Colorectal THRIVE 2026

Congress Where Surgeons THRIVE

Get ready for the next chapter
March 22 - 25, 2026 | Fribourg, Switzerland

“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
Senior Consultant, Dept. of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
Full Professor of Surgery, Faculty of Science & Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Education Chair, European Society of Coloproctology
Chair, Guidelines Committee, European Crohn and Colitis Organisation
Program Committee, European Association for Endoscopic Surgery

Our partners

Logo EAESBrand Logo of Europe Heriditary Tumour Group
Logo European Crohn's and Colitis OrganisationBrand logo of SPCGLogo HFR
Logo Swiss MisLogo Uni Fribourg

What is Colorectal THRIVE ?

ABOUT THE CONGRESS

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, 50 key opinion leaders from 16 countries cover 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 include 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 were developed with the Education Committee of ESCP in collaboration with Janindra Warusavitarne, Lead Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, St. Marks London and Secretary of the Coloproctology Section of UEMS. As such, the Colorectal THRIVE Masterclass are ideally suited to prepare for the UEMS EBSQ Coloproctology Board or to refresh knowledge.
The choice is yours: register for THRIVE and discover our Expert lectures, either the main congress or a masterclass, you will not regret it.
Colorectal THRIVE - expect only the Best!

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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

Join us at Colorectal THRIVE 2026: Elevate your expertise in Colorectal Surgery! From Sunday, March 22 to Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the city of Fribourg, Switzerland becomes the hub for colorectal surgery, pelvic floor, and proctology.

World-Class Faculty & CME Credits

  • 50 international experts present the latest advances in the field.

  • 75 expert lectures cover the full spectrum of colorectal surgery and proctology in Main Congress and Masterclasses.

  • Earn up to 36 CME credits in a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Masterclasses – Sunday, March 22, 2026

  • Colorectal Surgery and Proctology & Pelvic Floor Disorders

  • Perfect preparation for the EBSQ Coloproctology exam and clinical practice.

  • Accredited by the University of Fribourg, with up to 14 CME credits.

Flexible Participation

  • Attend onsite in Fribourg or join virtually from anywhere.

  • Access on-demand streaming until Friday, March 27, 2026, across all time zones.

  • Extended on-demand access available until Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Why Attend?

  • Connect with leading specialists worldwide.

  • Expand your knowledge and your professional network.

  • Advance your practice with cutting-edge insights.

  • Enjoy congress platform onsite and virtual from February 15 until September 30, 2026, offering:

    • Live & on-demand presentations

    • Networking and chat functions

    • Discussions, Q&A, and global hybrid participation

    • Abstracts, sponsor booths and speaker details

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

Topics

The Main Congress takes place from Monday to Wednesday, March 22-25, 2025 - (book all days or choose individual days). Participants will be awarded up to 22 CME credits for attending the main congress.

Main Congress

The program offers comprehensive coverage – from cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to functional disorders, complications, and innovations. It also retains the highly acclaimed sessions on leadership and personal development. The 2026 program is designed for active audience participation and reflects the full breadth and depth of colorectal surgery and proctology. Broad endorsement by leading surgical and gastroenterological societies guarantee high content validity and direct relevance to clinical practice.

Participants and partners can expect:

  • The latest evidence and care recommendations

  • Updates in surgical management

  • Advances in prevention and handling of complications

  • State-of-the-art approaches to cancer and IBD

  • High-level interactions with experts and partners

  • Single-stream onsite + global on-demand access: never miss a lecture

All delivered by an international faculty of world-class experts.

Expert lectures from the leadership of:

Dutch Society of Colorectal Surgery DSCRS

European Association for Endoscopic Surgery EAES

European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation ECCO

European Society of Coloproctology ESCP

Swiss Society of Surgery SGC SSC

Monday 03.23.2026

8 CME

Time

Title

08:30 – 08:45

Opening: Welcome to Colorectal THRIVE

09:05 – 09:15

The ESCP Lecture

Soyou wanna be a surgeon?  

