Surgeons from four countries gathered in Norwich last week to set new standards for colorectal cancer in order to boost survival rates for patients.
It was the first event of this kind in the UK which reviewed techniques for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer. The conference and workshops took place at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital which is one of the largest centres for treating colorectal cancer in the UK.
The event was led by consultant colorectal surgeons Irshad Shaikh and Sandeep Kapur. Mr Shaikh said: "We have brought together expert surgeons from several countries with the aim of setting a standard for colorectal surgery where cancer has spread in the pelvic area. This is an important step in getting the best outcome for patients with advanced cancer and in terms of survival rates and quality of life."
Mr Kapur added: "We have examined a range of surgical techniques, radiotherapy and reconstruction after surgery. Sharing information between surgeons is putting Norwich at the forefront of tackling advanced colorectal cancer."
The event was held jointly with UEA department of anatomy and PelvEx collaborative which is an organisation comprising of surgeons involved in surgery for advanced and recurrent rectal cancer in Europe USA and Australasia. Surgeons attended from Ireland, Turkey and Poland.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here