The countdown to regional thoracic synergy starts now: The countdown to regional thoracic synergy starts now:
Platform designed to unite professionals
Advancing Thoracic Care Across Southeastern Europe
We are delighted to invite you to the 4th Southeastern European Joint Meeting of Thoracic Anesthesiologists and Surgeons 🩺🫁—an important regional gathering that brings together leading experts, specialists, and rising professionals in the fields of thoracic surgery and anesthesiology. This unique multidisciplinary event fosters collaboration 🤝, promotes scientific exchange 🧠, and strengthens the shared mission of advancing thoracic patient care across Southeastern Europe 🌍.
Building upon the success of previous meetings, the 2026 edition will feature cutting-edge lectures 🎤, interactive panels 💬, live case discussions 🧑⚕️🧑⚕️, and hands-on sessions 🖐️—all designed to reflect the latest innovations, practical challenges, and collaborative solutions in thoracic practice. The agenda will focus on multidisciplinary management, perioperative care, new technologies 🛠️, and cross-border cooperation, offering an exceptional platform for knowledge sharing and networking 🤓.
Whether you are a surgeon, anesthesiologist, resident, researcher, or industry partner, your presence will contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences that define this event. Join us as we come together to shape the future of thoracic care—regionally and beyond 🌟.
We look forward to welcoming you! 🙌
Prof. Maja Ercegovac, MD, PhD
President of the Serbian Association of Thoracic Surgeons (UGHS)
Led by Excellence, Driven by Collaboration
Committees
Our organizing and scientific committees are composed of distinguished professionals and thought leaders from across Southeastern Europe. Their shared commitment ensures a high-quality event that reflects the latest standards of care and fosters the exchange of ideas and innovations.
SCIENTIFIC
Committee🧑⚕️
- 🟢 Maja Ercegovac, Serbia
- 🟢 Tomaž Štupnik, Slovenia
- 🟢 Kalliopi Athanasiadi, Greece
- 🟢 Jose Matilla Siquenza, Austria
- 🟢 Korkut Bostanci, Turkey
- 🟢 Gerardo Cortese, Italy
- 🟢 Kostas Kostopanagiotou, Greece
- 🟢 Mojca Drnovšek, Slovenia
- 🟢 Mert Senturk, Turkey
- 🟢 Vojislava Nešković, Serbia
- 🟢 Milan Savić, Serbia
- 🟢 Tomislav Bečejac, Croatia
- 🟢 Marina Stojanović, Serbia
- 🟢 Dejan Marković, Serbia
- 🟢 Nebojša Marić, Serbia
- 🟢 Ivan Kuhajda, Serbia
- 🟢 Alan Pilav, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 🟢 Slobodan Milisavljević, Serbia
- 🟢 Branko Čampar, Crna Gora
- 🟢 Marko Kantar, R. Srpska
- 🟢 Marko Vrančić, Croatia
- 🟢 Ivan Kuhajda, Serbia
ORGANIZING Committee📋
- 🟢 Maja Ercegovac
- 🟢 Marina Stojanović
- 🟢 Milan Savić
- 🟢 Slaviša Baščarević
- 🟢 Marko Popović
- 🟢 Marko Kostić
- 🟢 Dejan Moskovljević
- 🟢 Radomir Vešović
- 🟢 Željko Garabinović
- 🟢 Vladimir Milenković
- 🟢 Teodora Mitrović
AGENDA
Day 1
📅 Day 1 – Friday, February 20
- 08:40 – 09:00 · Gerardo Cortese (Italy) – Difficult Airway in Thoracic Surgery (online)
- 09:00 – 09:20 · Mert Senturk (Turkey) – State of the Art in Hemodynamic Monitoring
- 09:20 – 09:40 · Vojislava Nešković (Serbia) – Intraoperative Protective Mechanical Ventilation in Thoracic Anesthesia
- 09:40 – 10:00 · Mojca Drnovšek Globokar (Slovenia) – COPD and the Thoracic Surgical Patient
- 10:00 – 10:20 · Dejan Marković (Serbia) – High-Flow Oxygen Therapy in Intensive Care Units
- 10:20 – 10:40 · Marina Stojanović (Serbia) – Significance of Perioperative Nutritional Support in Thoracic Surgery
- 10:40 – 11:00 · Q&A
- 11:30 – 11:40 · S. Tomić (Serbia) – Chest Injury: Indications for Thoracotomy and Anticoagulation Therapy
- 11:40 – 11:50 · D. Ivanović (Serbia) – Anticoagulation Therapy and Chest Trauma
