by InTrieste
Trieste, renowned for its medical innovations, has become the epicenter of a global discussion on health issues affecting aging populations, deafness, and dementia. From December 5 to 7, the city is hosting an International Forum bringing together over 70 medical experts, surgeons, and healthcare professionals from Italy and abroad.
The forum will focus on groundbreaking developments in minimally invasive surgery and the advanced technology behind cochlear implants, often referred to as the “bionic ear.” With one in four citizens in Friuli Venezia Giulia aged over 65, this theme holds particular significance for the region, where the aging population faces a rising challenge in managing conditions like hearing loss and dementia.
The event will feature discussions on the critical connections between the aging population, hearing impairment, and dementia, issues that are becoming increasingly relevant in Trieste and its neighboring regions. Trieste’s medical community is at the forefront of these discussions, with the city’s ENT (ear, nose, and throat) clinic under the leadership of Dr. Giancarlo Tirelli recognized as a national and international leader in these fields.
Among the distinguished guests attending the forum are Wojciech Golusinski, the Secretary General of the European Head and Neck Society, who will discuss the latest advancements in head and neck surgery, and several regional leaders including Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, and Trieste’s Mayor Roberto Dipiazza.
A key moment occured on Friday, December 6, when the forum’s opening session was attended by prominent officials, including Antonio Poggiana, General Director of ASUGI, and Roberto Di Lenarda, Magnificent Rector of the University of Trieste.
On Saturday, December 7, the event will offer an interactive hands-on lab, giving local students and residents a unique opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge medical technologies. The first 90 citizens to arrive will be granted access to this immersive experience.
Trieste’s medical community has made significant strides in the treatment of malignant neoplasms, achieving survival rates of 77 to 80 percent for cases treated with minimally invasive surgery and early diagnosis, according to studies published in late 2024. The success of these techniques highlights the importance of early detection and innovative surgical methods in combating life-threatening conditions.
On Saturday, December 7, the International Meeting on “Minimally Invasive Surgery in ENT” in Trieste will open to the public with an interactive Hands-on Lab at the Generali Convention Center. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., visitors can explore cutting-edge surgical technologies, including ultrasound, exoscopic, and robotic systems. The lab will be open to 90 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a unique opportunity to experience advancements in head and neck surgery. Additionally, the lab will host students from local high schools and technical institutes earlier in the morning.
Interview: Rector of the University of Trieste, Roberto Di Lenarda; Wojciech Golusinski, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Head and Neck Services of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences at the Greater Poland Cancer Centre
