Dear colleagues, dear friends,
The 25th anniversary of the European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ECTES) will be celebrated in 2026 in Stockholm, a city that represents unity, innovation, and progress. The congress will be a joint venture with the 8th World Trauma Congress (WTC).
The congress motto “TEAM -Together Each Achieve More” highlights the importance of strong teamwork in the care of trauma and emergency surgery patients. The TEAM involves not only the prehospital, ED, OR, and ICU phases of care, but also includes working together and collaborating in research, quality improvement, and education.
Stockholm is a city where history meets progress and innovation, offering a blend of cultural richness and cutting-edge advancements. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global hub for research and technology, Stockholm is the perfect setting for building international collaboration and to exchange knowledge and innovative ideas. The city is home to the Nobel Prize and world-renowned institutions such as the Karolinska Institute, a leader in medical research and education, which further enhances the academic and scientific atmosphere of the congress.
ESTES is the largest European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery with both individual and institutional members. With its diversity and a holistic approach, the society is uniquely positioned to drive innovation, generate and disseminate knowledge, and develop new treatment standards to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
The World Coalition for Trauma Care (WCTC) was created in 2012 to aggregate multiple societies and professional organizations around the world, creating a true coalition focusing on trauma care. One of the most important deliverables of the WCTC is the World Trauma Congress (WTC), which occurs every two years and has been held seven times with great success.
The 8Th WTC in Stockholm, in association the 25th ECTES is an opportunity to bring the world together to discuss, learn, collaborate, and educate healthcare providers about the many facets of trauma as a disease. For the second time ESTES will host the WTC during ECTES, which reinforces our collaboration. We are delighted to continue this partnership and will work together to bring you the best and most relevant scientific content by representatives from all corners of the world.
The program will feature pre-congress courses, lunch symposia, and interactive sessions designed to foster interdisciplinary exchange and professional growth. Internationally renowned experts will deliver keynote lectures, and numerous abstract presentations will highlight the latest research findings.
Beyond the scientific program, the congress venue and social events will provide opportunities to build new connections, strengthen existing collaborations, and create lasting friendships.
We are excited to welcome you to Stockholm in 2026!
Shahin Mohseni, MD, PhD, FEBS (EmSurg), FACS
Congress president ECTES 2026
Carl Montan, MD, PhD
Chairman Local Organizing Committee
Raul Coimbra, MD, PhD, FACS
Executive Director, World Coalition for Trauma Care
President, 8th WTC
& The Local Organizing Committee, composed of representatives from the Swedish Societies of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Trauma Nurses, Orthopaedics, Vascular Surgeons, Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists.
Dear Colleagues,
Stockholm, city of Nobel prices. I could not imagine a better place to host the 26th European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. As president of ESTES I’m proud to invite you to our yearly congress held from April 26th to 28th 2026. This year we have a special edition as it will be organized for the second time in association with the 8th World Trauma Congress.
Shahin Mohesini, this year’s ECTES president, and Raul Coimbra, president of the WTC, together with their teams have provided us with an interesting and diverse program through which we will explore the latest scientific advancements, innovative treatment methods, and multidisciplinary approaches that are transforming acute and trauma care.
The program will consist of pre-congress courses, lunch symposia, and interactive sessions stimulating interdisciplinary exchange and professional development. Keynote lectures by renown experts and numerous abstract presentations will highlight the latest research findings.
I would like to appeal to every surgeon involved in trauma care and emergency surgery and especially to the young surgeons and residents, to join us and discuss with us new developments and standards in the treatment of the multi-injured and in fracture and acute surgery in general. The ECTES in association with the WTC brings together leading experts, researchers and clinicians from across the world. Together, we represent one of the most challenging and dynamic fields in medicine: trauma and emergency surgery. Every day, we face situations that demand not only medical expertise but also speed, precision, and collaboration. This is why this congress is so vital—it provides us with the opportunity to learn from one another, share groundbreaking insights, and shape the future of our discipline.
Besides the illusive scientific program, the venue and social events will create ample opportunities to make new acquaintances and connections, deepen existing relations and collaborations and create new friendships.
I hope to see you all in Stockholm.
Jan Verbruggen
President