European Urology Today: June/July 2023

“The Baltic meeting holds immense importance for us” A collective report of the region’s long-awaited event BALTIC 23 26-27 May 2023 Riga, Latvia

A vibrant gathering of knowledge, networking, and collaboration

The Baltic meeting holds immense importance for us due to several reasons. Firstly, it provides us with a broader perspective on our position within Europe’s urological landscape. Understanding where we stand on a larger scale helps us gauge our progress and identify areas for further growth. Given the relatively small size of our countries, networking becomes an invaluable aspect of the Baltic meeting. By sharing our knowledge and resources, we overcome the limitations of access to diverse diagnostic and treatment options. The collaborative environment allows us to pool our expertise and collectively expand the possibilities of urological care. The meeting showcased the remarkable impact of technological advancements on urology. It was fascinating to witness how cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence are revolutionising our capabilities and opening new treatment avenues. “The pinnacle of the meeting was the Young Urologist Competition...” I had the honour of delivering a speech on high intensity focused ultrasound in prostate cancer treatment, which centred on our treatment strategy, during Session 1 - Focal therapies of urological cancers. This session provided an intriguing glimpse into the ongoing advancements, leaving us inspired to explore further possibilities. I am delighted to receive one of the Best Poster Presentation awards for my case report “When Tumor Mass Meets Biopsy Needle: The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge of Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate.” This recognition reflects the importance of addressing complex cases and finding innovative solutions.

Noteworthy updates and spirited discussions that unfolded during the recent 8th Baltic Meeting (Baltic23) in conjunction with the EAU inspired those who attended. The much anticipated meeting took place in Riga, Latvia from 26 to 27 May 2023 where more than 260 participants from 14 countries convened. Baltic23 shed light on the latest urological breakthroughs and emerging trends in the region. This article is a collective report of insights and experience from some of the Baltic23 participants.

high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), microwave ablation and brachytherapy. The session involved discussions on the most recent evidence on the topic and the implementation of a coordinated approach to focal therapies in the Baltic region. One of the key sessions of Baltic23 was the Plenary Session: EAU Talent Incubator which was spearheaded by Dr. Juan Luis Vásquez (DK). It was a project organised by the Young Urologists Office (YUO) specifically designed to enhance the skills of young urologists in areas such as leadership, conflict resolution, and time management. Prof. Olivier Traxer (FR) provided an engrossing state-of-the-art lecture on thulium fiber laser (TFL) , and an ESU course on flexible ureterorenoscopy and retrograde intrarenal surgery, thus providing new evidence and experience in the field of urolithiasis. Overall, Baltic23 was a great success, not only due to the excellent lectures and the opportunity to take part in hands-on training, but also because the meeting helps bolster the collaboration among the Baltic countries.

Dr. Juris Jansons Urologist at Riga East University Hospital Riga (LV)

Baltic23 strengthens Baltic relations and teamwork

jansons.ju@ gmail.com

The Baltic23 meeting held in Riga proved to be a refreshing and energising experience for attendees. This significant meeting brought together esteemed colleagues from the Baltic region to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore the latest advancements in urology.

Dr. Tiago Ribeiro De Oliveira Hospital das Forças Armadas Lisbon (PT)

tiagoribeirooliveira@ sapo.pt

Baltic23 offered the ESU Urology Boot Camp, which is an intensive hands-on training course for first-year urology residents. The boot camp aimed to provide participants with the necessary technical skills to perform the most frequent urological procedures participate in several ESU hands-on training courses on basic laparoscopy (E-BLUS) and endoscopic stone treatment (ESTs1). The programme included the riveting and informative Session 1: Focal therapies of urological cancers which comprised lectures focused on before they start working with patients. During the meeting, it was also possible to

Poster session with presentations on topics as Renal tumour, Trauma, BLUTS, Testicular & Urothelial cancer

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European Urology Today June/July 2023

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