
Colorectal THRIVE 2026
Congress Where Surgeons THRIVE
Get ready for the next chapter
March 22 - 26, 2026 | Fribourg
The full content of
Colorectal THRIVE 2025
remains accessible on-demand
until September 30, 2025

“At Colorectal THRIVE, you will learn from world-renowned Colorectal Surgeons. Our mission is clear: To make the global community of Surgeons THRIVE. Now and in the future. Join us in magical Fribourg, Switzerland , onsite or online, and achieve up to 36 CME credits.”
Prof. Michel Adamina, Founder of Colorectal THRIVE , Chairman & Full Professor of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Fribourg & Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg Switzerland
ABOUT THE CONGRESS
What is Colorectal THRIVE ?
Colorectal THRIVE - Congress Where Surgeons THRIVE: Four days of state-of-the-art professional education in colorectal surgery. Onsite in the historic city of Fribourg, Switzerland, or online. Earn up to 36 CME credits.
At Colorectal THRIVE, 40 key opinion leaders from 15 countries covered all of colorectal surgery:
From cancer to IBD, and from the management of complications to clinical applications of AI and virtual reality in clinical practice and surgical education. Further topics included diverticular disease and the latest implications of the microbiome, functional and patient reported outcomes, proctology and pelvic floor, as well as leadership and professional development with a full session addressing those hot topics.
The two Sunday Masterclass chaired by Janindra Warusavitarne, fromSt. Marks, London and Education chair ESCP prepared for the EBSQColoproctology.
The choice is yours: re-watch or discover our Expert lectures, either the maincongress or a masterclass, you will not regret it.
Colorectal THRIVE - expect only the Best !
Register now to watch on-demand until September 30, 2025:
3 days of single-stream expert lectures in colorectal surgery for a total of 44 lectures from Mon 31.03 to Wed 02.04.2025 and achieve 22 CME credits
- 1 full day of masterclasses in either Colorectal Surgery OR Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases and get 7 CME credits for each masterclass
ECC is starting in
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Cancer of the rectum -
Crohn and Colitis -
Cancer of the Colon -
Diverticular Disease -
Innovations at work -
Complications -
Pearls of Practice -
Perspective Lectures -
Proctology & Pelvic Floor -
Microbiome Revealed -
Agenda
Program & Speakers 2025
Join Us at Colorectal THRIVE 2025: Elevate Your Expertise in Colorectal Surgery Discover the latest advancements in colorectal surgery, pelvic floor, and proctology at Colorectal THRIVE, taking place from Sunday, March 30 to Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the charming medieval city of Fribourg, Switzerland.
This premier event features an international Faculty of 40 renowned key opinion leaders, delivering 70 cutting-edge expert lectures that cover the full spectrum of colorectal surgery. Participants can earn up to 36 CME credits while immersing themselves in a dynamic learning environment.
Whether you choose onsite participation or opt for the convenience of virtual attendance, Colorectal THRIVE ensures flexibility with on-demand streaming available until Thursday, April 3, 2025, accommodating all global time zones.
Both interactive Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery and in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Disease take place on Sunday March 30, 2025. They prepare for the EBSQ Coloproctology and clinical practice, provide up to 14 CME credits, and are accredited by the University of Fribourg.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with global experts, expand both your knowledge and your professional network, and advance your practice. Save the Date and THRIVE with Us!
Cancer of the Rectum
Crohn and Colitis
Cancer of the Colon
Diverticular Disease
Innovations at work
Complications
Pearls of Pratice
Perspective Lectures
Proctology & Pelvic Floor
Microbiome Revealed
Main Congress Colorectal THRIVE
The Main Congress takes place from Monday to Wednesday, March 31 to April 2, 2025 - (book all days or choose individual days). Participants will be awarded up to 22 CME credits for attending the main congress. Both interactive Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery and in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Disease take place on Sunday March 30, 2025. They prepare for the EBSQ Coloproctology and clinical practice, provide up to 14 CME credits, and are accredited by the University of Fribourg.
Monday 31.03.2025
Time
Title
Lecturer
09:00 – 09:05
Opening: Welcome to Colorectal THRIVE
Michel Adamina, Fribourg – CH
09:05 – 09:15
Address by the President of the Swiss Society of Surgery
Rebecca Kraus, Chur - CH

