Ten Hot Topics in General Surgery is one of the most anticipated sessions at Clinical Congress, bringing together nationally recognized experts to address relevant and rapidly evolving issues in surgical practice.
At Clinical Congress 2026, a diverse panel of experts will provide quick-shot presentations on issues that general surgeons and even specialists need to know.
This year’s session spans the spectrum of surgical innovation, from de-escalation of operative approaches and precision surgery to early screening and timely intervention in surgical oncology. Although the range of topics is broad, several common themes connect the presentations.
“A common thread woven throughout several presentations is the important reminder that, in many circumstances, less can be more. As surgical science advances, our responsibility remains the same: delivering the right operation, at the right time, for the right patient,” said session co-moderator Nancy D. Perrier, MD, FACS, endowed professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
Attendees will hear evidence-based updates and expert perspectives on several timely and sometimes controversial topics. These include the role of small bowel follow-through as an intervention for small bowel obstruction, the expanding applications of histotripsy for liver lesions, and a contemporary reassessment of minimally invasive surgery versus endoscopic approaches for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
These topics were selected in part based on real-world discussions among general surgeons.
“These topics are carefully selected through trending discussions on social media sites and other communication platforms, and they really focus on what the ‘frontline’ general surgeon would want or need to know,” said session co-moderator Benjamin K. Poulose, MD, MPH, FACS, chief of the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
While surgery advances rapidly, some foundational principles remain essential. The speakers will revisit the topic of missed opportunities in abdominal wall closure, highlighting lessons that remain highly relevant to everyday practice while also exploring how new technologies, devices, and techniques may improve outcomes.
“This will serve as a reminder that excellence in surgery depends not only on adopting innovations, but also on consistently applying core surgical principles,” Dr. Perrier said.
Ten Hot Topics in General Surgery has become a conference favorite for a reason.
“The breadth of topics, covered in a concise, high-yield format is an incredibly effective way to learn, and these excellent speakers have a proven ability to convey key information in a short amount of time,” Dr. Poulose said.
The co-moderators said this fast-paced program is designed to provide attendees with practical take-home lessons, contemporary perspectives, and at least one meaningful learning pearl they can immediately apply to patient care.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to bring these diverse and impactful topics together in a single session led by an exceptionally qualified panel of experts. The discussion promises to be dynamic, informative, and highly relevant to practicing surgeons across specialties,” Dr. Perrier said.
Add Ten Hot Topics in General Surgery to your schedule on the ACS Meeting Platform.
