Patna; The department of surgical gastroenterology and liver transplant at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) organised the mid-term IASGCON 2026 conference in Patna, bringing together leading surgeons and medical experts from across India and abroad.
The two-day conference, being held on March 28 and 29, features 21 scientific sessions focusing on recent advances in gastrointestinal surgery, liver transplantation and cancer treatment.
Speaking at the event, Dr Manish Mandal, organising chairman and medical superintendent of IGIMS, said the conference aimed to provide a platform for discussing emerging technologies, research and treatment approaches in surgical gastroenterology.
The conference, held at a city venue, was inaugurated by Dr Thambam Thambi Pillai, a US-based robotic surgeon. Experts from institutions including AIIMS, Tata Memorial Hospital, Apollo Hospitals and Medanta delivered lectures and presented research papers during the sessions.
Discussions during the conference covered complex gastrointestinal surgeries, minimally invasive techniques and the growing role of robotics and artificial intelligence in improving surgical outcomes.
Experts highlighted how AI is increasingly being used to enhance precision in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in cancer care, enabling faster and more effective interventions.
Dr Sujoy Pal, secretary of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, said hosting the conference in Bihar offered an opportunity to address region-specific health challenges using advanced surgical techniques.
Dr T D Yadav, president of the Indian chapter of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, noted a rise in pancreatic diseases in Bihar and emphasised the role of robotic surgery in reducing recovery time for patients.
Senior doctors at IGIMS said the conference provided an important platform for knowledge exchange and skill development, particularly for younger medical professionals seeking exposure to the latest advancements.
The institute had earlier hosted an international IASG conference in 2024, reflecting its growing role as a centre for specialised medical education and research.
Officials said such academic gatherings would continue to be encouraged to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote innovation in the field.