09:15 – 09:45
The ESCP Presidential Lecture
Surgical leadership: soft factors, hard facts
Antonino Spinelli, Milano - IT

Perspective lectures
09:45 – 10:15
Diverticular disease: When should we operate, and what are the goals regarding recurrence, quality of life, and surgical approaches?
Pamela Buchwald, Malmö, SW
10:15 – 10:45
Maximizing the impact of ICG angiography on leakrates – results from the AVOID trial and more
Esther Consten, Groningen – NL
10:45 – 11:15
Coffee break
Perspective lecture
11:15 – 11:45
Training in the High Tech Era: challenges and opportunities
Antonino Spinelli, Milano – IT
Pearls of practice – Cancer of the Rectum
11:45 - 12:15
Staging, re-staging, and decision-making in rectal cancer: the early, the nasty, and the ugly
Gina Brown, London – UK
12:15 - 12:45
Managing early rectal cancer: local resection, radiation, and salvage procedures
Roel Hompes, Amsterdam - NL
12:45 - 13:15
Tailored operative strategy and ileostomy policy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Quentin Denost, Bordeaux - FR
13:15 – 14:30
Lunch break
14:30 - 15:00
State of the art rectal cancer surgery: open,laparoscopic, transanal, or robotic - let the dataspeak: results from the COLOR III trial and more
Jurriaan Tuynman, Amsterdam - NL
15:00 - 15:30
Organ preservation strategy and handling nearcomplete responses
Quentin Denost, Bordeaux - F
15:30 - 16:00
Robotic pelvic exenteration and beyond TMEresections: the new frontier
Christos Kontovounisios, Athens -Greece
16:00 - 16:30
The truth about anastomotic leak: prediction, treatment, and stoma-free survival following rectal cancer resection: the TENTACLE data
Roel Hompes, Amsterdam - NL
16:30 – 17:00
Coffee break
Bail out strategies: management of complications
17:00 – 17:30
Troubleshooting in the operating room - from open to laparoscopic and robotic: all that could get wrong and how to save your patient and yourself
Deena Harji, Manchester - UK
17:30 – 18:00
Prevention and management of intestinal failure
Carolynne Vaizey, London - UK
18:00 – 18:30
Rectal Prolapse: recurrence, mesh complications & pain
William Perry, Rochester - US
Welcome reception and Perspective lecture
18:45 - 19:45
Addressing the unspoken: sexual desire and function in coloproctology and pelvic floor patients
Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli,
Thomas Dieuleveut, Geneva - CH
Tuesday 01.04.2025
Time
Title
Lecturer
Pearls of practice – Crohn and Colitis
.
08:30 - 09:00
Dysplasia in IBD patients – of surveillance, extent of resection, and follow-up
Caroline Nordenvall, Stockholm - SE
09:00 – 09:30
Decision-making on stricturoplasty vs resection and step by step techniques from plain to complex stricturoplasties
André d’Hoore, Leuven - BE
09:30 – 10:00
Management of refractory Crohn colitis and dysplasia – segmental vs extended resection and reconstructive options
Laura Hancock, Manchester – UK
10:00 – 10:30
Mastering IBD in general practice – perioperative strategies and technical pearls
Janindra Warusavitarne, London - UK
10:30 – 11:00
Coffee break
Perspective lecture
11:00 – 11:30
Molecular pathology explained - refining prognosis and tailoring oncologic treatment
Phil Quirke, Leeds – UK
So you wanna be a surgeon?
11:30 – 12:00
The surgeon’s personality – does it matter?
Susan Moug, Paisley/Glasgow - UK
12:00 – 12:30
Human factors in surgery: surgical team proficiency and optimal decision making
Paul Barach, Philadelphia - US
12:30 – 13:00
How to overcome frustration and develop resilience along a surgical career
Patricia Sylla, New York - US
13:00 – 14:15
Lunch break
The Times They Are a-Changin
14:15 – 14:45
The ACPGBI Presidential Lecture
Volume-outcome relationship in oncologic colorectal surgery – making clinical sense of the scientific evidence
Justin Davies, Cambridge - UK

