Editorial

Last year, the Belgian Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (BSGIE) has succeeded the SBED-BVES (Société Belge d'Endoscopie Digestive- Belgische Vereniging voor Endoscopie van het Spijsverteringsstelsel), maintaining a 33 years continuity. Times have changed since the creation of the Society, making the realization of teaching and training absolutely necessary. Endoscopic techniques are in continuous progress, guidelines have to be regularly changed. Next to the classical endoscopic techniques, there is a clear trend to progress in directions that are very close to surgical interventions. In this moving environment, the BSGIE has to adapt continuously the information dispended not only to the members of the Society, but also to a larger audience. The recent creation of this website was a must to propose a response to these challenges.
The BSGIE has different specific missions and activities, in Belgium and in different countries. The Society is a national reference institution concerning “good medical practice” in endoscopy and is represented in national professional groups like the "Consilium Gastroenterologicum Belgicum". The BSGIE is represented in the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and has a close link to the journal "Endoscopy". The BSGIE plays an important role in the yearly organisation of a symposium Africa together with French Societies and local committees.  These North-South contacts allow creation of fructuous exchanges. Each year the Society proposes a grant in order to sustain and to encourage  research in endoscopy.
The annual meeting of the BSGIE has become a classical event during the month January, not only for gastroenterologists, but also for trainees and endoscopy nurses. In 2007 the meeting will take place in Ghent on Saturday January 27th, covering  the topic: "New diagnostic tools in endoscopy". The several sessions will consist of keynote lectures on new imaging techniques in conventional endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and the use of miniature endoscopes. Belgian and foreign experts of top level will cover these different topics. A special session will be dedicated to nurse-endoscopy. Last and not least, this program will be presented in one of the most beautiful cities of Belgium.

D. Urbain
President of the BSGIE