Welcome

ISW 2026 brings together a global community of experts, researchers, and professionals committed to advancing knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. The congress provides a distinguished platform for the exchange of ideas, presentation of cutting-edge research, and meaningful interdisciplinary dialogue.

We are pleased to welcome you to this international gathering and look forward to an inspiring and impactful congress experience.

Meet the Organizers

By the ISS/SIC President and ISW 2026 President

Ari K. Leppäniemi

ISS/SIC and ISW 2026 President

Dear All

It is my great pleasure and privilege to welcome you, dear colleague, to the International Surgical Week ISW 2026 taking place in Mexico City on April 19-23, 2026. International Surgical Week is convened every two years and serves as a distinguished forum where surgeons from across the globe come together to exchange scientific knowledge and share innovations. This year’s congress will be organized jointly by the International Society of Surgery (ISS-SIC) and the Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía Endoscópica (AMCE) as the 51st World Congress of Surgery. We anticipate the participation of over 2,000 delegates from Mexico, Latin America, and around the world.

The International Society of Surgery (ISS-SIC) is the oldest international surgical society, dedicated to fostering worldwide scientific and collegial exchange in surgery. The Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía Endoscópica (AMCE) is the leading Mexican society for minimally invasive surgery and has been committed to innovation, scientific advancement, and professional development in Mexico since its founding.

ISW 2026 provides a platform for surgeons from around the world to get together to discuss the latest developments in surgical practice through a whole series of workshops, symposia, plenary lectures, debates, videos, as well as free papers and awards. This congress provides an opportunity for surgeons in various stages of professional development, from all over the world, to network and forge collaborations. And of course, there will be many unofficial encounters during the congress and at social events, where we can discuss topics ranging from the future of surgery to more global concerns (well, you know me and my interests…😊) such as climate change, geopolitics, and the disruption of rule-based world order.

The program has been developed by our integrated societies, IATSIC, IASMEN, BSI, and ISDS, as well as the various partner societies, to cover a wide range of topics. At these sessions you will hear from world leaders in surgery. As usual, we have Travel Scholars, comprising junior surgeons from low- and middle-income countries, who have been given the opportunity to attend this world- class congress through generous grants from the ISS Foundation and our integrated societies.

And please make time to enjoy the great hospitality of our Mexican colleagues, the historical and artistic treasures of the city (archaeological museum, murals by Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros, the nearby Teotihuacan Pyramids, just to name a few), and the excellent Mexican cuisine (can’t wait to have some fajitas with local beer…)

So, make this a once in a lifetime trip! I look forward to meeting you all in Mexico City!

Ari K. Leppäniemi

President ISS/SIC

2024-2026

By the AMCE President & Congress President

Eduardo E. Montalvo Javé

AMCE President and Congress President

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Welcome to Mexico City, Mexico, and to the 51st International Surgical Week (ISW 2026) of the International Society of Surgery ISS/SIC, jointly held with the 34th International Congress of the Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery (AMCE).

Mexico City — a vibrant capital where history, innovation, and culture come together — provides a unique backdrop for this global meeting. From its world-class museums to its rich culinary traditions, I hope you will take time to explore and enjoy everything this remarkable city has to offer.

ISW 2026 (19-23 April 2026) brings together surgeons from around the world to share the latest advances in surgical practice, research, and education. The program begins with pre-congress courses and workshops — including advanced breast ultrasound, oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques, GI surgery, and basic surgical skills — offering hands-on learning and skill-building opportunities before the main congress. Over the four main days of the congress you will find a rich scientific schedule featuring:

A dynamic opening ceremony and inaugural sessions with the Future Surgeons Program launch, Presidential and Martin Allgöwer lectures.
Parallel sessions across specialties such as colorectal surgery, HPB surgery, robotic and minimally invasive techniques, trauma care, global surgery policy, nutrition in perioperative care, and burn management.
Prize lectures, free paper sessions, and focused updates including ISS/SIC and partner society symposia on global surgical challenges, quality improvement, and education.
Professional development events, panel discussions, and interactive debates designed to spark ideas and foster collaboration

This congress represents an outstanding opportunity to learn from world leaders, share your own work, and build collaborations that will shape the future of surgical care. We are thrilled to host you in Mexico City and look forward to an inspiring and rewarding week together.

Warm regards,

Eduardo E. Montalvo Javé

President, AMCE