2026 Training and Promotion Conference of the Collaborative Group for Minimally Invasive Head and Neck Surgery Concludes Successfully in Yantai, China
From July 24 to 26, 2026, the 2026 Training and Promotion Conference of the Collaborative Group for Minimally Invasive Head and Neck Surgery was successfully held in Yantai, China. Organized by the National Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases in China and hosted by Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, the conference was centered around the theme: “Promotion, Training, and Exchange of New Technologies in Head and Neck Surgery.” Delivered via a dynamic hybrid format (combining online and offline channels), the conference established a high-level, multi-dimensional platform for academic exchange. Its core program was structured across four main tracks: main plenary session, special surgical video demonstrations, parallel research paper presentations, and a dedicated symposium on international journal development.
Covering specialist lectures, presentations by mid-career and emerging researchers, surgical technique video analyses, academic debates, and international journal publishing exchanges, the event focused on standardizing minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment, accelerating the translational application of cutting-edge technologies, and training young physicians. The conference attracted more than 100 industry leaders and clinical specialists to exchange breakthrough insights.
Conference attendees gather at the venue.
The conference convened leading figures and clinical authorities from across the nation, including Prof. Yang Shiming (National Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology Diseases; Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital), Prof. Liu Mingbo (PLA General Hospital; Editor-in-Chief of ENT Updates), Prof. Li Xiaoming (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Prof. Chen Xiaohong and Prof. Fang Jugao (Beijing Tongren Hospital), Prof. Dong Pin (Shanghai General Hospital), Prof. Huang Xiaoming (Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Prof. Li Chao (Sichuan Cancer Hospital), Prof. Zhou Shuihong (The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Prof. An Changming (Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences), and Prof. Tao Lei (Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University). In total, over 40 key experts from dozens of top-tier (Grade A tertiary) hospitals delivered keynote presentations, while more than 160 experts and clinical representatives actively participated in the proceedings.
Prof. Liu Mingbo presenting the development of the ENT Updates journal.
The opening ceremony was co-chaired by Conference Co-Chairs Prof. Liu Mingbo and Prof. Song Xicheng. Academic presentations in the main plenary hall were divided into five specialized modules. Leading experts conducted in-depth lectures and panel discussions on front-line topics, including Minimally invasive head and neck oncological surgery, Functional preservation techniques, Robotic surgery, AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment, Multidisciplinary integrated therapy, and Reconstructive surgery.
In the video demonstration session, 18 surgeons from 16 medical institutions presented video analyses of highly complex minimally invasive procedures. Cases featured advanced approaches such as transoral endoscopic parapharyngeal tumor resection, robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer, endoscopic management of skull base hemangiomas, and endoscopic parotid surgery. Expert discussants provided detailed feedback on surgical approaches, neurovascular preservation, and functional preservation strategies.
Prof. Song Xicheng moderating the surgical video demonstration session.
The parallel session for outstanding research paper presentations was chaired by Prof. Zhang Hua, with a panel of peer reviewers comprising Prof. Zhang Na (Tianjin First Central Hospital), Prof. Song Qi (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Prof. Pan Min (The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University), Prof. Qin Gang (The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University), Prof. Zheng Chaohui (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University), Prof. Zhao Jiazheng (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Prof. Ying Xinjiang (Shanghai General Hospital), Prof. Shen Yupeng (The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University), Prof. Liu Jun (West China Hospital of Sichuan University), Prof. Qiu Jie (The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University), Prof. Zhu Gangcai (Xiangya Hospital of Central South University), and Prof. Chen Liwei (PLA General Hospital).
From a competitive pool of submissions, 48 high-quality papers from 21 hospitals were selected for oral presentation. Research topics spanned translational and clinical hot spots, including robotic surgery applications, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), novel 3D-printing materials, AI-assisted imaging for prognostic prediction, the tumor immune microenvironment, and emergency management of rare airway conditions. Combining practical clinical value with innovation, the presentations sparked rigorous academic discussion among the reviewers.
Group photo of the outstanding paper award winners.
In the closing ceremony, Prof. Liu Mingbo delivered the concluding address. Acting in his capacity as Editor-in-Chief of ENT Updates, Prof. Liu also chaired a symposium on strategic development of the journal of ENT Updates, gathering constructive suggestions and strategic guidance from participating scholars.
Prof. Liu expressed sincere gratitude to all experts, panelists, and organizing committee members. He emphasized that the conference successfully gathered nationwide expertise to foster comprehensive, multi-tiered academic exchange. Looking ahead, the Collaborative Group will take this conference as a new benchmark to continuously promote minimally invasive head and neck surgical techniques, establish a regular multi-center collaborative research network, refine clinical practice guidelines, and advance high-quality development across the field—ultimately safeguarding public health through advanced medical technology.
Established under the National Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, the Collaborative Group for Minimally Invasive Head and Neck Surgery serves as China’s premier national academic platform in the field. Uniting the country’s leading specialists and prominent Grade A tertiary hospitals nationwide, the Collaborative Group is dedicated to the standardized promotion and clinical innovation of minimally invasive techniques, consistently remaining at the forefront of advancing head and neck surgery in China.