Dear Colleagues and Friends, 

It is my great pleasure and honor to invite you to the 23rd ISDE World Congress for Esophageal Diseases, to be held in the historic and beautiful city of Utrecht, the Netherlands, in 2027. 

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) has long been a unique global platform bringing together experts from diverse disciplines dedicated to improving the understanding and management of both benign and malignant esophageal diseases. Building on the success of our previous congresses, we aim to make ISDE 2027 an even more inclusive and multidisciplinary meeting. 

While surgery remains a cornerstone of curative treatment, rapid progress in systemic therapies, immunotherapy, targeted treatments, radiation therapy, and innovative multidisciplinary approaches is fundamentally transforming the treatment landscape. We must not overlook these advances beyond surgery, as they are creating new opportunities to improve survival, preserve organ function, and enhance patients’ quality of life. 

I strongly believe that the future of esophageal care cannot be shaped by any single specialty. Meaningful progress requires close collaboration among surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, basic and translational scientists, nurses, dietitians, and other allied healthcare professionals. Equally important are the perspectives of patients and their advocates. ISDE provides an ideal opportunity for all these disciplines to learn from one another, exchange new ideas, and build collaborations across geographical and professional boundaries. 

The ISDE 2027 Congress will cover the full spectrum of esophageal diseases, from basic science and innovative diagnostics to advanced endoscopic and surgical techniques, emerging systemic therapies, multidisciplinary treatment strategies, and patient-centered care. We particularly encourage young investigators and healthcare professionals from diverse specialties to participate actively and contribute fresh perspectives. 

Utrecht, with its rich history, beautiful canals, and vibrant academic atmosphere, will provide an inspiring setting for scientific exchange and international friendship. 

Whether you are a surgeon, oncologist, gastroenterologist, researcher, or healthcare professional involved in esophageal care, ISDE 2027 is a meeting you should not miss. Together, let us explore the future of esophageal medicine beyond traditional boundaries. 

I look forward to welcoming you all to Utrecht in 2027!