Prishtina, June 19th, 2025
The Cancer Committee of the Kosova College of of Surgeons successfully organized the Scientific Roundtable on Rectal Cancer on June 19âan important event that brought together professionals from various medical fields to discuss contemporary approaches to treating this widespread disease.
At the opening of the roundtable, Dr. Sadik Llullaku, Executive Director of CSK, presented the Collegeâs activities to date as well as plans for the coming year. He emphasized the outstanding contributions of Prof. Dr. Rifat Latifi, Founding President of CSK, to the development of the institution. The importance of the 5th Clinical Congress of CSK was also highlighted; this year, for the first time, it will include the Joint Clinical Congress of Albanian Surgeons from Kosova, Albania, North Macedonia, and the diaspora.
The scientific roundtable featured 10 professional lectures covering various aspects of rectal cancer management, which is the third most common cancer in Kosova in terms of incidence and mortality.
Highlights of the lectures included:
- Dr. Ali Devaja: Epidemiology, symptomatology, and the importance of screening for early disease detection.
- Dr. Valon Zejnullahu: The central role of colonoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic method.
- Dr. Edmond Islamaj: The value of endoscopic ultrasound in disease staging, with practical examples.
- Dr. Shkëndije Nuza: Use of modern imaging in the Radiology Clinic and private institutions.
- Dr. Merita Hashani: Histopathological diagnosis as the basis for determining personalized treatment.
- Prof. Dr. Astrit Hamza: Experience with traditional open surgery for rectal cancer.
- Prof. Dr. Ymer Durmishi: Advantages and challenges of minimally invasive surgeryâlaparoscopy and robotics.
- Dr. Rilind Zenelaj (Germany): Surgical approach to patients with hepatic metastases.
- Assoc. Dr. Ilir Kurtishi: Contemporary oncologic treatment protocols at the Oncology Clinic.
- Dr. Dorina Berberi Paloji: Radiotherapy as part of multidisciplinary treatment and practical experiences in Kosova.
The discussions following the lectures highlighted the urgent need to institutionalize multidisciplinary Tumor Boards, emphasizing the importance of close collaboration among professionals from all fields to improve outcomes in the treatment of rectal cancer patients.
This roundtable, with 54 participants, also stands as a testament to the College of Surgeons of Kosovaâs commitment to advancing cancer treatment in Kosova and strengthening the professional Albanian network in the fields of surgery and oncology.