Diverticular disease

09:15 – 09:45

Diverticular  Disease - from easy to crazy - how to get out of trouble

09:45 – 10:15

Emergency  robotic colorectal surgery for obstruction and peritonitis: the next frontier

10:15 – 10:45

To resect  or to expect after diverticulitis - an updated perspective

10:45 – 11:15

Coffee break

Colon cancer

11:15 - 11:45

Incidence  and management of complex colon cancer

11:45 - 12:15

A  step-by-step, time-tested teaching model of CME for cancer

12:15 - 12:45

Functional results after oncologic colectomy

12:45 - 13:15

Pragmatic Strategies for Optimizing Outcomes in Frail and Elderly  Colorectal Patients

13:15 - 14:30

Lunch break

14:30 - 15:00

Extraperitoneal  colorectal resection

Leadership

15:00 - 15:30

How to get  things done in our operating rooms

15:30 - 16:00

Sustainability  in the OR  - why it matters and how to  do it

16:00 - 16:30

Virtual  reality for teaching and improving performance

16:30 - 17:00

Coffee break

Bail out strategies:  management of complications

17:00 - 17:30

How to get  things done in our operating rooms

17:30 - 18:00

The Microbiome as a Surgical Partner: Are we ready to Operate Together

Perspective lecture

18:00 - 18:30

Real-time surgical guidance: planes recognition and automated warning

18:30 - 19:00

Robotic Surgery - a video-illustrated path to Mastery

Honorary lecture and Welcome reception

19:00 – 20:00

Sharp as a  knife, smart as a surgeon: lessons learned in my surgical life and beyond

Tuesday 03.24.2026

8 CME

Time

Title

Pearls of practice -  Crohn and Colitis

08:30 - 09:00

Stepwise  management algorithm for perianal and perineal Crohn's disease

09:00 - 09:30

Revisional  surgery in Crohn and Colitis

09:30 - 10:00

Enterocutaneous  fistula - risk factors and how to get out of trouble

10:00 - 10:30

The  appendix and the colon - can a simple appendectomy save the colon in  ulcerative colitis?

10:30 - 11:00

Coffe break

Rectum cancer

11:00 - 11:30

Transanal  TME - time for a revival?  Results from  the VANTAGE and COLOR III trials

11:30 - 12:00

A nation  experience on tailoring multimodal treatment of rectal cancer: de-escalation,  abstention, intensification

12:00 - 12:30

Long-term  quality of life and functional outcomes following a Watch-and-Wait approach

12:30 - 13:00

Neoadjuvant  chemotherapy and immunotherapy explained

13:00 – 14:15

Lunch break

14:15 - 14:45

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy asfelt by the colorectal surgeon

14:45 - 15:15

Of the  importance of lymphnode and tumor deposits in colorectal cancer - the  radiologist view

15:15 - 15:45

Of the  importance of lymphnode and tumor deposits in colorectal cancer - the  pathologist view

Perspective lecture

15:45 - 16:15

The Future of Surgery

16:15 - 16:45

Coffee break

Leadership

16:45 - 17:45

Hostage at  the table - how to negotiate when it matters most

17:45 - 18:15

Let’s talk  about sex – how to improve function beyond survival

18:15 - 18:45

The empty  pelvis - how to prevent and manage perineal disasters

Perspective lecture

18:45 - 19:15

Surgical errors, performance, and outcomes: howcan we improve

Wednesday 03.25.2026

6 CME

Time

Title

Consultants’Corner

08:30 – 09:15

Oncology  – cases submitted by the participants

09:15 - 10:00

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases – cases  submitted by the participants

The Times They Are a-Changin

10:00 - 10:30

NOSE - transanal & transvaginal orifice surgery

10:30 - 11:00

Micro- and macrorobotics at wok

10:30 - 11:00

Intact & OPTIMISTICC: The Microbiome and  Colorectal Cancer

11:00 - 11:30

Management of urban trauma and foreign body

11:30 - 12:00

Coffe break

Perspective lectures

12:30 - 13:00

Tailored multimodal treatment for colon cancer:  evidence put at work

13:00 - 13:30

Artificial  Intelligence in Colorectal Surgery – risks, benefits, and a map to success

13:30 - 14:00

Antibiotic  resistance, new bugs, and new drugs in clinical practice

Perspective lecture

14:00 - 14:30

Preoperative  and intraoperative warning flags - lessons from the exenteration expert

14:30 - 15:00

State-of-the-art  management of liver metastatic disease

15:00

Closure and Farewell

Masterclasses 2026

Both Masterclasses take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026 (choose 1 of 2) and can be booked independently of the Main Congress.

