WIDER-Barcelona

On July 20, 2009, the Generalitat de Catalunya and Obra Social “la Caixa” signed with the HUVH and VHIR an agreement to promote a Endoscopic Surgery Center: The World Institute for Digestive Endoscopy Research (WIDER-Barcelona), led by Dr. José Ramón Armengol. The institute is focused on teaching, research and dissemination of gastrointestinal endoscopy in all its facets, both medical and surgical, with special attention to development of methodology known as transluminal endoscopic surgery through natural orifices (NOTES).

On the 23^rd of November 2015, WIDER organized the 9^th Edition of the International Course in NOTES, where over 130 doctors, surgeons and researchers from all over the globe participated.

This edition was divided in live sessions broadcasted from the VHIR’s animal facilities, and conferences and discussions led by top researchers in this field. We can say that the meeting has become the world’s most outstanding forum about advanced endoscopic and transluminal surgery. Moreover, the College of Physicians of Barcelona has recently distinguished the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital with the Award for Professional Excellence 2015.