We have decided to release this issue of ESGEVISION with some delay this year due to the significant changes we all had to make in our lives in the era of coronavirus pandemic. ESGE responded promptly to the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after it hit Europe and released its guidance to clinicians on gynaecological endoscopic surgery in March. These recommendations have since been published in our official journal Facts, Views and Vision.
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Our Editorial I co-wrote with Professor Grimbizis can also be found in the same issue. These resources are likely to be useful to colleagues during a possible second wave of the pandemic. As with many congresses and annual meetings, our 29th Congress which was due to take place in Lisbon has been converted to an online meeting under the title of ‘ESGE Live 2020’ and will take place on 6-8 December 2020. Further information on this event and registration details can be found in this issue and also on the ESGE website. The registration is now open and free for ESGE members.
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In this issue of ESGEVISION we have an interview with one of the pioneers of hysteroscopic surgery, Professor Stefano Bettochi. Professor Attilio Di Spiezo Sardo interviewed him on behalf of ESGEVISION on the evolution of hysteroscopy. We also have an interview with Dr. Bernd Holthaus and Prof. Uwe Ulrich from AGE, one of the corporate societies of ESGE. You will find regular contributions from our corporate societies in future issues of ESGEVISION. Professor Lilo Mettler, one of the living legends of gynaecological endoscopic surgery and her colleagues have contributed with a very interesting article to this issue entitled ‘Women surgeons and women artists: History, power, challenges and opportunities’. I recommend everyone to read this article in its entirety as it provides detailed insight to the history of women in art and surgery.
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Lastly, you will find the message of our outgoing President Professor Grigoris Grimbizis who worked tirelessly and has led many significant advances we have seen in our field. I thank Grigoris for his contributions to our society and journal and for his support during his reign. Grigoris will remain an important figure in our society in his role within the Board of Directors. We hope to prepare and release our next issue after the ESGE Live 2020 Event and I wish you remain healthy and safe during the course of the pandemic.
