INTERNATIONAL AEM MALTA 2027
Advanced Endoscopy Masterclass
Proposed Programme
14–16 April 2027
Mediterranean Conference Centre (Sacra Infermeria), Valletta, Malta
Directors
Edward John Despott · Alberto Murino
Director of hands-on training: Nikolaos Lazaridis
Honorary President: Hironori Yamamoto
Day 1 — Wednesday 14 April 2027
13:00 Registration opens
Session 1 (14:00–15:15)Training and endoscopic progression
Panel: Prof Edward John Despott, Prof Alberto Murino, Prof Hironori Yamamoto
14:00Bleeding, deep mural injury or perforation: what do I do next?
14:15My first 50 ESDs: lessons, mistakes and what I wish I had known
14:30Starting EUS and ERCP: the skills you need before the advanced procedures
14:45Protect your hands, neck and back: ergonomics from day one
15:00Discussion / Q&A
Session 2 (15:15–16:15)Cut it out! The never-ending story & eternal debate… P-EMR, ESD or EFTR?
15:15I love jigsaw puzzles! The case for P-EMR
15:30En bloc or nothing! The case for ESD and EFTR
15:45SMIC, the invisible enemy
16:00Discussion
16:15–16:45 Coffee Break
Session 3 (16:45–18:15)The International AEM Advanced Endoscopy Challenge — Part I
Prof Edward John Despott, Prof Alberto Murino & Fellows
18:15–18:25 Closing remarks for Day 1
18:30–23:00 The International AEM Grand Networking Buffet Reception at The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta
Day 2 — Thursday 15 April 2027
07:30–08:00 Registration opens
08:00–08:30 Official opening speeches: Prof Edward John Despott, Prof Alberto Murino, Prof Hironori Yamamoto, with representatives of Malta's Ministry for Health & Tourism
Session 4 (08:30–09:45)Tunnel vision! Third space endoscopy beyond ESD & POEM
08:30G-whizz! G-POEM for gastroparesis: who really benefits?
08:45STER: submucosal tunnelling for subepithelial tumours
09:00ESD 2027: Fast but safe and sound!
09:15The duodenal challenge! Pushing the boundaries of safe endoscopic resection
09:30Discussion / Q&A
Session 5 (09:45–11:15)No barrier required!
11:00Discussion / Q&A
11:15–11:45 Coffee Break
Session 6 (11:45–13:15)A conscientious patient-centred partnership: 2027 update
Panel: Prof Hironori Yamamoto, Prof Edward John Despott, Prof Cristiano Spada, Prof Alberto Murino
12:45Discussion / Round Table Q&A
13:15–14:15 Lunch Break
Session 7 (14:15–15:15)3-D Matrix Spotlight Symposium
Panel: Prof Edward John Despott, Prof Cesare Hassan, Prof Alberto Murino
15:00Discussion / Q&A
Parallel Symposia (15:15–16:30)Coffee with the Experts
Mini Symp 1Weight of the world! Bariatric & metabolic endoscopy grows up
Mini Symp 2Precision in the oesophagus! From lesion recognition to curative resection
Mini Symp 3TBD
16:30–17:00 Coffee Break
Session 9 (17:00–18:00)The International AEM Endoscopy Challenge — Part II
Prof Edward John Despott, Prof Alberto Murino, and Fellows
18:00 Day two: closing remarks
18:15–23:00 Networking Drinks on the terrace of the Sacra Infermeria (with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour), followed by a Networking Buffet in the historic Knights Hall of the Sacra Infermeria
Day 3 — Friday 16 April 2027
07:30 Registration opens
08:30–17:00Hands-on Training Courses with International Experts
Parallel workshops will be run as follows:
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD)
ERCP & EUS
Haemostasis
Endoscopic Suturing, Bariatric & Defect Closure
Polypectomy & EMR
AEM Nursing Programme
Patrons & Endorsements
Patrons: Malta's Ministry for Health · Malta's Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority · Malta Medicines Authority · University College London
Endorsed by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and affiliated national gastroenterology societies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (confirmations for the 2027 cycle in progress).
