News

The General Surgery Department at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) has successfully organized the first-of-its-kind Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty Hands-On Bootcamp in Egypt and the Middle East, held as part of the Theodor Surgical Bootcamp from January 18 to 20 and January 27, 2026. 

The bootcamp was conducted under the patronage of the Egyptian Society of Laparoscopic Surgery, and generously supported by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdelaziz, Director of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute and Chairman of the Board, and under supervision of Dr. Hesham El- Meligy, Head of General Surgery Department. The bootcamp marked a significant milestone in surgical education by delivering an integrated training model that combined comprehensive theoretical instruction with intensive hands-on operative experience inside the operating theatre. 

The bootcamp featured an exceptional group of TBRI staff members including Prof. Mohamed Saied, Head of Clinical Surgery Division, Prof. Emad Esmat, Prof. Ayman Nafeh, Prof. Mohamed Abbass, Prof. Maged Nasr, Prof. Mohammed El Ashry, Dr. Mahmoud Rady, Dr. Mohammed Abdelhady and Dr. Mohamed Abdelhalim. Also, the event was further enriched by distinguished guest faculty members from Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Al-Azhar University, and KLRC, who contributed through lectures, live demonstrations, and operative supervision. 

The bootcamp was structured over multiple days to ensure progressive learning and skill development. The first day focused on the theoretical foundations of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, including the anatomical basis, international guidelines, critical safety principles, innovative techniques, and mesh selection and fixation. The day concluded with assessment sessions and practical training using pelvitrainers. The second day addressed advanced clinical decision-making and complex scenarios in laparoscopic hernia surgery, covering different surgical approaches (TAPP, TEP, IPOM), straightforward techniques, complication management, and difficult and rare cases. Interactive discussions, MCQ assessments, and wet lab training further enhanced participants’ learning experience. The third day was dedicated entirely to hands-on operative training, where participants were divided into small groups and trained inside the operating theatres under the direct supervision of senior faculty members. The program concluded with certificate distribution, marking the successful completion of the bootcamp.

In his statement, Prof. Ahmed Abdelaziz, Director of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, emphasized the importance of this landmark initiative, stating that this pioneering bootcamp reflects Theodor Bilharz Research Institute’s commitment to delivering advanced, practice-oriented surgical education that meets international standards. Being the first program of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East, it represents a significant step toward strengthening surgical training, enhancing patient safety, and supporting the development of highly skilled surgeons capable of meeting contemporary healthcare challenges. 

This pioneering bootcamp reflects TBRI’s strategic commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgery and setting new benchmarks for hands-on surgical training in the region. By bridging theory and practice in a real operative environment, the program has contributed to elevating standards of surgical education and patient safety in laparoscopic hernia surgery.

The General Surgery Department at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute expressed its sincere appreciation to all faculty members and mentors whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in the success of this landmark event, affirming the Institute’s leading role in surgical education in Egypt and the Middle East.