Ten years of the European association of endoscopic surgery (EAES) fellowship programme: outcomes and future perspective

Background: The European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) three-month Fellowship Programme was established in 2014 to promote educational mobility, training, and international collaboration in minimally invasive surgery. A five-year analysis of the programme demonstrated educational and professional advantages. This study presents a ten-year update and an assessment of long-term outcomes, fellows’ perspectives, and the implementation of previous recommendations. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted and is reported according to the Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). A 54-item questionnaire (multiple-choice, five-point Likert scale, and short open-ended questions) was distributed by e-mail to all surgeons who participated in the Fellowship between 2014 and 2024. Questions explored participants’ demographics; surgical and endoscopic activities; academic and educational activities; the perceived impact of the Fellowship on personal, surgical, and scientific growth; and the practical aspects and overall feedback on the Fellowship experience. Results: Seventy-one of the 81 eligible Fellows completed the survey (87.7%). At the time of the Fellowship, the mean age was 36 ± 3.3 years, and 62 participants (87.3%) held a consultant position. Sixty-six Fellows (93%) completed the entire Fellowship period. During the Fellowship, 53 participants (74.6%) did not operate as first surgeons, whereas 58 Fellows (81.7%) assisted during surgical procedures. In collaboration with their Host Institutions, 21 Fellows (29.6%) presented oral communications, 16 (22.5%) presented posters, and 27 (38%) published articles. Participants strongly agreed that the Fellowship contributed to their personal (mean 4.7 ± 0.6) and surgical (mean 4.6 ± 0.8) growth. Forty-five Fellows (63.4%) continued research after the programme and 44 (62%) reported changes in their clinical practice. Fellowship was considered adequate in funding and duration (mean 4.1 ± 0.8 and 4 ± 1.1, respectively). Conclusions: After ten years, the EAES Fellowship Programme continues to play a pivotal role in advancing minimally invasive surgical education, professional networking, and research, confirming and expanding the positive outcomes observed in the five-year evaluation.