The Francisco de Vitoria University (UFV) held the second edition of the Advanced Course in Endoscopic Submucosal Hydrodissection at its Surgical Simulation Center, a highly specialized training program designed for endoscopists with experience in highly complex minimally invasive techniques. Unlike other advanced endoscopy training formats, which typically focus more on theoretical sessions, demonstrations, or shorter practical sessions, this course offered 16 actual hours of hands-on practice on live porcine models—a distinctive practical component designed to accelerate the learning curve for specialists in a high-fidelity environment.
Over the course of two full days, participants practiced procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (DSE), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), and submucosal tunneling—techniques associated with what is known as the “third endoscopic space.” With only 12 spots available and a 1:2 instructor-to-student ratio, the training allowed participants to work in small groups under the direct supervision of national specialists and in conditions very similar to those of an advanced endoscopy suite.
The programme led by Dr. Felipe Ramos Zabala, head of Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy at HM Montepríncipe University Hospital, and scientifically coordinated by Dr. Carmen Calles Vázquez of the UFV Surgical Simulation Center.
The UFV: A High-Fidelity Environment for Highly Complex Techniques
The unique value of this training lies in its highly practical nature and in the use of live pig models, a tool that is particularly valuable for training in advanced therapeutic endoscopy due to their anatomical and tissue similarities to humans.
The procedures were performed with support from a specialized veterinary team, which was responsible for anesthesia management and the continuous monitoring of the animals throughout the procedure. The models remained under general anesthesia, with orotracheal intubation and comprehensive monitoring of vital signs, replicating an environment very similar to that of an operating room or an advanced endoscopy suite.
These conditions allow for training not only in technical execution but also in the prevention, identification, and management of potential complications, such as bleeding or perforations, before applying these techniques in clinical practice with patients.
Techniques That Expand Treatment Options for Patients
Endoscopic submucosal dissection allows for the minimally invasive resection of large superficial gastrointestinal tumors, preserving the organ and, in many cases, avoiding the need for conventional surgery. POEM, on the other hand, allows for the treatment of esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia, using an approach performed entirely through the endoscope and without external incisions.
Both techniques require extensive training and a long learning curve. For this reason, the course has been designed as an intensive, hands-on immersion program aimed at enabling specialists from different hospitals to acquire the skills needed to gradually implement these procedures at their own facilities.
The course methodology has also incorporated the measurement of indicators of individual technical progress, such as resection time, specimen size, dissection speed, plane identification, vascular control, muscle injuries, perforation, and closure ability.
Expert oversight and collaboration with the healthcare industry
The teaching team has included specialists from leading hospitals in advanced therapeutic endoscopy, including HM Montepríncipe University Hospital, Salamanca University Hospital, Sant Joan Despí Moisés Broggi Hospital, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, and Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital.
According to Dr. Felipe Ramos Zabala, “the main value of the course is its eminently practical nature. Over the course of two full days, participants work in small groups under the direct supervision of leading national experts, performing advanced procedures in an environment designed to replicate as faithfully as possible the situations they will later encounter in their clinical practice.”
The event was sponsored by Erbe España Soluciones Médicas and Recordati, with the collaboration of ST Endoscopia. Erbe played a particularly significant role in the educational design and in providing technology related to hydrodissection, including the ERBEJET system, the HybridKnife scalpel, the Hybrid-APC probe, and the VIO electrosurgical units.
Advanced Medical Training for Patient Safety
The holding of this course reinforces the UFV's role as a center for advanced medical training, surgical simulation, and educational innovation in the healthcare field.
According to Carmen Calles, technical director of the UFV Surgical Simulation Center, this center “offers an environment that is particularly well-suited for learning complex procedures that require technical precision, expert supervision, and safe practice conditions. This combination of specialized facilities, advanced technology, live animal models, and qualified veterinary staff makes it possible to provide training that closely mirrors actual clinical practice.”
With this initiative, Francisco de Vitoria University is strengthening its healthcare training program, which is designed to connect clinical knowledge, technology, and advanced simulation with the real-world needs of healthcare professionals. This initiative puts endoscopic innovation at the service of safer, less invasive, and patient-centered care.
