The Gulf Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Conference 2025 was held from April 18th to 19th at the Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, convening a distinguished international faculty of surgeons, interventional radiologists, and gastroenterologists to dissect the most pressing topics and pioneering techniques in complex abdominal surgery. The two-day program seamlessly blended foundational updates with debates on surgical frontiers, providing a comprehensive roadmap for advancing HPB care in the region.
Day One commenced with critical Transplant Surgery Updates, where experts like Prof. Mahmoud El Meteini and Dr. Giuseppe Iuppa addressed technical challenges and the role of transplantation in managing GI malignancies and cystic diseases. The agenda swiftly moved into Advances in HPB Surgery, featuring a keynote by Prof. Mohammad Abu Hilal on minimally invasive liver surgery. The session on Colorectal Liver Metastasis (CRLM) sparked significant dialogue, with debates on anatomical versus non-anatomical resection led by Dr. Essa M. Aleassa and insights on managing post-chemotherapy liver conditions from Dr. Husain Almohmeed. The afternoon was dedicated to innovation, with the "Something Every Surgeon Must Know" session covering tumor genomics and the utility of ICG fluorescence. The highly anticipated Free Video Session showcased masterful techniques, including a Total Laparoscopic Whipple by Prof. Hanan Alghamdi and a Totally Robotic Whipple procedure, highlighting the region's surgical proficiency.
Day Two opened with a focused Biliary Session, tackling complex postoperative pathology and the dilemmas of difficult cholecystectomies. The morning's core was a series of compelling Surgical Debates, moderated by leaders including Dr. Catherine Teh. The first debate, "Resection Vs. Ablation for small CRLM," featured persuasive arguments from Dr. Al Warith Al Hashmi and Dr. Othman Alshahrani. This was followed by a foundational debate on the "Best approach to a Pancreaticoduodenectomy," pitting minimally invasive techniques championed by Dr. Ayman Al Harekeh against the traditional open approach defended by Prof. Mohammad Abu Hilal. The conference then turned to the future, with a dedicated session on "The Future of HPB Surgery Training," where Dr. Trevor Reichman and Dr. Catherine Teh discussed fellowship pathways and diversity in the field. The concluding session, "The Difficult One!" provided expert strategies for managing hepatic hemangiomas, necrotizing pancreatitis, and portal hypertension.
By integrating live video demonstrations, rigorous debates, and discussions on training and technology, the Gulf HPB Conference 2025 successfully created a dynamic platform for education and collaboration. It underscored a collective commitment to surgical excellence, innovation, and the development of the next generation of HPB surgeons, ensuring the continued elevation of patient care standards across the Gulf region.