- 11:50 – 12:00 · J. Jozić – Emergency Thoracic Surgery and DOAC: Perioperative Hemostasis Management in a Patient Using Rivaroxaban
- 12:00 – 12:25 · Interactive Case Discussion
- 12:30 – 12:50 · Jose Matilla Siquenza (Austria) – Pectus Deformities in Adult Patients
- 12:50 – 13:10 · Korkut Bostanci (Turkey) – Surgery for Pectus Deformities: The Marmara Experience
- 13:10 – 13:30 · Marko Kostić (Serbia) – Influence of Psychosocial Characteristics on Indications for Surgical Treatment of Pectus Excavatum
- 14:45 – 15:05 · Kostas Kostopanagiotou (Greece) – Extended Chest Wall Resections in NSCLC and Sarcoma Surgery: Differences in Perioperative Work-Up and Complication Management
- 15:05 – 15:25 · J. M. Siquenza (Austria) – Chest Wall Resections and Reconstructions
- 15:25 – 15:45 · Tomislav Bečejac (Croatia) – Resection of a Giant Sternal Osteosarcoma and Sternal Reconstruction Using an Osteosynthesis System
- 15:45 – 16:00 · Q&A
- 16:00 – 16:10 · M. Grujanić (Serbia) – Intraoperative Identification of a Tracheal Bronchus (Bronchus Suis) During One-Lung Ventilation
- 16:10 – 16:20 · D. Ivanović (Serbia) – Awake Nasopharyngeal Fiberoptic Intubation with Endobronchial Blocker for One-Lung Ventilation: A Case Report
- 16:20 – 16:30 · S. Tomić Marić (Serbia) – Surgical Treatment of Pulmonary Laceration in Blunt Thoracic Trauma – A Report of Three Cases
- 16:30 – 16:40 · D. Ivanović (Serbia) – Anesthetic Challenges in Giant Thoracic Wall Fibro-Osseous Tumor Surgery – A Case Report
- 16:40 – 17:00 · Q&A
- 17:00 – 17:05 · K. Athanassiadi (Greece) – A Challenging Case of Recurrent Chylothorax Following Esophagectomy
- 17:05 – 17:10 · T. Bečejac (Croatia) – Ganglioneuromas and Paragangliomas – Rare Tumors in the Thoracic Cavity
- 17:10 – 17:15 · Djordjević N., Tomić Marić S., Vesović R., Popović M., Baščarević S., Ivanović D., Soković M. (Serbia) – Invasive Pulmonary Zygomycosis Following Bone Marrow Transplantation
- 17:15 – 17:20 · S. Tomić Marić (Serbia) – Hip Arthroplasty in a Lung Transplant Patient: A Multidisciplinary Case Report
- 17:20 – 17:25 · A. Nikolić (Serbia) – Thoracic Surgical Management of Delayed Traumatic Rupture of the Left Hemidiaphragm
- 17:25 – 17:30 · T. Mitrović (Serbia) – Intraoperative Myocardial Ischemia During Pneumonectomy – Case Report
Day 2
📅 Day 2 – Saturday, February 21
- 08:30 – 08:50 · Tomaž Štupnik (Slovenia) – Teach How to Use AI
- 08:50 – 09:10 · Željko Garabinović (Serbia) – Making Decisions Before the Incision: AI Support in Surgery for Early NSCLC
- 09:10 – 09:30 · Radomir Vešović (Serbia) – Beyond Traditional Models: Machine Learning in Postoperative Lung Function Prediction
- 09:30 – 09:50 · Marina Stojanović (Serbia) – AI in Thoracic Anesthesia: Current Perioperative Applications and Implementation Challenges
- 09:50 – 10:00 · Q&A
- 10:00 – 10:20 · D. Stamenović (Germany) – Perioperative Immunotherapy
- 10:20 – 10:40 · D. Krnić (Croatia) – Surgery and Anesthesia After Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Resectable NSCLC: Extended Expert Perspective on Controversies, Risks, and Clinical Decision-Making
- 10:40 – 11:00 · Panel Discussion
Participants: Jose Matilla Siguenza, T. Štupnik, D. Stamenović, D. Krnić, K. Bostanci, M. Stojanović
- 12:30 – 12:50 · A. Plećaš (Serbia) – Transplantation in Serbia
- 12:50 – 13:10 · M. Vrančić (Croatia) – Five Years of Lung Transplantation in Croatia: Challenges, Fears and Hopes
- 13:10 – 13:30 · M. Ercegovac (Serbia) – Challenges and Solutions in Establishing Lung Transplantation in Serbia
- 13:30 – 14:00 · Panel Discussion
Participants: T. Štupnik, M. Drnovšek Globokar, M. Vrančić, M. Ercegovac, A. Plećaš, M. Stojanović
- 15:00 – 15:20 · Tomaž Štupnik (Slovenia) – ICG, Fiducial, 3D Models or All of the Above in Sublobar Resections?