Masterclass in Colorectal Surgery
Sunday 03.22.2026

7 CME

Time

Title

09:00 - 09:35

The abdominal wall revisited – robotic incisional and parastomal  hernia repair

09:35 -  10:10

Acute diverticulitis - how to get out of trouble

10:10 - 10:45

Surgical leadership - what truly shapes success beyond conventional  metrics

10:45 - 11:05

Coffe break

11:05 - 11:40

Colon cancer: an update on techniques and results

11:40 - 12:15

From early surgery to over-the-valve stricturoplasty: surgical  management of Crohn patients

12:15 - 12:50

Genetic syndromes for the colorectal surgeon - investigations and  surgical approaches

12:50 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 14:35

Management of anorectal dyspasia

14:35 - 15:10

So many clinical trials - what you should know to contribute to  decision-making at the tumor board

15:10 - 15:45

Management strategies for the acute abdomen - dealing with the unknown  and optimizing outcomes

15:45 - 16:15

Coffee break

16:15 - 16:50

Surgical approaches to rectal cancer - techniques and results

16:50 - 17:25

Surgical errors, performance, and outcomes: how can we improve our  training and life-long practice

17:25 - 18:00

All I wish to have known 10 years ago - tricks of the robotic trade  when it bleeds, will not reach, cannot mobilize

This intensive one-day course provides in-depth, interactive training on key topics essential for the safe and effective practice of colorectal surgery.

It has been developed together with Janindra Warusavitarne (St. Mark’s, London; Secretary of UEMS Coloproctology) and the Education Committee of the European Society of Coloproctology.

The course is ideally suited for:

  • Preparation for the UEMS EBSQ Coloproctology Board Exam

  • Refreshing and updating existing knowledge

Additional Information

  • Masterclass can be booked independently of the main congress.

  • Participants will receive PDF copies of all presentations.

  • The University of Fribourg recognizes this Masterclass as an official university course.

Masterclass in Proctology & Pelvic Floor Disorders
Sunday 03.22.2026

7 CME

Time

Title

09:00 - 09:35

Proctology Foundations: Exam, Ultrasound,  and MRI — Complementing the Clinical History

09:35 -  10:10

Specialization in proctology - how to start  a successful practice

10:10 - 10:45

Anorectal fistula - from simple to complex,  time-tested and innovative approaches

10:45 - 11:05

Coffe break

11:05 - 11:40

The pelvic floor explained - anatomy,  function, and pathophysiology for surgeons

11:40 - 12:15

What is IBS and what is it not – diagnosis  and treatment of irritable bowel syndrom

12:15 - 12:50

State of the art neuromodulation: of fecal  incontinence, slow-transit constipation, LARS, and more - technique and  cost-effectiveness

12:50 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 14:35

Transperineal and transvaginal approaches  explained

14:35 - 15:10

Reoperative pelvic floor surgery - advices  and techniques when things go wrong

15:10 - 15:45

The lazy gut - investigations,  interventions, and medical treatment

15:45 - 16:15

Coffee break

16:15 - 16:50

The lazy gut - let's take it out! Words of caution and surgical  algorithm

16:50 - 17:25

Laser in proctology: from bleaching,  rejuvenation to fistula closure and pilonidal sinus

17:25 - 18:00

Proctology and the human soul: pearls of  wisdom to building a therapeutic relationship

This intensive one-day course provides in-depth, interactive training on key topics essential for the safe and effective management of patients with pelvic floor and proctologic disorders.

It has been developed in collaboration with Janindra Warusavitarne (St. Mark’s, London; Secretary of UEMS Coloproctology) and the Education Committee of the European Society of Coloproctology.

The course is ideally suited for:

  • Preparation for the UEMS EBSQ Coloproctology Board Exam

  • Refreshing and updating clinical knowledge

Additional Information

  • Masterclass can be booked independently of the maincongress.

  • Participants will receive PDF copies of all presentations.

  • The University of Fribourg recognizes this Masterclass as an official university course.

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

Submit an abstract

We welcome original abstracts of previously unpublished works related to the field of colorectal and digestive diseases, including basic and translational research, medical education, leadership, and health resources utilization.

Full registration of the first author is mandatory for submission of an abstract with a limit of 2 contributions per first author and 500 words per contribution.

