The 6th SAGES NBT (Next Big Thing) Innovation Weekend took place January 23-25, 2025 in Houston, TX, chaired by Dr. Christopher Schlachta. This year’s conference consisted of a strategic planning retreat focused on digital surgery, the 20th NOSCAR meeting and the 10th SDTS symposium.
Opening the SAGES NBT Innovation Weekend was NOSCAR, with more than 50 attendees present. This year’s meeting was chaired by Drs. Rahila Essani on behalf of SAGES and Geri Keane, on behalf of ASGE.
Dr. John Romanelli gave the opening address about the continued relevance of NOSCAR. He highlighted that inter-society collaboration in areas of mutual interest (namely, flexible endoscopic procedures being performed by both surgeons and gastrointestinal endoscopists) remains of value, and that we can all learn from each other’s innovative thinking and data. Additional talks on POEM, POPE and POP took place, as well as updates on ESG and TORE. Fascinating colorectal talks took place on NICE, transvaginal specimen extraction and transanal ileal pouch anastomosis. Dr. Amitabh Chak, President-elect of ASGE, then delivered the keynote address on Barrett’s esophagus, and the current state of endoscopic treatment options.
The 2025 SAGES NBT Innovation Weekend continued with the Surgical Disruptive Technology Summit (SDTS), chaired by Dr. Erik Wilson and co-chaired by Drs. Sarah Samreen, Filippo Filicori, and Steve Bell. SDTS kept its promise of offering a comprehensive exploration of the future of surgery, focusing on integrating digital technology, innovation, and advanced surgical platforms. The meeting kicked off with an insightful discussion diving into critical topics shaping the future of surgical practice, such as the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, and data management in the operating room. Sessions explored how these technologies can enhance surgery, improve training, and optimize
operational efficiency. Notable speakers shared their insights on these revolutionary advancements. Panel discussions covered AI’s return on investment, data storage solutions, and the evolving role of connectivity in remote surgery.
The conference offered valuable networking opportunities, including the Innovation Dinner, where industry leaders and innovators discussed the future of surgical technologies in a more intimate setting. The event continued with the “My Favorite” series, which provided a platform for surgeons and innovators to present their favorite surgical tools, techniques, and approaches.
The conference also featured discussions on emerging robotic platforms, with companies showcasing their latest technologies. Panel discussions compared the strategic and startup viewpoints of robotic surgery companies, helping attendees better understand the evolving landscape of this sector.
Overall, the SAGES NBT Innovation Weekend provided attendees with cutting-edge insights into the future of surgery, showcasing the latest advancements in robotic systems and digital tools that are poised to revolutionize the operating room. It is an essential event for anyone involved in surgical innovation, offering a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, explore new technologies, and gain valuable knowledge about the direction of healthcare. The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between surgeons, technologists, and industry experts to drive meaningful change in surgical practices.