- 15:20 – 15:40 · Nebojša Marić (Serbia) – Surgical Treatment of Thymic Epithelial Tumors – 15 Years Single-Center Experience: What Is New and What Is Next?
- 15:40 – 16:00 · Kalliopi Athanassiadi (Greece) – Intraoperative Cryoanalgesia in Thoracic Surgical Patients
- 16:00 – 16:20 · Milan Savić (Serbia) – Challenges in Development of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery in UCCS
- 16:20 – 16:40 · Elefteria Soulioti (Greece) – Tailoring Central Venous Lines to Thoracic Surgery – An Interesting Case
- 16:40 – 17:00 · Q&A
- 17:00 – 17:10 · K. Athanassiadi (Greece) – Mediastinal Tumors Extending to the Thoracic Outlet
- 17:10 – 17:20 · T. Bečejac (Croatia) – Giant Mediastinal Tumor in a 22-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report
- 17:20 – 17:30 · M. Kantar (R. Srpska) – Surgical Treatment of Intubation Airway Lesions – Case Reports
- 17:30 – 17:40 · M. Vrančić (Croatia) – Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Diaphragm Reconstruction and Rib Osteosynthesis Using the STRACOS System – Case Report
- 17:40 – 17:50 · S. Gianaraki (Greece) – Successful One-Lung Ventilation in Laryngectomy Cases Using a Univent Blocker
- 17:50 – 18:00 · Q&A
📅 Day 2 – Saturday, February 21
Nurses and medical technicians symposium
📅 Day 2 – Saturday, February 21
📍 Baltic Hall/Aegean – 1st Floor, Left Wing
- 08:00 – 08:10 · History of Thoracic Surgery with Focus on Nursing Practice – Maja Vučković, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 08:10 – 08:20 · Current Trends in Thoracic Surgery – Ivana Stojković, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 08:20 – 08:30 · Challenges in Modern Nursing at the Emergency Center – Marijana Đokić Topalović, UKCS, Emergency Center Belgrade
- 08:30 – 08:40 · Motivation of Nurses and Medical Technicians as a Factor for Retention in the Profession – Milovan Miletić, UKCS, Center for Anesthesiology and Reanimation
- 08:40 – 08:50 · The Role of the Operating Room Nurse in Lung Transplantation – Margarita Kotar Bunderla, Emina Abdić, University Clinical Center Ljubljana
- 08:50 – 09:00 · Postoperative Care of Lung Transplant Patients – Lina Grbas, Alma Velić, University Clinical Center Ljubljana
- 09:00 – 09:10 · Organization of Lung Transplantation and Post-ICU Patient Care in a Small National Transplant Center: Slovenian Experience – Nina Bajrić, University Clinical Center Ljubljana
- 09:10 – 09:20 · Specifics of Nursing Care in Thoracic Surgery Patients – Željka Damjanović, Jelena Đurović, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 09:20 – 09:30 · Complications and Their Management after Thoracic Surgery – Nataša Tulimirović, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 09:30 – 09:40 · Discussion
- 09:40 – 09:50 · Role of the Nurse in Perioperative Preparation for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) – Karla Lipanović, KBC Split
- 09:50 – 10:00 · ERAS Protocol for VATS Patients Operated for Lung Cancer – Biljana Stanojević, Marija Matejić, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 10:00 – 10:10 · Role of the Scrub Nurse in Rib Osteosynthesis using Clips – Aleksandra Vešović, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 10:10 – 10:20 · Role of the Scrub Nurse in Preparation and Use of Vivostat System in Thoracic Surgery – Dejana Pantić, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 10:20 – 10:30 · Non-intubated Thoracic Surgery – Role of the Anesthesiologist – Aldin Skenderi, UKCS, Center for Anesthesiology and Reanimation
- 10:30 – 10:40 · Pectus Excavatum – Anesthesiology Aspects – Olivera Stojanović, UKCS, Center for Anesthesiology and Reanimation
- 10:40 – 10:50 · Nursing Activities after Pectus Excavatum Surgery (Nuss Procedure) – Stefana Banjac, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 10:50 – 11:00 · Discussion
- 11:30 – 11:40 · Nursing Care of Patients with Tension Pneumothorax – Goran Gačić, Petra Mrđen, UKCS, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery
- 11:40 – 11:50 · Specific Nursing Care in Patients with Catamenial Pneumothorax – Tatjana Stevanović, Tamara Čavić, UKCS, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery
- 11:50 – 12:00 · Pleural Puncture (Thoracentesis) – Role of the Nurse – Aleksandra Petrović, UKCS, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery
- 12:00 – 12:10 · Endoscopic Pleurodesis – Role of the Nurse/Scrub Nurse – Ljiljana Đorđević, UKCS, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery
- 12:10 – 12:20 · Discussion