14:45 – 15:15
Gastrointestinal bleeding: staple line, diverticulitis, angiodysplasia - how to get out of trouble
Laura Beyer-Berjot, Marseille - FR
Pearls of practice - functional outcomes
15:15 – 15:45
LARS revisited – from recognition to treatment strategies and long-term outcomes
Julie Cornish, Cardiff - UK
15:45 – 16:15
Lessonslearned from two decades of pelvic floor surgery: the dos and don’ts
André d'Hoore, Leuven – BE
16:15 – 16:45
Sexual dysfunction and support pathways after multimodal cancer treatment
Julie Cornish, Cardiff – UK
16:45 – 17:15
Coffee break
Perspective lecture
17:15 – 17:45
Anticipating complications and active management of frailty - prehabilitation
Susan Moug, Paisley/Glasgow - UK
17:45 – 18:15
From Knowing to Doing: the implementation gap – leadership at work
Paul Barach, Philadelphia - US
18:15 – 18:45
Theholy grail of regenerative medicine: do stem cells & growth factors achieveclinical results?
Amy Lightner, La Jolla - US
Bail out strategies: management of complications
18:45 – 19:15
Artificial intelligence at work: real-time detection of landmarks and surgical planes for quality assurance
Pietro Mascagni, Roma & Strasbourg, IT / FR
Wednesday 02.04.2025
Time
Title
Lecturer
Pearls of practice – Cancer of the colon
08:30 - 09:00
The EAES Presidential lecture
Managing obstructive colorectal cancer - of stent, neoadjuvant approaches, and stoma prior to resection
Alberto Arezzo, Torino - IT

