Message from Department Chairperson, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong

Dear Colleagues and Friends

I welcome you to this year’s Hong Kong Foregut Masterclass, hosted by the Departments of Surgery and Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine at The University of Hong Kong. This year’s theme is “Forging Connections: Surgeons and Gastroenterologists in Foregut Medicine”.

The rising incidence of benign foregut diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal motility disorders, is making an important impact on the daily practice of surgeons and gastroenterologists alike. We are honored to have esteemed faculties from China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the USA. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise will provide valuable perspectives and enrich the discussions throughout the conference. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these experts, ask questions and learn from their experiences.

We have planned an exciting program on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of foregut disorders, with didactic lectures, interactive case discussions, as well as a one-day hands-on workshop on the use of EndoFLIP, antireflux surgery, and Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (LINX).

We believe that by bringing together professionals from different backgrounds and specialties, we can foster interdisciplinary collaborations and drive advancements in the field of foregut diseases.

I extend my warmest invitation to all of you to join us for the Hong Kong Foregut Masterclass. Let us seize this opportunity to expand our knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional connections.

Simon YK Law Department Chairperson Department of Surgery The University of Hong Kong

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Message from Co-Directors

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We are delighted to invite you to the Hong Kong Foregut Masterclass 2024. This conference, featuring hands-on workshops, will take place on 14-15 December 2024, at the Faculty of Medicine Building, The University of Hong Kong. Co-organized by the Department of Surgery and the Department of Medicine, this year’s theme is “Forging Connections: Surgeons and Gastroenterologists in Foregut Medicine.”

Despite the rising incidence of benign foregut disease in Asia, it is often understated. Diagnosing and treating these conditions requires close collaboration between surgeons and gastroenterologists. The recent formation of the American Foregut Society and the European Foregut Society highlights the importance of this relationship. With support from renowned surgeons and gastroenterologists from Singapore, South Korea, Mainland China, Japan (Japanese Foregut Society) and the United States (American Foregut Society), we have developed an exciting and comprehensive program covering gastroesophageal reflux diseases and esophageal motility disorders.

This year, for the first time, our masterclass will offer travel grants of USD 500 to four overseas participants whose abstracts are accepted for oral presentation. Additionally, there will be an award for the best local abstract. We hope this event will raise awareness and serve as a platform for surgeons and gastroenterologists in Asia to discuss and exchange ideas on benign foregut diseases.

Our hands-on workshop features the following options, available at cost

• The first “EndoFLIP™ 300” workshop in Asia, focusing on the diagnostic and intraoperative use of this cutting-edge technology.
• Hands-on experience with live animals, including anti-reflux procedures such as fundoplication and magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX® device).
• Tips and tricks for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) using a porcine tissue model.

This conference is free for attendees from around the world. Local delegates are invited to join the physical meeting, while overseas delegates can choose to participate in person or via the virtual platform.

We look forward to welcoming all of you!

Ian Wong Co-Director		Cynthia Hui Co-Director