- 12:20 – 12:30 · Pleural Effusion – Diagnostic Procedures and Nursing Care of Patients with Diagnosed Pleural Fluid – Ivana Lukić, University Clinical Center Niš
- 12:30 – 12:40 · Specific Nursing Care in Patients with Chest Trauma – Biljana Stanojević, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 12:40 – 12:50 · Nursing Activities in Drainage Treatment – Vesna Dušić, Maja Vučković, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 12:50 – 13:00 · Nursing Care of Patients with Pulmonary Emphysema – Vladanka Marković, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 13:00 – 13:10 · Application of VAC Device for Wound Healing in Thoracic Surgery Patients – Jelena Oravec, Jelena Vlaisavljević, Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, UKCS
- 13:10 – 13:20 · Discussion
Contact us
Have questions or need more information?
Our dedicated event team is available to assist with registration, accommodation, abstract submissions, and any other inquiries. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to ensure your participation is smooth and successful.
To send us a message, please fill out the form below!
Advancing Thoracic Surgery in Serbia
Serbian Association of Thoracic Surgeons
Serbian Association of Thoracic Surgeons is the professional association of thoracic (chest) surgeons in Serbia, dedicated to promoting excellence in surgical care, education, and research. 🩺🤝 UGHS encourages adoption of modern techniques — including minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches — to improve patient outcomes nationwide.
Through hands-on workshops, conferences, and collaborative projects, UGHS builds a strong community of clinicians and educators who share best practices and the latest evidence. 📚🔬 Learn more about their activities, events, and membership on their official site:
ughs.org.rs 🌐
Venue - A Historic City Meets Modern Science
Belgrade
Where History Meets Innovation
Belgrade, the dynamic capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities and a vibrant hub of culture, science, and hospitality. Nestled at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade blends centuries of history with a forward-looking energy that resonates through its architecture, cuisine, and lively atmosphere. From the historical Kalemegdan Fortress to its buzzing café-lined boulevards, Belgrade invites visitors to explore both tradition and modernity—making it an inspiring setting for intellectual exchange and professional networking.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Belgrade
The EchodiaStology Consilium 2025 will take place at the elegant Crowne Plaza Hotel Belgrade, one of the city’s premier venues for international medical gatherings. Ideally located near the city center and the Sava River, the hotel offers modern conference facilities, exceptional comfort, and seamless hospitality—creating an ideal setting for scientific exchange and professional networking. Participants will enjoy a sophisticated environment that perfectly complements the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the event.
Comfortable stays tailored to your needs, available on request.
Accommodation
Accommodation, based on currently available capacity, is available only upon request through CD Travel agency. For any information or assistance regarding accommodation during the congress, including hotel reservations, rooms, and special requests, please contact our representative:
Ms. Aleksandra Brkić
Telephone: +381 11 3618 166
Mobile: +381 63 80 48 774
WhatsApp: +381 63 80 48 774
Email: aleksandra.brkic@cdtravel.rs
Accommodation is available upon request and based on current availability in the following hotels:
⚠️ The number of rooms is limited, so we kindly ask you to submit your requests as soon as possible to ensure timely organization. 📝 You can fill in the form below to receive a personalized accommodation offer for one or more of the listed hotels.
Crowne Plaza Hotel ★★★★
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Belgrade is a modern landmark in the city’s business district, offering elegant interiors, spacious rooms, and exceptional service. Connected directly to the Sava Center and just minutes from the city center, it’s perfect for conference attendees and city explorers alike. Guests can enjoy an award-winning wellness and spa center, a large indoor pool, and several exquisite dining venues serving both Serbian and international cuisine. Whether you’re in Belgrade for business or leisure, Crowne Plaza delivers comfort, style, and convenience in one impressive package.
