You can see the video from the opening ceremony here.
More than 400 specialists from around the world gathered in Varna for the XIX International Congress on Coloproctology, which this year has laid emphasis on the latest achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of colon and rectal diseases. The forum, which took place from 9 to 11 October 2025, clearly outlined the new face of medicine – artificial intelligence, minimally invasive surgery, and a personalised approach to patients.
Over the course of several days, world-leading surgeons, oncologists, and scientists from Europe and America presented scientific papers on innovations in Coloproctology. Research on colorectal oncological and inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, which offer hope for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment, as well as topics related to gallbladder and liver surgery, sparked particular interest.
The President of the Organising Committee of the 19th International Congress of Coloproctology, Prof. Dr. Nikola Kolev, Head of the Department of Surgery at MU-Varna, underscored, "Minimally invasive robot-assisted surgical interventions have developed rapidly over the recent years and have been practised in more and more centres in Bulgaria. They are transforming modern surgical practice."
"We always enjoy coming to Varna for the traditional congress on Coloproctology because of the high scientific value of the conference and the excellent organisation provided by the hosts," commented Prof. Dr. Nikola Vladov, President of the Bulgarian Surgical Society. The Rector of MU-Varna, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, also extended his congratulations to the participants and the organisers.
"This is a specialised conference at a very high level because specialists focus on a specific topic and discuss it from multiple facets drawing on their extensive expertise," emphasised Prof. Dr. Isidoro Di Carlo from the Department of Surgical Sciences and Modern Technologies at the University of Catania, Italy.
"Artificial intelligence cannot replace the surgeon, but it does give him new eyes – the capability of seeing beyond the obvious," remarked Prof. Dr. John Morrison from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre, New Orleans, who has made significant contributions to the development of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery.
All these prominent specialists placed emphasis on the role of robotic and laparoscopic surgery in modern medicine, elaborating that minimally invasive techniques not only shorten the length of recovery, but also substantially improve patient quality of life. They commented that this had been the greatest step forward in surgery over the past decades.
The organisers and participants defined the forum as a major platform for sharing expertise and ideas that would contribute to the development of modern medicine and improve the quality of life of patients around the world.
The scientific forum came to an end on Saturday, with the participants leaving with a clear message:
The Future of Coloproctology is Already Here – Smart, Minimally Invasive and Fully Personalised!
