#2 - Dr. Hugo Vanermen

Meet the legend who changed prostate cancer surgery.In this episode of Surgquest Voices, Prof. Patrick Walsh joins Dr. Ruben De Groote and Dr. Elise De Bleser for a rare conversation with the pioneer of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.When impotence was considered an inevitable consequence of prostate removal, Walsh dared to question why. His search for answers helped transform the operation, placing cancer control and patients’ quality of life at the heart of surgical progress.He shares the story behind his breakthrough, recalls being told he had “lost his mind,” and explains how reviewing his own surgical videos revealed details he had missed in the operating room.Along the way, he reflects on talent, teaching, robotic surgery and one of the hardest decisions a surgeon faces: knowing when to stop.An extraordinary surgical legacy. A deeply personal perspective. And lessons that still challenge how surgeons learn and operate today.Surgquest Voices. Where surgical legends speak.

How do surgeons approach partial nephrectomy across robotic platforms? And where does preoperative simulation fit into complex case planning?Recorded at ERUS 2026 in Padua, this episode focuses on robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a case on Edge Medical presented by Ketan Badani, followed by a complex case with preoperative simulation on da Vinci Xi, presented by Fabrizio Dal Moro.Carlo Bravi and Iulia Andras lead the discussion, joined by co-chairs Alberto Breda and Michael Stiffelman.Explore the surgical choices behind each case, from planning to execution.Discover more surgical education at surgquest.com.

What does AI bring to robotic prostate surgery? And how do surgeons approach adrenalectomy on a different robotic platform?Recorded at ERUS 2026 in Padua, this episode brings together surgical highlights and expert discussion around two cases: robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with AI incorporation on Toumai, presented by Younness Ahallal, and adrenalectomy on Hugo, presented by Alex Mottrie.Ruben De Groote and Stefano Puliatti lead the discussion, joined by co-chairs Alberto Breda and Nina Harke.Explore the techniques, technology and clinical decisions behind the cases.Discover more surgical education at surgquest.com.

What happens when surgeons and anaesthesiologists look beyond the curtain and start solving problems together?In episode 5 of Surgquest Voices, Dr. Jan Mulier joins Dr. Ruben De Groote and Dr. Elise De Bleser to share a career shaped by curiosity, technology and collaboration.As a schoolboy building his own windmills, Mulier imagined a future in engineering. Instead, he found a place where his fascination with technology could serve patients: anaesthesiology.From investigating unexpected complications in orthopaedic surgery to introducing transoesophageal echocardiography and exploring low-impact laparoscopic surgery, he reflects on the questions that drove his work. He discusses low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, the importance of learning across specialties and why progress starts with accepting that your assumptions might be wrong.Beyond the operating room, the conversation turns to family, finding joy in your work and the evolution of medical training, from observation and self-study to simulation and structured education.A conversation about looking closer, questioning routine and working together to move patient care forward.This episode is brought to you by Conmed.Surgquest Voices. Where surgical legends speak.

What does it take to transform surgery, not just once, but continuously?In this episode of Surgquest Voices, Prof. Dr. Alex Mottrie looks back on a career defined by pioneering change. From performing open and laparoscopic surgery to becoming one of Europe’s first robotic surgeons, he experienced the evolution of modern urology from the front row.He shares how he taught himself robotic surgery when structured training barely existed, why collaboration helped accelerate progress, and how these early experiences ultimately led to the creation of Orsi Academy.But this conversation is not only about the past. Prof. Mottrie challenges the traditional apprenticeship model and explains why proficiency-based progression, objective assessment and training outside the operating room are essential for improving patient outcomes.He also looks ahead. What role will AI and autonomous technology play in surgery? Will robots ever operate independently? And why will human responsibility remain indispensable?An open conversation about pioneering, surgical quality, lifelong learning and the responsibility to keep improving.Hosted by Dr. Ruben De Groote and Dr. Elise De Bleser.Surgquest Voices. Where surgical legends speak.

What does it take to turn an idea into a new field of surgery?In this episode of Surgquest Voices, Dr. Ruben De Groote and Dr. Elise De Bleser speak with Dr. Lee Zhao, reconstructive urologist at NYU and a pioneer in robotic reconstructive surgery.He shares how he began applying robotic techniques to complex reconstruction of the ureter and urethra, and how clear algorithms help bring structure to some of the most challenging cases.The conversation also explores the people behind surgical progress. Prof. Zhao reflects on collaboration, mentorship, family and the unexpected bowling tournament that eventually led him to NYU.They also discuss the future of surgical education, and why surgeons should demonstrate proficiency before operating independently on patients.A personal conversation about innovation, teamwork and the drive to keep improving surgery.Surgquest Voices. Where surgical legends speak.

Welcome to the second episode of Surgquest Voices!In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Hugo Vanermen, internationally recognized as a pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and a leading expert in mitral and tricuspid valve repair.Throughout his career, Dr. Vanermen helped advance endoscopic approaches in cardiac surgery and became known for pushing the field beyond the limits of traditional open procedures. His impact goes beyond technique. He stood at the edge of surgical innovation, not after it became comfortable, but while it was still uncertain, questioned and difficult to accept.In this conversation, Dr. Vanermen reflects on the mindset behind a pioneering surgical career. Through his story, listeners get a closer look at the courage, discipline and vision it takes to challenge conventions and help move surgery forward.A powerful episode about innovation, leadership and the people who help redefine what is possible in surgery.

Welcome to Surgquest Voices!In this introductory episode, we take you behind the scenes of Surgquest Voices and share the vision behind the podcast. Why do we believe the stories of surgeons matter? What can listeners expect from future episodes? And how are innovation, surgical education, mentorship, and personal journeys shaping the future of healthcare?Surgquest Voices is more than a podcast about surgery. It is a platform for conversations with leading surgeons, innovators and educators from around the world. Together, we explore the experiences that shaped their careers, the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned and their perspectives on the future of surgical training.Join us as we uncover the stories behind the expertise and connect with the people who are driving the next generation of surgical education.Subscribe and follow Surgquest Voices to never miss an episode!

In the very first episode of Surgquest Voices, we sit down with Professor Hein Van Poppel, one of the most influential figures in modern urology.A pioneer in urologic oncology, Professor Van Poppel reflects on a career that has shaped generations of surgeons and transformed the field through innovation, research, education, and leadership.In this conversation, we explore the milestones of his remarkable journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the people and moments that defined his career. Beyond the operating room, we discuss mentorship, the future of surgical training, and what it truly means to leave a lasting impact on the next generation.Join hosts Dr. Ruben De Groote and Dr. Elise De Bleser for an inspiring conversation about excellence, purpose and the human story behind this surgical legend.