Prof. Dr. Oktar Asoğlu, a specialist in robotic surgery and colorectal cancer, is set to perform a live surgical procedure at the 10th Portsmouth Colorectal Congress in England. Scheduled for June 10, 2026, this event marks a milestone as Asoğlu becomes the first Turkish surgeon to operate on a foreign patient during a major international congress in the UK.
How Global Surgeons Standardize Rectal Cancer Treatment
The 10th Portsmouth Colorectal Congress, running from June 9 to June 12, 2026, serves as a hub for medical professionals to refine surgical standards. According to Prof. Dr. Asoğlu, the event will feature a unique performance where three surgeons perform simultaneous live operations.
The session will be moderated by Bill Shields, the surgeon who originally defined the core techniques for rectal cancer surgery. This 2.5-hour demonstration allows nearly 90 globally recognized experts in the field to observe and debate the surgical nuances in real time. For the thousands of surgeons watching online, this provides a rare look at how top-tier practitioners handle complex cases.
A First for Turkish Surgical Expertise
Prof. Dr. Asoğlu’s participation represents a significant step for Turkish medical representation on the world stage. While he has previously performed live surgeries at scientific congresses across Russia, Europe, and Asia, this specific engagement in England is a first for a Turkish surgeon operating on a patient in a foreign country during a major congress.
Asoğlu will perform the procedure alongside Prof. Choi from South Korea and Prof. Lars Thomas from Norway. Each surgeon will implement a different version of the same procedure, allowing the audience to compare methodologies.
"The goal is to transform science into a benefit for society," says Prof. Dr. Asoğlu regarding his commitment to continuous international academic output.
Why Live Surgical Demonstrations Matter
Live demonstrations bridge the gap between textbook theory and clinical reality. By allowing attendees—both in-person and those registered online—to submit questions to the moderator, the congress creates an interactive learning environment.
- Date: June 10, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Format: Live, interactive surgery with remote Q&A capabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is moderating the live surgery session?
The session is moderated by Bill Shields, who is recognized for defining the fundamental techniques used in modern rectal cancer surgery.
Can remote participants interact with the surgeons?
Yes. Surgeons registered through the event’s online system can watch the operation live and submit questions to the moderator.
What is the significance of this event for Turkish medicine?
Prof. Dr. Asoğlu is the first Turkish surgeon to perform a live operation on a foreign patient during a major international congress in England, showcasing the global reach of Turkish surgical expertise.
Pro Tip: If you are a medical professional interested in surgical advancements, keep an eye on the official Portsmouth Colorectal Congress archives for post-event surgical analysis and discussions.
Are you interested in the future of robotic surgery? Share your thoughts in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on international medical breakthroughs.
