Dear colleagues, Minimal access surgery has ventured into areas hitherto considered difficult territory for open surgeons. Sub specialisation and technological advancements have made surgery reproducible and safer. Indian Association of Gastro-intestinal Endo-Surgeons, started over 26 years back, has tried to keep pace with individual surgeons’ aspirations.

Over years, training programs covering basic laparoscopy skills like knotting & suturing, FIAGES etc to advanced courses like FALS, EFIAGES & FAGIE have been introduced to keep our members updated. This year we are adding FALS in GI oncology and Robotic surgery as well. I foresee IAGES emerging as a conglomerate of specialized MAS surgeons, without compromising on its basic tenet of educating and supporting a general surgeon in skills of basic and advanced laparoscopy.

During the 18th National conference of IAGES at Coimbatore in February 2021, the program is proposed so that it is useful not only to a general lap surgeon, but with dedicated sub-specialty halls that even sub-specialists will find interesting. We also plan to transmit live specialty surgeries in separate halls besides standard laparoscopic procedures in the main hall. Common interest talks, guest lectures and orations by eminent authorities will continue to be in the plenary session. I believe a national conference should provide a platform to its members to showcase their work and thus a major emphasis will be on free paper presentations in every hall during prime time. I urge you to please share your research, videos and thoughts through the abstract submission route and our scientific committee will ensure adequate time and space for all selected works. With your cooperation, we plan to make this event memorable for a quality scientific programme and impeccable hospitality.

Please feel free to communicate for any suggestions or details. Looking forward to see you at Coimbatore 2021