The 1st Albanian Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery: ACTES 2017 - Abstracts Book

Abstract

Introduction:  The First Albanian Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ACTES 2017) marked a milestone in the development of trauma and acute care surgery in Albania. Organized under the patronage of the Albanian Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ASTES), the Congress brought together high-profile national and foreign experts to present outcomes, exchange daily practice, and foster scientific collaboration. The congress was organized in close collaboration with the key national surgical and medical societies and was intended to promote standards of trauma education, research, and clinical practice in the region. Scientific Program Highlights:

ACTES 2017 boasted a strong scientific program with plenary lectures, clinical case discussion, and free paper presentations, addressing issues pertinent to contemporary trauma resuscitation, emergency surgery, damage control methodologies, and system-level organization of trauma services.

Of special significance was the inaugural "Frederic Shiroka" Lecture, given by Professor Flamur Tartari, a trailblazing Albanian surgeon in terms of surgical practice and education. His lecture, "A Lifetime with Surgical Patients," looked back on generations of surgical evolution and care driven by patients, and its impact on attendees will endure eternally. Pre-Congress Educational Activity: Based on global best practices, a pre-congress training course in Basic Life Support and Defibrillation (BLS&D) was offered to multidisciplinary healthcare staff. The training centered on the value of timely intervention and the use of standardized procedures during emergencies, promoting a sense of security and confidence in case of trauma.

Conclusion: The success of ACTES 2017 is a reflection of the vision, commitment, and collaborative work of the organizing and scientific committees.

The attendance of renowned international faculty and the strong level of academic activity are evidence of an increasing commitment to enhancing trauma care systems in Albania and the region.

This is not merely a science congress but also a take-off point in laying a sustainable academic legacy in emergency surgery and trauma, reassuring the future of trauma care.