Falkensteiner Hotel ★★★★
The Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade blends sophisticated urban style with warm, personalized service. Located in New Belgrade, this four-star gem features stylishly furnished rooms, a panoramic rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views, and a relaxing wellness area for the perfect balance of work and rest. Guests benefit from quick access to business centers, cultural landmarks, and shopping districts. The hotel’s chic ambiance and high-quality amenities make it an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking both comfort and convenience.
IN Hotel ★★★★
The IN Hotel Belgrade is designed with the modern traveler in mind, offering bright and comfortable rooms, excellent conference facilities, and a superb location in New Belgrade. It is within walking distance of the Sava Center and just a short drive from the city’s vibrant downtown. Guests can relax on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views, enjoy a workout in the fitness center, or savor delicious meals at the hotel restaurant. IN Hotel combines practicality and comfort, making it a top choice for both business and leisure visitors.
Hyatt Regency Hotel ★★★★★
The Hyatt Regency Belgrade is a luxurious five-star retreat known for its refined elegance, spacious rooms, and world-class service. Located in the heart of New Belgrade, it provides easy access to both the historic old town and the airport. Guests can unwind in the exclusive spa, indulge in fine dining at award-winning restaurants, and enjoy the hotel’s vibrant lounge atmosphere. Perfect for high-profile events, business meetings, or a memorable city getaway, Hyatt Regency offers the ultimate in sophistication and comfort.
Abstract submission
Advance the Field—One Abstract at a Time
📢 We invite all professionals involved in thoracic anesthesia and surgery to submit abstracts for oral, video, or poster presentations.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute your research, clinical experience, or innovative practices to a regional audience of peers and experts.
Selected abstracts will be featured in the official program and presented during dedicated scientific sessions.
Don’t miss the chance to engage, exchange, and elevate the standards of care across Southeastern Europe.
🗓️ Abstract Submission Deadline
The deadline for abstract submission is:
February 1st, 2026.
📑 Submission Guidelines
- ✍️ Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
- 📝 The abstract text should not exceed 300 words.
- 👩⚕️ Only the author or listed co-authors may present the material.
- 📑 All presentations must contain original material that has not been published or submitted elsewhere during the same period.
- 🔒 Abstracts will be reviewed anonymously; please ensure the text does not reveal institutional affiliation.
Abstract Submission Closed
The abstract submission deadline for the 4th South Eastern Europe Joint Meeting of Thoracic Anesthesiologists and Surgeons has passed.
We sincerely thank all authors for their submissions and interest.
Abstract Submission Closed
The abstract submission deadline for the 4th South Eastern Europe Joint Meeting of Thoracic Anesthesiologists and Surgeons has passed.
We sincerely thank all authors for their submissions and interest.
Registration
Join the Conversation, Shape the Future
📜 Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Health Council of Serbia (ZSS) as an international congress for physicians and nurses, under reference number A-1-1659/25.
Participants will receive the following credits:
- 🎤 Lecturers: 15 credits
- 👥 Passive participation: 10 credits
- 🗣 Oral presentations: 13 credits
- 🖼 Poster presentations: 11 credits
💳 Registration Fees
Specialists and residents:
- ⏳ Early registration: 200€ (until Februray 1st, 2026)
- 🏛 On-site registration: 220€
📦 The registration fee includes: lectures, coffee breaks, lunch, printed materials, and the gala dinner.
📅 Registration deadline:
February 1st, 2026
🏦 Payment Instructions
CD Travel doo
Kralja Milutina 57, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- 💵 Domestic account: 325950050000200792
- 🌍 IBAN: RS35 3259 6015 0000 2010 63
- 🏦 SWIFT: OTPVRS22
- 💳 Bank: OTP Bank, Belgrade, Serbia
🌐 Registration is open to all professionals, students, and industry representatives involved in thoracic care.
Take this opportunity to connect with the community, learn from experts, and contribute to the advancement of thoracic surgery in the region.
Registration Closed
Registration for the 4th South Eastern Europe Joint Meeting of Thoracic Anesthesiologists and Surgeons is now closed.
Thank you for your great interest and participation.
We look forward to welcoming you in Belgrade.
Registration Closed
Registration for the 4th South Eastern Europe Joint Meeting of Thoracic Anesthesiologists and Surgeons is now closed.
Thank you for your great interest and participation. We look forward to welcoming you in Belgrade.
