09:00 - 09:30
Right colectomy for cancer - my preferred
techniques and approaches for solving
intraoperative complications
Jim Khan, Portsmouth - UK
09:30 - 10:00
Getting things right – how to successfully implement complete mesocolic excision nationwide
Jurriaan Tuynman, Amsterdam – NL
10:00 - 10:30
The unsolved pandemic: handling obesity - perioperative management, technical refinements and outcomes
Patricia Sylla, New York – USA
10:30 - 11:00
Management of complex polyps
Jared Torkington, Cardiff - UK
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee break
The Times They Are a-Changin
11:30 – 12:00
Tailored multimodal treatment for colon cancer: evidence put at work
Paris Tekkis, London - UK
12:00 – 12:30
Curative treatment strategies for peritoneal cancer - neoadjuvant PIPAC, CRS, and HIPEC
Marc André Reymond, Berne – CH
12:30 – 13:00
A Pathway to Mastery in Robotic Surgery for Diverticular Disease: Advancing from Basic to Complex
Jim Khan, Portsmouth - UK
Perspective lectures
13:00 – 13:30
Ambulatory colectomy: is it a day dream? Reporting the first 195 patients
Philippe Chasserant, Albertville, FR
13:30- 14:00
The future is bright: image-guided surgery in clinical practice
Michele Diana, Genève/Strasbourg - CH/FR
14:00
Closure and Farewell
Michel Adamina, Fribourg - CH
Masterclasses 2025
Both Masterclasses take place on Sunday, March 30, 2025 (choose 1 of 2) and can be booked independently of the Main Congress.
Masterclass in
Colorectal Surgery
- Interactive one-day course
- Can be booked independently of the expert lectures
- 7 CME credits
- Attendance: Onsite or online
- PDF copies of the presentations are included
Masterclass in
Proctology & Pelvic Floor Disease
- Interactive one-day course
- Can be booked independently of the expert lectures
- 7 CME credits
- Attendance: Onsite or online
- PDF copies of the presentations are included
Masterclasses
Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery
Sun 30.03.2025
Time
Title
Lecturer
09:00 - 09:35
Management of intestinal neuroendocrine tumors
Isacco Montroni, Milano - IT
09:35 – 10:10
How I do it: hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis and lateral lymph node dissection
Paris Tekkis, London - UK
10:10 – 10:45
Happy to close – incidence and step by step management strategies to minimize incisional and parastomal hernia
Jared Torkington, Cardiff - UK
10:45 – 11:05
Coffee break
11:05 - 11:40
Understanding biology and improving surgical specimen are key to best oncologic outcomes
Phil Quirke, Leeds - UK
11:40 – 12:15
First It did not reach and now it turns ischemic! How to maximize mobilization and perfusion: from the perfect flexure approach to mesentery lengthening and other tricks
Eloy Espín-Basany, Barcelona - ES
12:15 – 12:50
Colorectal cancer staging – why it matters, how to interpret imaging, and how to implement a quality reporting framework at home
Gina Brown, London - UK
12:50 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 14:35
Management of colonic volvulus, small bowel obstruction, bezoars, and Ogilvie
Rebecca Kraus, Chur - CH
14:35 – 15:10
A survival guide for the septic abdomen: drainage, lavage, resection and protected anastomosis, damage control or Hartmann procedure and its minimally invasive reversal
Amy Lightner, La Jolla - US
15:10 – 15:45
A colorectal trauma guide: foreign bodies, blunt, stab, and shot injuries
Laura Beyer-Berjot, Marseille – FR
15:45 – 16:15
Coffee break
16:15 – 16:50
Intraoperative decision-making for Crohn’s disease
Laura Hancock, Manchester - UK
16:50 – 17:25
Pro and cons of Ileorectal and ileopouchanal anastomosis in IBD and polyposis syndromes
Justin Davies, Cambridge - UK
17:25 – 18:00
Management of presacral and retrorectal tumors
William Perry, Rochester - US
18:00
Closure
The Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery is an intensive one-day Course intended to provide in-depth and interactive learning of topics paramount to the safe practice of colorectal surgery. It has been designed with Janindra Warusavitarne, St. Marks London & Education Chair of the European Society of Coloproctology. As such, this Colorectal THRIVE Masterclass is ideally suited to prepare for the UEMS EBSQ Coloproctology Board or to refresh knowledge. The Masterclass in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases is listed as an official university course by the University of Fribourg.
The course can be booked independently of the main congress. Non-editable pdf copies of the presentations are included.
Masterclass in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases
Sun 30.03.2025
Time
Title
Lecturer
09:00 - 09:35
Expert Approaches to Cryptogenic Abscesses andFistulae, from basic to the most complex cases
Bruno Roche, Geneva - CH
09:35 – 10:10
The Crohn perineum – state of the art management of abscess and complex fistula
Janindra Warusavitarne, London – UK
10:10 – 10:45
Stem cells in clinical practice and more coming from the bench to the bedside – what do we have today and what to expect tomorrow
Amy Lightner, La Jolla - US
10:45 – 11:05
Coffee break
11:05 - 11:40
Obstetric injury: early and late presentation and repair techniques
Carolynne Vaizey, London – UK
11:40 – 12:15
Let there be light: laser hemorrhoidoplasty, fistula,and sinus pilonidalis treatment
Ionel H. Roman, Saxon - CH
12:15 – 12:50
Care protocol in proctology – hypnosis, local anesthesia, preemptive analgesia
Frédéric Ris, Geneva – CH
12:50 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 14:35
State of the art neuromodulation: of fecal incontinence, slow-transit constipation, LARS, and more - techniques and cost-effectiveness
Guillaume Meurette, Geneva - CH
14:35 – 15:10
Pilonidal sinus: from incision to definitive treatment
Christian Gingert, Zürich - CH
15:10 – 15:45
Pelvic floor reconstruction techniques
Guillaume Meurette, Geneva - CH
15:45 – 16:15
Coffee break
16:15 – 16:50
When joining the ends make no sense - salvage strategies and long-term results of the Turnbull-Cutait Pull-Through Coloanal Anastomosis
Eloy Espín-Basany, Barcelona - ES
16:50 – 17:25
Hidradenitis suppurativa – a practical, multimodal management guide
Christian Gingert, Zürich - CH
17:25 – 18:00
Rectocele, cystocele, and elytrocele: diagnosis, clinical significance, and surgical implications
Bruno Roche, Geneva – CH
18:00
Closure
The Masterclass in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases is an intensive one-day Course intended to provide in-depth and interactive learning of topics paramount to the safe practice of colorectal surgery. It has been designed with Janindra Warusavitarne, St. Marks London & Education Chair of the European Society of Coloproctology. As such, this Colorectal THRIVE Masterclass is ideally suited to prepare for the UEMS EBSQ Coloproctology Board or to refresh knowledge.
The Masterclass in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases is listed as an official university course by the University of Fribourg.
Our 40 Expert Speakers

