Bali、 Gynecology、OBGYN.net、On-site Report、 APAGE 2026、13th IGES、Opening

OBGYN.net Bali On-site Report

On September 6, 2026, the highly anticipated 26th Asia-Pacific Association for Gynecologic Endoscopy (APAGE) Annual Congress & the 13th Indonesian Gynecological Endoscopy Society (IGES) 2026, officially commenced in Bali, Indonesia. Under the theme "Collective Brilliance: Elevating Gynecology Endoscopy through Shared Innovation," the congress brings together top experts in gynecologic minimally invasive surgery from the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe. Discussions will delve into hot topics such as cutting-edge gynecologic endoscopic techniques, AI applications, oncology diagnosis and treatment, fertility preservation, and robotic telesurgery. As the Official Exclusive Media Partner of the congress, OBGYN.net has dispatched a reporting team to the scene to provide real-time, first-hand updates on the latest academic trends.

Keynote Lectures

The morning academic agenda kicked off with three heavyweight keynote lectures, featuring distinguished international experts sharing the latest research and practical insights.

Keynote ①

From Pioneers to Pixels: The Story of Minimally Invasive Gynecology and the Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence

Speaker: Prof. Relly Yanuari Primariawan (Indonesia)

Professor Relly Yanuari Primariawan delivered the keynote titled "From Pioneers to Pixels: The Story of Minimally Invasive Gynecology and the Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence." The report reviewed the century-long evolution of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery—from early endoscopic explorations and the first human laparoscopy to the widespread adoption of laparoscopy, robotic surgery, single-port surgery, and natural orifice scarless surgery. He noted that while traditional laparoscopy has benefited countless patients, it comes with limitations such as surgeon physical strain and high dependence on assistants; robotic surgery has addressed some of these issues. The professor highlighted how AI is reshaping the entire surgical workflow: enabling automatic lesion segmentation preoperatively, providing augmented reality navigation and real-time warning of dangerous structures intraoperatively, and revolutionizing surgical education. The combination of AI, robotics, and low-latency communication has made remote surgery a reality. He also cautioned that AI development requires robust datasets, mitigation of algorithmic bias, and the establishment of ethical and regulatory frameworks, emphasizing that the core mission of technological advancement remains patient safety.

Keynote ②

Evolving Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer Management

Speaker: Prof. Chi-Long Lee (Taiwan, China)

Professor Chi-Long Lee shared insights on "The Evolving Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer Management." Using a real medical-legal case as an entry point, he sparked an in-depth discussion on the indications for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in ovarian cancer, preoperative assessment, and oncological safety. He focused on interpreting the APAGE Consensus on Minimally Invasive Surgery for Ovarian Cancer, which had just been voted on and passed at this congress. The consensus states that complete cytoreduction is the primary goal of ovarian cancer surgery, and neither MIS nor laparotomy should compromise oncological outcomes. Performing MIS for ovarian cancer requires standardized training and extensive practical skills; clinical decisions must integrate tumor characteristics and surgeon expertise, with full shared decision-making involving patients and families. Robotics is an MIS modality but does not expand the surgical indications for tumors. Citing his team's clinical data, Prof. Lee demonstrated that for strictly selected early-stage ovarian cancers operated on by experienced surgeons, survival outcomes with MIS are comparable to or even better than those with open surgery. Advanced and recurrent ovarian cancers require multidisciplinary evaluation; treatment must never blindly pursue a "minimally invasive" label, as the ultimate goal is minimally invasive therapy under the premise of uncompromised oncological safety.

Keynote ③

Fertility Preservation in Women with Uterine Fibroids: Current Strategies

Speaker: Prof. Jing Sun (China, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University)

At the opening session of APAGE 2026, Professor Jing Sun from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University delivered a significant keynote focusing on frontier diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for fertility preservation in women of reproductive age, providing authoritative guidance for clinical practice in China. Data indicates that 20%–40% of women of reproductive age suffer from various reproductive health issues that severely impact fertility quality and physical/mental well-being. Prof. Sun pointed out that domestic gynecologic reproductive medicine has undergone a conceptual revolution, entering a new era centered on the patient, focused on protecting reproductive structures, and prioritizing fertility preservation. She highlighted a standardized minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment system characterized by fewer complications and faster recovery, which maximizes the preservation of natural conception abilities. She emphasized the need to abandon a "one-size-fits-all" approach, tailoring individualized plans based on lesion characteristics and patient conditions. Through typical cases of women of reproductive age, she demonstrated how precise minimally invasive techniques can effectively protect normal reproductive tissues and avoid post-operative infertility risks, thereby strengthening the foundation for safe clinical management.

Opening Ceremony

Following the keynote sessions, the official Opening Ceremony commenced. Prof. Herbert Situmorang (Chair of the Organizing Committee), Prof. Relly Yanuari Primariawan (President of IGES), Prof. Jing Sun (President of APAGE), and Prof. Chi-Long Lee (Chair of the APAGE Governing Board) delivered opening remarks in sequence.

Prof. Herbert Situmorang, Chair of the Organizing Committee, extended a warm welcome to all global attendees gathered in Bali. The congress has attracted over 800 delegates, with more than 400 participants in the pre-conference workshops, and features over 140 top-tier speakers from home and abroad. Aligning with the theme of "Collective Brilliance," he emphasized that scientific progress is rooted in open discussion and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The program includes diverse academic formats such as hands-on workshops, live surgery broadcasts, and specialized debates. He encouraged experts to speak freely and learn from each other, hoping that Bali's unique cultural heritage would inspire scientific thought, and wished the congress great success.

Prof. Relly Yanuari Primariawan, President of IGES, stated that Bali's inclusive regional character aligns perfectly with the congress's philosophy. The advancement of gynecologic endoscopy cannot be achieved by a single country or individual; it relies on technical accumulation and transnational collaboration. He called on attendees to share not only successful practices but also clinical challenges openly to help cultivate young talent and jointly improve women's healthcare globally. He also expressed gratitude to the organizing committee and sponsors, wishing for fruitful academic outcomes.

Prof. Jing Sun, President of APAGE, remarked that while the success of last year's APAGE Shanghai congress was still vivid in memory, global colleagues had reunited in Bali. With over two decades of growth, APAGE has established itself as a crucial exchange platform for gynecologic minimally invasive surgery in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together experts from more than 20 countries and regions. She expressed sincere thanks to the IGES organizing committee and looked forward to the exchange of clinical wisdom and the forging of lasting academic friendships.

Prof. Chi-Long Lee, Chair of the APAGE Governing Board, extended his gratitude to the organizing committee, all faculty, and task forces. He reviewed APAGE's progress in academic training, online seminars, regional meetings, clinical consensus development, and journal building, noting the steady increase in the journal's influence. He acknowledged the new energy injected by young scholars and looked forward to the congress sparking further technological innovation and promoting academic exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.

As the opening remarks concluded, all eyes turned to the stage for the grand opening ceremony. Guests from the presidium took the stage to perform the Gong-Striking Launching Ceremony, officially declaring the commencement of this grand Asia-Pacific academic event.

Dignitaries from home and abroad gathered in Bali, creating a spectacular assembly of talent. Integrating speeches, awards, and the launch ceremony, the opening conveyed cutting-edge ideas and expressed hopes for an innovative future for gynecologic endoscopy in the Asia-Pacific region. The solemn yet vibrant ceremony officially opened the door to the exciting academic exchange of the congress.

As the Official Exclusive On-site Media for this congress, OBGYN.net will follow the entire agenda and continue to bring frontline academic updates from Bali to the obstetrics and gynecology community in China.

Highlights from the Venue

Editor: Maye