Categories

• Original clinical research — prospective or retrospective studies
• Basic science and laboratory work
• Case series — consecutive series addressing a defined question
• Surgical technique — with outcome data
• Trainee research — a dedicated session for residents

Format

Abstracts should be structured — background, methods, results, conclusion — within the published word limit. Results must contain actual data; abstracts stating that results will be presented at the meeting are not accepted. Include no author names or institutions in the abstract body, since review is blinded.

Ethical Requirements

Work involving patients requires institutional review board or research ethics committee approval, and the approval reference should be available on request. Identifiable images require written patient consent.

Review and Notification

Abstracts are reviewed blind by the Scientific Committee and scored on originality, methodology, clarity and relevance. Authors are notified of acceptance and of the presentation format allocated — free paper or poster. The Committee may accept an abstract for poster where a free-paper slot is not available.

Presentation

Free papers are allocated a fixed time with discussion following. At least one author must register for the meeting and be present to deliver the presentation. Posters are displayed for the duration and judged during dedicated viewing sessions.

Awards

The best presented work is recognised through the Society’s congress awards, with particular attention to trainees and younger surgeons.