Alberto Arezzo
Torino - IT

Caroline Nordenvall
Stockholm - SW

Carolynne Vaizey
London - UK

Christos Kontovounisios
Athens - GR

Francesco Bianchi-Demicheli
Geneva – CH

Ionel Roman
Saxon - CH

Julie Cornish
Cardiff - UK

Justin Davies
Cambridge - UK

Laura Beyer-Berjot
Marseille

Laura Hancock
Manchester

Michele Diana
Genève - CH

Pamela Buchwald
Malmö, SW

Paul Barach
Philadelphia - USA

Philippe Chasserant
Albertville, FR

Pietro Mascagni
Roma / Strasbourg

Susan Moug
Glasgow

William Perry
Rochester - USA

Patricia Sylla
New York - USA

Marc André Reymond

Eloy Espin Basany
Barcelona, ES

Gina Brown
London, UK

Quentin Denost
Bordeaux, FR

Esther Consten
Groningen, Netherlands

Christian Gingert
Zürich, CH

Deena Harji
Manchester, UK

Roel Hompes
Amsterdam, NL

André d'Hoore
Leuven, BE

Jim Khan
Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Rebecca Kraus
Chur, CH

Isacco Montroni
Faenze, IT

Guillaume Meurette
Geneva, CH

Phillip Quirke
Leeds, UK

Frédéric Ris
Geneva, CH

Bruno Roche
Geneva, CH

Antonino Spinelli
Milano, IT

Jared Torkington
London, UK

Jurriaan Tuynman
Amsterdam, NL

Janindra Warusavitarne
London, UK

Paris Tekkis
London, UK

Amy L. Lightner
La Jolla, USA
Pricing 2025 - Extended Virtual Access
Payment in Swiss Francs: 1 CHF ≈ 1 EUR ≈ 1 US$ // No VAT is charged for education
- View recordings of all lectures from the congress (4 days), March 30 to April 2, 2025 in Fribourg, Switzerland
- Get 36 CME points
- View scientific abstracts
- Access from now to September 30, 2025
- Access from now to September 30, 2025
NEW registration on-demand access until Sept 30, 2025
Main congress (22 CME credits)
450 CHF
Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery (7 CME credits)
150 CHF
Masterclass in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases
(7 CME credits)
150 CHF
ADDITIONAL on-demand access until Sept 30, 2025
Requires a prior registration to either the main congress or the same masterclass
Main congress (22 CME credits)
100 CHF
Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery (7 CME credits)
50 CHF
Masterclass in Proctology and Pelvic Floor Diseases
(7 CME credits)
50 CHF
Colorectal THRIVE - Organizing Committee
The brains and hands at work to make it happen. Our goal: To establish the world’s leading comprehensive congress for colorectal surgery, proctology, and pelvic floor diseases - a place where surgeons THRIVE.
Colorectal THRIVE - Sounding Board
The distinguished members of our Sounding Board oversaw the best and most comprehensive programme in colorectal surgery for you.