Submission deadline is Sunday March 9th, 2026 midnight CET.
Accepted abstracts will be displayed in the virtual exhibition from March to October 2026 and the best 3 contributions will be honored. No printing is foreseen for sustainability. Digital publication follows the Creative Commons open access guidelines (CC-BY 4.0).

Submit abstract
image of a womens hands, typing on a laptop. next to her is a stetoscope

Registration Rates

Payment in Swiss Francs: 1 CHF ≈ 1 EUR ≈ 1 US$  //  No VAT is charged for education

    Colorectal THRIVE 2026 - registration fee for onsiteand online attendance

    Early Registration until 30.12.2025

    Regular Registration
    from 31.12.2025 to 06.03.2026

    Late Registration
    Rates apply from 07.03.2026

    Main Congress
    Monday until Wednesday
    22 CME credits

    615 CHF

    725 CHF

    815 CHF

    Main Congress Trainee*
    Monday until Wednesday
    22 CME credits

    340 CHF

    420 CHF

    480 CHF

    Single day
    Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday

    375 CHF

    440 CHF

    450 CHF

    Single day Trainee*
    Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday

    275 CHF

    350 CHF

    390 CHF

    Colorectal Masterclass
    Sunday
    7 CME credits

    350 CHF

    410 CHF

    450 CHF

    Colorectal Masterclass Trainee*
    Sunday
    7 CME credits

    280 CHF

    350 CHF

    380 CHF

    Proctology & Pelvic Floor Masterclass
    Sunday
    7 CME credits

    350 CHF

    410 CHF

    450 CHF

    Proctology & Pelvic Floor Masterclass Trainee*
    Sunday
    7 CME credits

    280 CHF

    350 CHF

    380 CHF

    ADDITIONAL on-demand access until September 30, 2026

    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

    Thrive Team

    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.

    Prof. Michel AdaminaLinkedIn Logo

    Prof. Michel Adamina

    Senior Consultant, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital Full Professor of Surgery, University of Fribourg, Switzerland Education Chair, European Society of Coloproctology Chair, Guidelines Committee, European Crohn and Colitis Organisation
    Dr. Georgios PerosLinkedIn Logo

    Dr. Georgios Peros

    Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, FEBS Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, Lucerne, Switzerland
    Dr. Roel HompesLinkedIn Logo

    Dr. Roel Hompes

    M.D., PhD, FASCRS (Hon) Gastrointestinal and oncologic surgeon Amsterdam University Medical Center Dept. of Surgery, Amsterdam, TheNetherlands
    Dr. François PuginLinkedIn Logo

    Dr. François Pugin

    M.D., Interim Chair Department of Surgery Cantonal Hospital of Fribourg Fribourg, Switzerland

    Sounding Board

    The distinguished members of our Sounding Board oversaw the best and most comprehensive programme in colorectal surgery for you.

    Prof. Patricia SyllaLinkedIn Logo

    Prof. Patricia Sylla

    Professor of Surgery, Chief of Coloretal Surgery, Mt. Sinai, New York City, Past President of SAGES (Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons)

    Prof. Willem BemelmanLinkedIn Logo

    Prof. Willem Bemelman

    Professor of Colorectal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Past president ESCP (European Society of Coloproctology)

    Janindra WarusavitarneLinkedIn Logo

    Janindra Warusavitarne

    MD, PhD, Lead Consultant Colorectal Surgeon for IBD, St. Mark's Hospital, London, Secretary of the UEMS EBSQ Coloproctology

    Prof. Des WinterLinkedIn Logo

    Prof. Des Winter

    Professor of Surgery, University College Dublin, Consultant St. Vincent's University Hospital, Editor-in-Chief BJS (British Journal of Surgery)

    View over the old city Fribourg with a river

    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

    Brand Logo Forum Fribourg
    Outside view of the Forum Fribourg, a congress centre in Fribourg Switzerland
    An image of the old town Fribourg

    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!

    Free Lectures

    ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

    Countdown to Colorectal THRIVE 2026: Weekly Expert Lectures


    Get inspired for your practice with exclusive presentations from THRIVE !
    Once a week, 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.

    William Perry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester - USA
    Amy Lightner, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla - US

    This was THRIVE 2025

    LOOKING BACK

    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 Hussein Teaching 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  Wednesday March 25, 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

    Sponsors

    Thank you to everyone who made it possible to execute Colorectal THRIVE 2024.

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