The Trocar Open Access Journal – 03/2023

As was to be expected, we will also be dealing with the same problems in 2023 as in 2022. ISGE has its core task in imparting knowledge and training, but must take into account the wide range of different global conditions. Traditionally, ISGE tries to get involved in countries that have fewer resources available. In addition to the already successful project “Diplome Universitaire” in Cameroon, in which we have been successfully supporting further training for local doctors for several years, we have now started another project in Zanzibar. Here, too, the principle of “train the trainers” should be given top priority. Medical Director Prof. Bruno van Heerendael and Executive Director Paula Simons, were on site and launched the project with the President of Zanzibar . We are pleased to be able to find many volunteers from our growing community who support the project. In March, the first participants from Zanzibar took part in the Diplome Universitair in Youndé.

All countries are suffering from the current high energy prices and the battle for resources has unfortunately become even tougher. The countries that are already disadvantaged therefore need all the more support. For ISGE, it is an important task to help more people receive surgical assistance. Therefore, we also support vaginal hysterectomy projects. Especially in countries with low incomes and low electrification, traditional techniques are more likely to be implemented than high-tech surgery. Therefore, in our logo you will find “promoting vaginal hysterectomy”. It is a great step forward for many regions to be able to offer these techniques and avoid the riskier laparotomy. Interestingly, the industrialized nations are now rediscovering this access route with endoscopic support (vNotes). However, these techniques are less helpful for resource-poor countries, because without special instruments, the technique may be inferior to classical vaginal surgery.

As always at this point, I invite you to become part of the ISGE family. Every little contribution counts. The more we are, the more we can do. Come to ISGE!

Before a good surgical treatment, there is a “good” diagnosis. In gynecology, hysteroscopy is an established method and can be carried out with relatively simple means of diagnosis. From placenta residue to chronic infections or adenomyosis, fibroids as well as hormone problems, hysteroscopy can be used to make precise diagnoses. Therefore, we have designed this issue as a special issue and dedicated it entirely to hysteroscopic diagnostics. Our board member, Dr Amal Drizi, was in charge of the design. We would like to thank her and the many authors for this, in my opinion, very successful edition of TheTrocar. I hope you enjoy reading the articles and hopefully new insights.

Yours

Günter Noé
Editor in Chief
President ISGE