WCACS 2015 Preview

Highlights of the 2015 7th World Congress of the Abdominal Compartment Society, Ghent, Belgium , May 28-30, 2015

The 7th World Congress of the Abdominal Compartment Society in Ghent in May 2015 follows on the recent successful meetings in Cartagena, Colombia (2013), Orlando, USA (2011) and Dublin, Ireland (2009), and brings the meeting back to Belgium where the WSACS 2007 meeting took place.

The WSACS was formed in Australia after the second World Congress in 2004, and is a multidisplinary society of clinicians involved in day-to-day care of seriously ill and injured patients. The Society has recently updated its practice guidelines on intraabdominal hypertensions (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), fostering a greater understanding worldwide of intra-abdominal hypertension and ACS. Recently the Society adopted a new name “WSACS – The Abdominal Compartment Society” as the abdominal compartment syndrome is no longer the sole target for the society.

For this reason, the 2015 WCACS congress theme is ‘Expanding our horizon’; the physiology and pathophysiology of the abdominal compartment as a whole better describes the current focus of the society’s efforts, as well as the main topics covered in the 7th WCACS.

The WCACS2015 meeting in Ghent will host delegates from around the world to address issues relating to the care of critically ill patients.

Pre-Congress IAH and ACS Refresher Course

Prior to the meeting, an IAH/ACS refresher course will be organised. This half-day, intensive course is aimed at those who want an update on the basics of intra-abdominal pressure, IAH and ACS. It is intended to be the perfect introduction to the 7th WCACS for delegates who are not (yet) familiar with the fundamentals of IAH and ACS.

WCACS2015 Scientific Programme

There will be general sessions for those less experienced in abdominal physiology, cutting-edge research for the experts, pro-con debates, case discussions and much more. Interaction is crucial at every WCACS, and there will be ample time for discussions both during the sessions and breaks. Attending WSACS2015 will also allow attendees to understand the future directions of care in the diverse aspects of care of severe abdominal conditions in the critically ill.

Focus topics of the meeting will include

• Contemporary IAH;

• Treating ACS;

• Temporary abdominal closure – improving outcome;

• Inflammation and abdominal disease;

• Fluid resuscitation and monitoring;

• Abdominal wall reconstruction;

• Nutrition and the abdomen;

• Abdominal trauma - how to eradicate ACS;

• Diagnosis and management of abdominal infections.

The full scientific programme can be found on the WCACS2015 website www.wcacs2015.orgwhere you can find other practical information as well.

At the meeting, there will be ample time for interaction with other delegates and faculty both during the meeting as well as during the social events.

More than 40 speakers from around the world will set out expert views, insight, debate and progress on such areas as open abdomen management, IAH treatment, abdominal wall reconstruction, abdominal infection, fluid management, haemodynamic monitoring and future perspectives in the care of these patients.

Endorsing Societies

WCACS has teamed up with several societies that are officially endorsing WCACS2015. Members of endorsing societies benefit from a 20% discount on the full registration cost. Endorsing societies include ESICM, the Pan-American Trauma Society, SBAIT, the World Society of Emergency Surgery, and the Belgian Intensive Care Society. Others will be added - check the meeting website for regular updates.

Meeting Venue

The 7th WCACS will be held in “het Pand” Congress Centre of Ghent University. ‘Het Pand’ is an old Dominican monastery located in the heart of the city on the banks of the river Leie, near the medieval port with the guildhalls as its remnants. It was recently acquired by Ghent University and converted to a congress centre. The venue is located in the heart of the historical city centre, within walking distance of all major hotels and touristic attractions.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is a vibrant city, nestled between Brussels and the coast, with a population of around 300,000 inhabitants. It has an extensive history and is well known as one of the Flemish Art Cities. Famous attractions include Jan Van Eyck’s ‘Adoration of the Lamb’, the Castle of the Counts, and the Belfry among many others.

Ghent is host to one of the largest universities in Belgium and is home to over 38,000 students. The city has excellent connections to Brussels Airport with two direct trains per hour.

Note: All presentations may diverge from the descriptions above, in response to circumstances.