 'Improving scientific presentations' and 'Designing, financing and presenting scientific research projects' are the subjects of a session entitled 'Capacity building for young urologists'. The place of open surgery in stone disease and new approaches for treatment of posterior urethral valves – a congenital condition - in children will be addressed. The meeting includes panel discussions on renal cell cancer and 6-8 poster sessions as well.

Urologists in the Mediterranean area treat bladder cancer relatively frequently and it may be interesting to investigate whether they use different techniques compared to Western European urologists. The frequent occurrence of cystectomy has made them quite experienced in urinary diversion.

Professor Abol-Enein: "Young urologists may find attending the Annual EAU Congress costly, busy and expensive and their chances of presenting a paper or poster small. For them, the EMM may be a good alternative".