The Asia Thoracoscopic Education Platform (ATEP) successfully concluded the 17th ATEP Workshop, held on December 05–06, 2025, at the Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, San Juan City, Philippines.
The two-day program was designed as an advanced masterclass to bridge theory and practice in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS). The workshop focused on enhancing the skills of experienced thoracoscopic surgeons through a structured curriculum combining didactic sessions, live demonstrations, and intensive hands-on training.
The scientific program covered key topics in VATS lobectomy and segmentectomy, including detailed surgical anatomy, refined operative approaches, optimal incision placement, and strategies for major pulmonary resections. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on surgical tips and techniques, management of intraoperative challenges, and approaches to minimizing complications in complex thoracoscopic procedures.
A major highlight of the workshop was the hands-on cadaver laboratory sessions, which provided participants with practical experience in both right- and left-sided thoracic procedures. These sessions allowed surgeons to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled, high-fidelity training environment, reinforcing precision, confidence, and technical mastery.
The program also featured live procedural demonstrations and interactive case-based discussions, offering participants valuable insights into advanced decision-making and the application of evolving surgical technologies in minimally invasive thoracic surgery.
The successful execution of the 17th ATEP Workshop reflects ATEP’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, practice-oriented education and advancing the standards of thoracoscopic surgery across the region—ultimately improving surgical outcomes and patient care.
