It is with immense pride and heartfelt warmth that I welcome you to the ACRSI Annual Conference 2026, hosted this year in the vibrant and scenic city of Visakhapatnam. Fondly known as Vizag, the city stands as a symbol of renewal, progress, and aspiration—values that resonate deeply with our specialty of colorectal surgery as it undergoes a profound evolution in India and across the world.

Over the past decades, colorectal surgery has moved from being a conventional operative discipline to a technologically enabled, precision-driven specialty rooted in evidence, innovation, and patient-centric care. As we stand at this exciting intersection of science and transformation, the theme of ACRSI 2026, “Redefining Colorectal Surgery: Passion, Precision & Innovation”—captures the spirit of our collective journey.

As colorectal surgery continues to evolve rapidly, this meeting aims to highlight the significant progress our specialty has made in diagnostics, endoscopic therapy, robotic surgery, laser technology, and—most importantly—the expanding role of minimally invasive approaches in everyday practice.

Diagnostic capability has advanced enormously in recent years. High-definition colonoscopy, enhanced imaging, pelvic MRI, CT colonography, and emerging AI-assisted tools now allow earlier detection and more accurate characterization of colorectal disease. Our sessions this year will reflect the importance of integrating these innovations into routine workflows.

Therapeutic endoscopy has also become a major cornerstone of colorectal management. Techniques such as EMR, ESD, TAMIS, TEM, and endo-luminal interventions increasingly offer effective, organ-preserving treatment options for benign and early malignant conditions. Their growing use in anorectal procedures and fistula management underscores the shift toward less invasive yet highly precise interventions.

Robotic surgery has strengthened the ability of surgeons to perform complex colorectal procedures with improved visualization and instrument control, particularly in deep pelvic dissections. As robotic platforms expand across India, structured training and appropriate case selection remain priorities that this conference will emphasize.

Laser-based modalities have transformed proctology, providing effective options for hemorrhoids, fistula, and pilonidal disease with reduced postoperative discomfort and faster recovery. Ensuring evidence-based and standardized use of these technologies, ACRSI has started the Certificate Course in Laser Proctology (ACRSI-Clap) across all zones in India.

Minimally invasive surgery remains the unifying goal across all these advancements—improving recovery, reducing morbidity, and elevating patient outcomes. ACRSI 2026 aims to bring together experts, trainees, and innovators to exchange knowledge, refine skills, and strengthen our collective commitment to safer and more effective colorectal care.

I warmly invite all delegates to Vizag for a productive and inspiring academic experience.

Dear All,

As the honorary secretary of Association of Colon and Rectal Surgeons of India I invite you all to Vishakhapatnam for ACRSICON 2026.

This is our annual conference where academics takes the front seat.

With the rapid advances in technology it is very important to keep abreast with newer methods of treatment and the evidence behind the same

This conference will host a wide array of international and national faculties with special interest in each and every aspect of colorectal surgery.

This will allow you to strengthen your foundation in colorectal surgery as well as learn the latest advances in colorectal surgery.

So I welcome you all to this conference not only to learn but also to develop new bonds with colleagues and faculties from all over the world, in this beautiful beach city of Vishakhapatnam