ESDE 2026: Esophagus Disease Congress – Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany – The University Hospital of Cologne (Uniklinik Köln) is set to host the annual congress of the European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ESDE) from March 18th to 20th, 2026. This significant international event will be held on the hospital’s campus and organized by the Clinic for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Transplantation Surgery. The congress promises to be a crucial forum for advancements in esophageal disease management, bringing together leading experts from across Europe and beyond.

The Uniklinik Köln’s selection as host underscores its prominent role within the international medical community, particularly in the field of gastrointestinal surgery. The hospital is recognized as a high-volume center for oncological resections of the upper gastrointestinal tract, performing nearly 300 such procedures annually, placing it among the largest of its kind in Europe. This expertise, coupled with the hospital’s commitment to cutting-edge research and patient care, makes it an ideal location for the ESDE congress. The scientific leadership of the congress rests with University Professor Dr. Christiane J. Bruns, a highly respected figure in the field, with Professors Dr. Hans Schlößer and Privatdozent Dr. Lars Schiffmann serving as congress secretaries.

Focus on Innovation and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The ESDE congress is designed to foster an interdisciplinary exchange between surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and basic research scientists. According to organizers, the scientific program will center on the latest developments in esophageal surgery, multimodal oncological therapy concepts, and strategies for complication management. A key focus will as well be placed on improving the quality of life for patients undergoing multimodal therapy, as well as exploring innovative diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, including those leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). This emphasis on AI-assisted techniques reflects a growing trend in medical technology aimed at enhancing precision and improving patient outcomes.

Professor Bruns, who was appointed as the novel Deputy Medical Director and member of the board of the Uniklinik Köln in August 2025, highlighted the importance of the congress in advancing the field. According to a press release from the Uniklinik Köln, she stated, “I am exceptionally pleased with the trust placed in me by the supervisory board. Together with the board around Prof. Dr. Edgar Schömig, I will continue to drive forward the strategic priorities of the hospital – excellence in patient care, research and teaching.” Her leadership role at the Uniklinik Köln, combined with her extensive experience in esophageal surgery, positions her as a key figure in shaping the direction of the congress.

Christiane Bruns: A Leading Figure in German Medicine

Professor Christiane J. Bruns’s appointment to the position of Deputy Medical Director signifies a significant step for the Uniklinik Köln. She succeeded Professor Peer Eysel, who had held the position since April 1, 2007, and is now refocusing his efforts on leading the Clinic for Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery and Plastic-Aesthetic Surgery. Bruns has been at the helm of the Clinic and Polyclinic for General, Visceral, Thoracic and Transplantation Surgery at the Uniklinik Köln since 2016. Her contributions extend beyond clinical practice; she served as Pro-Dean for Structure and Strategy at the Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne from 2019 to 2023, overseeing crucial development and digitalization projects in both study and research.

Bruns’s influence extends beyond the University Hospital of Cologne. She currently serves as President of the German Society for Surgery (DGCH) for the 2023/25 term and has been elected as the future President of the European Surgical Association for 2026/27. She is also a member of the Senate of the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) and a member of the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. These prestigious affiliations demonstrate her commitment to advancing surgical science and her recognition as a leader in the field. Her extensive experience and leadership roles position her to effectively guide the ESDE congress and contribute to its success.

The European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ESDE)

The European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ESDE) is a leading professional organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of care for patients with esophageal disorders. The society facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, promoting research and the dissemination of best practices. The ESDE congress serves as a vital platform for sharing the latest research findings, discussing emerging technologies, and establishing collaborative networks. More information about the ESDE and its activities can be found on their official website: www.esdeesophagus.org.

Expected Attendance and Congress Details

Organizers anticipate approximately 350 participants from numerous European countries and overseas will attend the ESDE congress. The event will provide a valuable opportunity for healthcare professionals to network, share knowledge, and learn about the latest advancements in esophageal disease management. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the MTI lecture hall building on the Uniklinik Köln campus. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring keynote lectures, scientific presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions.

The Uniklinik Köln’s commitment to hosting the ESDE congress reflects its dedication to providing high-quality medical care and fostering innovation in the field of esophageal disease. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with the expertise of its medical staff, will create an ideal environment for a successful and impactful congress. Further details about the congress, including registration information and the full program schedule, are available on the official congress website: www.esde2026.com.

The congress represents a significant opportunity for the Uniklinik Köln to showcase its expertise and contribute to the advancement of esophageal disease treatment on a global scale. With Professor Bruns at the helm and a dedicated team of organizers, the ESDE congress is poised to be a landmark event for the medical community.

The next key date for those interested in attending or learning more about the congress is the release of the preliminary program schedule, expected to be published on the congress website in December 2025. We encourage readers to visit www.esde2026.com for updates and registration details. Share your thoughts on the importance of international collaboration in medical research in the comments below.