First International Minimally Invasive Chest Wall Surgery Conference
King Edward Medical University / Mayo Hospital Lahore
The Department of Thoracic Surgery, King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital Lahore jointly organized the first three-day International Minimally Invasive Chest Wall Surgery Conference, conducted with exceptional dignity and remarkable excellence. The primary objective of this international conference was to promote advanced chest wall surgery in Pakistan, to strengthen the training of young surgeons according to global standards, and to provide patients with safer, less painful, and minimally invasive treatment options.
The Patron-in-Chief of the conference was the country’s renowned robotic surgeon and distinguished medical academician, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz, while Professor Syed Muhammad Raza Naqvi served as the Course Director. Under their leadership, the event achieved a truly international standard.
It is a matter of pride for Pakistan that the world-renowned chest wall surgeon, Professor Wenlin Wang, participated as the Master Trainer, travelling especially from China. He is considered the pioneer of minimally invasive chest wall surgery and is regarded globally as the leading authority in this specialty.
The opening day commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. In continuation, Professor Dr. Syed M. Raza Naqvi delivered the welcome address, highlighting the key objectives of the conference and outlining its future roadmap.
The scientific lecture series then began. First, Professor S. M. Raza Naqvi presented the departmental data presentation. This was followed by Dr. Abdul Mateen, who discussed various chest wall cases, associated challenges, and relevant treatment modalities. Major General Dr. Farhan Majeed delivered a comprehensive talk on bone fractures, rib fixation, and modern surgical management of chest wall tumors.
Professor Wenlin Wang delivered an in-depth lecture on the establishment and history of chest wall surgery as a discipline. He then conducted a special session on complex chest wall deformities, including the Nuss Procedure, Wenlin Procedure, and several other advanced minimally invasive techniques. The session was highly appreciated by the participants.
During the panel discussion, international experts conducted a comparative analysis of conventional versus minimally invasive approaches. The first day concluded with a hands-on workshop, providing practical training in chest trauma, rib fixation, sternal fixation, and management of chest wall defects.
The second day began with case presentations and preoperative discussions, after which live surgeries were broadcast directly from the operation theatre. During this practical session, international experts provided real-time training in advanced surgical techniques.
The third day also commenced with detailed case presentations, focusing on complex patients and their surgical planning. Subsequent preoperative discussions examined technical considerations, potential complications, and optimal minimally invasive treatment strategies. This was followed by additional live surgeries, showcasing modern instruments, training methodologies, and practical demonstration of minimally invasive surgical skills.
Conclusion:
Conclusion of the Conference
The conference concluded with a dignified Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and reaffirming the commitment to continued academic and training collaboration in the future.