Welcome

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

after a break of 4 years I am happy to welcome you again to Hamburg and to an IMORU meeting.
The International Meeting On Reconstructive Urology was initialized by Prof. Schreiter in 1999. The meeting is organized in cooperation with the European Society of Genito-Urinary Reconstructive Surgeons (ESGURS) and the Section "Operative Technique" of the Academy of the German National Urological Association (DGU). As during all previous meetings live video transmission of different operative techniques will be in the center of attraction.

Modern technology is developing fast and the DaVinci System has entered the field of reconstructive urology. Pyeloplasty, antireflux surgery, ureteral neoimplantation and urinary diversion are examples for procedures nowadays performed robotic assisted. However, it has to stand the comparison with classical laparoscopy and open surgery. Robotic assisted reconstructive surgery will be shown parallel to laparoscopic and open surgery.
Another main topic will be urethral reconstruction. Different techniques for anterior, bulbar and posttraumatic posterior strictures will be shown. End-toend anastomosis, buccal mucosa urethroplasty and two staged procedures will be performed by different well known surgeons so that you can see their personal tips and tricks. The last day will focus on complications after radical prostatectomy like recurrent anastomotic stricture, incontinence and rectourethral fistula and how to solve them. The second part of this day is female urology with pelvic floor reconstruction from an interdisciplinary point of view. The faculty consists of internationally well renowned experts. During discussions advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques will be presented, you may ask questions and discuss problems with the experts. Additional poster sessions will give you the opportunity to present your own experience and data and discuss this with the panel. The most interesting topics will be included into the main session as oral presentation or video.

For the first time the meeting will take place at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. This offers excellent facilities with a brandnew lecture hall and a short distance between the audience and the operation rooms. Eppendorf is not far away from the airport and the city center of Hamburg. Being in the heart of Hamburg you are close to famous restaurants, interesting museums and tourist attractions giving you the opportunity not only to have an interesting scientific program but also to relax and enjoy the facilities of this international city. Our official dinner will be in the crypt of the St. Michaelis Church, one of Hamburg's landmarks. There are many good reasons to attend this meeting!

Margit Fisch, M.D.
Professor of Urology
Director
Hamburg-Eppendorf Medical School