Workshops
Workshop 1: Laparoscopy – Dry Lab/Skills Lab
Venue: University of Pretoria Centre for Simulation and Innovation Skills Laboratory North, HW Date: Snyman Building North, University of Pretoria
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 08h00 – 16h00
Max participants: 18 pax
Price per person: R1800.00
This workshop provides comprehensive laparoscopy training and skill practice in a simulated environment, aimed at Medical Officers and Registrars who are starting their laparoscopic training program and wish to understand and refine the basic principles of laparoscopic surgery. The course is structured to support the development of essential laparoscopic techniques in a controlled, hands-on setting.
Participants will engage in both 2D and 3D visualization exercises, with a focus on effective camera handling. They will practise and refine basic laparoscopic skills using a laparoscopic training simulator. Working in pairs, each model will be shared by two participants, who will alternate between roles in camera handling and surgical skills training. All activities will be overseen by experienced laparoscopic experts to ensure guided learning and technique correction.
The workshop aims to support the development of fundamental psychomotor skills, familiarization with laparoscopic equipment, simulated tissue handling and dissection, procedural simulation practice, error recognition and prevention, as well as performance feedback and assessment. These components are integrated to provide participants with a strong foundation in laparoscopic surgery, preparing them for continued progress in their surgical training.
Workshop 2: Laparoscopy - Wet Lab/Skills
Venue: University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Skills Laboratory. Faculty of Veterinary Science. Lesedi Complex. Old Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 08h00 – 16h00
Max participants: 12 pax
Price per person: R 3500.00
This advanced laparoscopy workshop delivers targeted training and skill development in a live surgery environment, designed for Medical Officers and Registrars who have mastered basic laparoscopic principles and who want to practice in a controlled, moderated setting. Participants will work in teams of three at each porcine model station, alternating between camera handling and direct surgical manipulation to ensure balanced exposure to both visual guidance and operative tasks. Emphasis is placed on mastering 2D and 3D visualization techniques to enhance depth perception and spatial orientation, alongside the refinement of intermediate laparoscopic skills under real-time conditions.
Throughout the course, attendees will focus on the development of both basic and advanced psychomotor skills and will become intimately familiar with the full range of laparoscopic equipment. Live tissue handling and dissection exercises on porcine models replicate the tactile feedback and anatomical complexity encountered in human procedures, while procedural simulation practice reinforces efficient workflow and precise instrument coordination. Expert instructors will provide continuous performance feedback and assessment, guiding participants in error recognition and prevention to build confidence and competence in the operating theatre.
Workshop 3: Laparoscopy – Robotic Wet Lab/Skills Lab
Venue: University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Skills Laboratory. Faculty of Veterinary Science. Lesedi Complex. Old Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 08h00 – 16h00
Max participants: 4 pax
Price per person: R4500.00
This immersive workshop offers advanced robotic surgery training and skill development in a live surgery environment, specially designed for Registrars or qualified Urologists who have mastered laparoscopic principles and now wish to acquire robotic expertise in a controlled, moderated setting. Participants will engage with the Da Vinci training simulator, alternating in teams of four to ensure each surgeon gains ample time at the console. Through dedicated sessions on 3D visualization and precise camera manoeuvring, attendees will develop an intuitive understanding of the robotic platform’s spatial dynamics.
Under the guidance of experienced robotic surgery mentors, participants will refine essential competencies such as anatomical dissection, haemostasis and vessel management, and the intricate techniques of robotic suturing and knot tying. The curriculum includes completion of procedure-based tasks that mirror real clinical scenarios, reinforcing workflow efficiency and instrument dexterity. Emphasis is also placed on troubleshooting and emergency response simulations, equipping surgeons with the critical decision-making skills needed when unexpected challenges arise in the operating theatre. Continuous performance feedback and peer discussion will support each participant’s progression toward mastering the robotic platform and integrating these skills confidently into their surgical practice.
Workshop 4: Female Pelvic Floor/ Urogynecology Cadaver Workshop
Venue: Wits Advanced Surgical Skills
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 08h30 – 12h30
Max participants: 20
Price per person: R 3,500.00 (proposed for 2025)
Facilitators:
Dr Frans van Wijk
Dr Paul Swart
Dr Allison Moore
Dr Marinka Hoek
Dr Johan Mouton
This focused workshop offers urologists and trainees an immersive experience into core urogynaecology procedures, combining expert-led demonstrations with hands-on surgical practice using cadavers. Participants will gain in-depth exposure to techniques such as mid-urethral sling placement, sacrospinous fixation, and vaginal mesh placement. Designed to enhance surgical confidence, the workshop provides a unique opportunity for delegates to perform key steps under expert supervision in a realistic anatomical setting. Ideal for urologists seeking to broaden their operative repertoire in the field of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery or trainees to broaden their exposure.
Workshop 5 – Male Prosthetics Workshop: Penile Implants & Artificial Urinary Sphincters
Venue: Wits Advanced Surgical Skills
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 13h00 – 16h30
Max participants: 20
Price per person: R 3,500.00 (proposed for 2025)
Facilitators:
Dr Frans van Wijk
Dr Louw-Waldi Vlok
Dr Marinka Hoek
Dr Johan Mouton
This specialized workshop is tailored for urologists seeking training in male prosthetic surgery. Through expert-led demonstrations and hands-on cadaver-based training, participants will gain practical experience in penile prosthesis implantation and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to perform key procedural steps in a realistic anatomical setting, complemented by discussions on device selection, surgical techniques, and complication management. Ideal for urologists of all skill levels looking to elevate their skills in treating erectile dysfunction and male stress urinary incontinence.
Workshop 6: Oncology - Contemporary approach to Biochemical Recurrence after treatment
Venue: Pretoria Urology Hospital – Main boardroom – Ou Huis
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: 08h00 – 13h00
Max participants: 15
Price per person: R1000.00
Facilitators:
Prof Shingai Matumbirwa
Dr Hugo van der Merwe
Astellas offered to sponsor an international speaker (online)
The Advanced Medical Oncology Services unit at the Urology Hospital is pleased to invite healthcare professionals to an interactive workshop focused on biochemical recurrence following initial treatment of prostate cancer. Biochemical recurrence is a common and challenging clinical issue, occurring in approximately 20–50% of patients treated with radical prostatectomy or various forms of radiation therapy—even in expert centres. It is increasingly recognized as a disease state in its own right and continues to generate significant discussion and research within the medical community. The workshop will be chaired by Professor Shingai Mutambirwa, who will guide participants through the latest insights into the classification, investigation, and management of biochemical recurrence. A multidisciplinary panel will present on these aspects, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of current practices and emerging approaches. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate in the discussions and share their insights, with the aim of improving patient care through collaborative learning and locally relevant strategies.
Important Dates & Anouncements
EARLY BIRD CLOSING DATE:
26 September 2023
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
On Sunday 29 October ESAU 2023 will enter an interactive and exciting phase. After ethical lectures, we invite all of you to submit abstracts for presentation. The presentation will be 10 min and then 10 minutes of discussion will follow. Please submit interesting clinical cases, procedural videos or “tips and tricks”. The topics can be Oncology, Functional Urology, Paediatric Urology, Stone disease, Reconstructive Urology or basically any topic of your choice. The venue is supportive of high quality videos. In the legacy of ESAU being committed to clinical practice in South Africa this will be an excellent learning experience for us all.
Click the button below to submit your abstract:
BY