Discover Fribourg
Switzerland
When you attend Colorectal THRIVE, you will also get to experience Fribourg - one of Switzerland's oldest towns.
Fribourg is famous for its medieval architecture, numerous bridges, university and cheese fondues. Surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and steep mountains that attract sport enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, Fribourg is also easy to reach from the nearby airports of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
Direct access to train connection from all major cities and airports to Fribourg.
More information: Discover Fribourg and local transports (Fribourg city card).
Congress venue
The Colorectal THRIVE congress venue is located at the heart of Fribourg.
Excellent public transportation and individual parking at the congress site are available. We recommend public transportation to travel to the congress.
Access public transporation schedule here
=> Type From: "your place of departure" To: "Forum Fribourg"

Forum Fribourg, Route du Lac 12, 1763 Granges-Paccot


Hotels & accommodation
All participants are to book their accommodation of choice independently.
The 2 hotels next to the congress venue are the Hotel Ibis and Ibis budget with rates starting below CHF 100. They are plenty of hotel rooms available within a 10km radius, as well as Airbnb options.
Hotel Ibis can be booked at H5324-BO@accor.com
Hotel Ibis budget can be booked at H9925-FO@accor.com
Further hotels within 10km of the congress venue can be booked at:
Surgeons are bred, not born!
ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Free Lectures
Countdown to Colorectal THRIVE 2026: Monthly Expert Lectures
Get inspired for your practice with exclusive presentations from THRIVE 2024!
Once a month, a new expert lecture is highlighted in our newsletter, with access available for four weeks, as part of our mission to advance the knowledge, humanity, and skills of colorectal surgeons worldwide.
Don’t miss this chance to explore cutting-edge insights in colorectal surgery, pelvic floor, and proctology.
Register now to receive our newsletter and stay inspired on your journey to THRIVE 2026.
LOOKING BACK
This was THRIVE 2025
Colorectal THRIVE 2025 ended in early April: it was again an incredible success built on Friendship, Commitment to Share, and tireless Engagement for our Core Values. Speakers and Attendees shaped the spirit of our THRIVE colorectal community, exchanging thoughts and sharing experience to learn together and improve patients’ care and surgeons’ well-being.
An international jury had the difficult task to select and honour three out of the many submitted abstracts. The 3 best contributions were:
1. Is stoma reversal under spinal anesthesia more ERAS friendly? A randomized controlled trial
T. Mishra, S. Jain, N. Singh, P. Kumar, B. Rout, S. Ahmad, D. Muduly, B. Pattnaik
All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
Bhubaneswar, India
2. CRP values in the drainage fluid as a predictive marker of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery – a prospective pilot study
I.Kyrochristou, G. Anagnostopoulos, K. Psalla, A. Rogdakis
General Hospital of Nikaia andPiraeus, Athens
3. Comparison of quality of life between intersphincteric resection and abdominoperineal resection in patients with low rectal cancer
A. Mohammed, S. Shojaei-Zarghani,Z. Ghanbarzadegan , Z. Zabangirfard , A. Hussein Alhurry, K. Gorgi , S. Vahid Hosseini
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Al HusseinTeaching Hospital, Imam Alhassan Teaching Hospital, Karbala, Iraq
Congratulations to the 3 Winners and their Team!
Thank you for choosing THRIVE to share your research.
We pledge to share at THRIVE
In 2025 Colorectal THRIVE warmly welcomed 749 participants from 43 countries across six continents.
As in 2024, we waived or reduced registration fees for 50 fellow surgeons from low-and middle-income countries and from war-torn regions.
Because we believe in sharing above all.
If you liked Colorectal THRIVE 2025, you will love THRIVE 2026: mark your calendar for
Colorectal THRIVE 2026 from Sunday March 22 to Thursday March, 2026 in Fribourg, Switzerland.
The main congress will run Monday to Wednesday, whereas Masterclass will be offered on Sunday and Thursday.
We will make another major colorectal congress happen, share what we know and can best, and thrive together!
Michel and the Colorectal THRIVE Team