Glasgow Surgical Forum

An essential update for the general and specialist surgeon on preventing complications, managing them effectively and discussing best practices.

27–28 November, 2025
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
12 CPD
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Overview

The Glasgow Surgical Forum returns this year with a focus on one of the most critical aspects of surgical practice: managing complications. Under the theme 'Complications in general surgery: lessons, strategies, and solutions', the meeting will bring together surgeons from across the UK and beyond to engage in open, practical, and forward-thinking discussions.

Complications are an inevitable part of surgical practice, yet how we anticipate, recognise, and respond to them defines our commitment to patient safety and improvement. This year’s forum will explore real-world challenges and solutions through keynote lectures, case-based discussions, and interactive panel debates. Sessions will cover technical pitfalls, decision-making under pressure, multidisciplinary management, and innovations in complication prevention.

The meeting aims to foster an environment of learning and collaboration, where experiences, both successful and adverse, are shared candidly to advance surgical care. Delegates will gain insights into strategies for prevention, early detection, and resolution, while also considering the evolving landscape of surgical education, training, and teamwork.

Whether you are a trainee, consultant, or part of the wider surgical team, the Glasgow Surgical Forum offers a platform to learn, reflect, and contribute to improving outcomes in general surgery.

Find out more from Mr John Camilleri-Brennan, Vice President (Surgical), in the video below:

Glasgow Surgical Forum thumbnail

Learning outcomes

  • Colorectal anastomotic leaks: Prevention, detection and damage control
  • Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries and leaks: Prevention, detection and management
  • Adhesions and re-entry: Managing the ‘frozen abdomen’
  • Enterocutaneous fistulae: What went wrong and what now?
  • Human error in the operating theatre: What we miss when we’re rushed
  • Complications and consent: What patients deserve to know
  • Medicolegal implications of surgical complications

Who is this conference for?

The Glasgow Surgical Forum is aimed at:

  • Surgical trainees from ST1 upwards
  • Specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors
  • Consultant general surgeons
  • Consultants in emergency medicine
  • Advanced nurse practitioners and physician associates in emergency surgical care 

Poster competition 

We are now inviting abstracts for the poster competition. Entries for the poster competition should relate to a case report, audit, quality improvement project or a clinical trial/study. 

The top three submissions will be invited to present orally as part of the conference programme and all other accepted abstracts will be displayed on a digital poster showcase throughout the event with the conference winner announced at the end of the Forum. 

Full submission guidelines can be found in the downloadable documents below.

To help you structure your abstract, Dr Richard Hull, Vice President (Medical), takes you through his top tips. Please refer to the video below before starting your submission.  

Poster Competition guideline video

Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 October

Send your submission to donna.johnston@rcpsg.ac.uk 

All shortlisted entrants will be required to attend the conference. For those who aren’t already Members of the College, membership starts at just £15 a year and allows you to benefit from a discounted registration fee. 

Attending the conference

This event is an online/in-person conference. That means you get the chance to join us both at the College or from the comfort of your own home.

Coming to the College: For those joining us in Glasgow, you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, as well as lunch prepared by our award-winning chefs.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is conveniently located in Glasgow City Centre, within easy reach of major train stations, motorways and airports. Hotel and parking discounts can be accessed after booking.    

Find out more about the best way to get to us here.  

Attending online: If you’re joining us remotely, details of how to dial in and any other information you need will be provided to you just before the date of the conference.  

If you’ve not received your joining instructions by the date of the conference, please reach out to the event lead. Their details can be found on this page.  

Claiming your CPD

This conference offers 12 CPD points for everyone who attends. This can be claimed via your College account. CPD points will be available for up to one month after the conference. Where the conference has been recorded, these sessions will also be available. If you have any questions about claiming your CPD points, our Education team are happy to help. 

What happens on the day?

Click below to download the programme PDF

Key information

Content

Click the link below to book your place.

Book now

Member - £210

Non Member - £320

Trainee - £240

AHP - £260

ASIT/ASGBI Member - £210

Here's what our previous delegates said

"Very professional presentation, highly captivating."

"It was one the best event I attended, nearly all the lectures were practical and we face on daily basis."

"Keep on doing these great educational sessions which are relevant to FRCS exams."

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