Highlights and Insights from the 18th Congress of Hungarian Association of Paediatric Surgeons HAPS 2025

The 18th Congress of the Hungarian Association of Paediatric Surgeons (HAPS) took place from June 25 to 27, 2025, in the lively city of Pécs, Hungary. This pivotal event attracted over 100 experts and practitioners from around the globe, providing a rich platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration. With workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions, attendees explored groundbreaking innovations in paediatric surgery. This blog post highlights the key insights and discussions that emerged during this noteworthy congress.

Overview of the Congress

This year's congress represented a significant step forward in paediatric surgical practices. The event included over 45 presentations, featuring topics such as advancements in surgical techniques, postoperative care, and ethical considerations in treating young patients. Renowned speakers included:

• Prof. Thomas Blanc from Paris, France

• Prof. Maximilian Raimondo Cervellione, from Manchester, UK

• Tamas Cserni, from Manchester, UK

• Nicolas Lutz, from Lausanne, Switzerland

• Prof. Oliver Muensterer, from Munich, Germany

• Prof. Udo Rolle, from Frankfurt, Germany

• Prof. Ramnath Subramaniam, from Leeds, UK

• Prof. Amulya Saxena, from London, UK

both recognized for their contributions to the field. Participants felt a deep enthusiasm for learning, which created a dynamic environment for idea exchange.

The Opening ceremony and speech of the HAPS Congress

Workshops and Hands-On Training

In addition to keynote presentations, the congress offered hands-on workshops focused on real-world challenges faced by paediatric surgeons. Some examples include:

• Surgical Techniques: Workshops on laparoscopic surgery provided participants with practical training, allowing them to practice techniques on simulators.

• Patient Care Strategies: Sessions on pain management showed surgeons how to reduce opioid use by 40% through alternative therapies.

  
  

Surgeons of different experience levels engaged in these workshops, gaining insights and practical skills that they could immediately implement in their practices.

Networking Opportunities

Aside from the academic discussions, the congress facilitated numerous networking opportunities. Attendees connected with fellow professionals at informal gatherings and dedicated networking sessions, which helped them share experiences and forge valuable relationships.

Feedback from attendees revealed that these interactions were crucial for fostering future collaborations. Many expressed enthusiasm about potential joint research projects that could enhance paediatric surgical care through shared knowledge and resources.

Perspectives on the Future of Paediatric Surgery

As the congress drew to a close, participants reflected on the future of paediatric surgery. The conversation centered on the transformation driven by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Delegates discussed how integrating these innovations could improve surgical outcomes and elevate patient care experiences. For instance, using AI in diagnostics has been shown to increase early detection rates by up to 20%, reinforcing the significance of technology in advancing health care for children.

Reflections on the Path Forward

The 18th Congress of the Hungarian Association of Paediatric Surgeons in Pécs proved to be a remarkable success. It reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and research in advancing paediatric surgical care. Through engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees left inspired and motivated to elevate their practices.

As the congress concludes, the valuable connections and knowledge gained will continue to resonate in the paediatric surgical community. The dedication to improving surgical care for children shines brightly, driven by a united and passionate community committed to excellence and innovation for the young patients they serve.