From 5th to 7th December 2024, the Generali Convention Centre will host the international congress ‘Minimally Invasive Surgery in ENT’, a landmark event for head and neck surgery and innovative technologies for the treatment of hearing disabilities. The forum is organised by the Trieste ENT Clinic directed by Giancarlo Tirelli, full professor of Otolaryngology in the University of Trieste's Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, and will be attended by over 70 internationally renowned experts and surgeons.

Among the central themes will be the connections between ageing, deafness and cognitive decline, a crucial topic for Friuli Venezia Giulia, where 25% of the population is over 65. The latest innovations in minimally invasive surgery and cochlear implants will also be presented, with a focus on the ‘bionic ear’, which represents an advanced frontier for restoring hearing even in very elderly patients. 

The official inauguration is scheduled for Friday 6th December at 12:15, with the Rector Roberto Di Lenarda, FVG President Massimiliano Fedriga, FVG Health Councillor Riccardo Riccardi, Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza, and local healthcare services (ASUGI) General Director Antonio Poggiana.

Activities for students and citizens

On Saturday 7th December, from 9:00 to 12:00, an interactive hands-on lab open to students and citizens will be held to explore the most advanced technologies used in minimally invasive surgery. The lab will be accessible at two separate times. The first session, from 9:00 to 10:00, will be dedicated to high school students thanks to the coordination of the UniTS Prospective Student Support and School Liaison Office. Afterwards, from 10:00 to 12:00, admission will be open to the public, with a maximum limit of 90 participants, welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will be able to test innovative surgical stations, including those dedicated to endoscopic, exoscopic and laser surgery, as well as robotic technologies for cochlear implants.

Among the prestigious international guests:

•    Wojcech Golusinski, Secretary General of the European Head and Neck Society.
•    Bhuvanesh Singh, US expert in head and neck neoplasms.
•    René Leemans, Head of the ENT Department in Amsterdam.
•    Mario Fernandez, Head and Neck Department Director at Hospital Gregorio Marañón in Madrid.