LAUSR

The Mediterranean Society of Coloproctology (MeSoCoP) held their Web Masterclass in acute anal disorders and anal malignancies: “up to date”, on December 4th 2020. The most important topics discussed at the webinar were hosted, organized and presented by the executive members of the MeSoCoP, and it was distributed in two modules. The first module started at 19h00 to 20h30, concerning pathology of acute haemorrhoids, clearly presented by the past President, Jose Manuel Devesa (Spain). A very fruitful discussion followed, arriving at a definitive consensus guided by L. Shosha (Albania) and F. Boffi (Italy). Following the program, the MeSoCoP’s vice president Gervasio Salgado (Spain), presented a previously recorded video about acute anal fissure. His outstanding presentation showed very precise data and ongoing trials about this common pathology. O. El Sibai and A. Shafik (both from Egypt) wisely managed obtaining consensus after a very interesting discussion and careful analysis of guidelines on this pathology. This was followed by a cutting edge presentation by the former president of the MeSoCoP, Manos Pramateftakis (Greece), about acute anal fistula. An extensive review with video support impressed the web-audience with the new technology in the field. After a short break, the second module concerning practical and interactive approaches to all anal premalignant disorders captured the attention of the web-audience and predictably led to a prolonged debate presented by the former secretary Xavier Delgadillo (Switzerland) and conducted to a categorical consensus by M. Scepanovic’ (Serbia). To complete the program, Salvatore Ramuschello (Italy) fully described the actual approach to anal cancer. The ensuing discussion and consensus caused a big debate within the webinar audience and was prolonged until 22h00. Our warmest thanks to all chairmen and speakers, and especially the web-audience connected from more than 20 countries, not only almost all Mediterranean countries, but also including Latin America and Singapore, with their questions and remarks and the fantastic exchange of experience and, knowledge. Thanks to all the 68 web-connected participants at the peak of the webinar. Special thanks to the organisers, who proposed an outstanding international faculty of coloproctologists and experts in related disciplines, obtaining a well-balanced blending of education, experience and knowledge on the alternative treatment modalities and controversial issues with a dynamic and interactive web-audience. Finally, we remind our colleagues and readers that the actual pandemic situation has compelled the organizers to change the modality of meetings to a cyber-challenge to disseminate and coordinate our scientific research and experimental work to the community. Despite all the efforts made to organize the bi-annual MeSoCoP congress, the executive members had to cancel all future meetings until stabilisation of the pandemic. Our message to you all for this 2021 is to keep safe and healthy (Fig. 1).