Mangaluru will host the 4th international conference of the Society of Endoscopic Otorhinolaryngologists from August 20-23, featuring over 100 global speakers and 400 delegates focusing on surgical innovation and AI.

  • SEOCON 2026 scheduled for August 20-23 in Mangaluru.
  • Expectation of 400 delegates and 100+ national and international speakers.
  • Chief Guest: Padma Shri Dr. Milind V. Kirthane.
  • Focus on AI, simulation devices, and advanced endoscopic surgery.

The city of Mangaluru is set to become a hub for global medical excellence as it hosts the fourth international conference of the Society of Endoscopic Otorhinolaryngologists (SEO), titled ‘SEOCON 2026’, from August 20 to 23. The event is being jointly organized by the Departments of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and K. S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA).

The conference will take place at the Avatar Hotel and Convention Centre, Attavar, with the formal inauguration scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 21. Addressing a press conference, Organizing President D. Deviprasad and Secretary Vadisha Bhat emphasized that the SEO is dedicated to promoting the advancement of endoscopic otorhinolaryngology through continuous innovation and the development of cutting-edge surgical tools.

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Academic Rigor and Global Expertise

The theme for this year's summit is ‘Endoscope to Microscope, ENTHNS, Innovation and Beyond’. The inaugural session will be graced by Dr. Milind V. Kirthane, a world-renowned Cochlear implant surgeon from Mumbai. A recipient of the Padma Shri and Dr. B. C. Roy awards, Dr. Kirthane has performed over 3,000 surgeries and established 70 training centers across India.

With approximately 400 delegates expected, the four-day event will feature over 100 prominent speakers. The curriculum is designed to be highly interactive, incorporating surgical demonstrations, orations, panel discussions, and hands-on cadaveric dissections. Key sub-specialties under the spotlight include Otology, Neuro-Otology, Skull Base Surgery, and Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simulation devices in surgical training is drastically reducing the learning curve for complex procedures. By facilitating a direct exchange between veteran surgeons and young practitioners, SEOCON 2026 ensures that the latest global standards of care are implemented locally, which directly translates to improved patient survival and recovery rates.

"The shift from traditional microscopy to advanced endoscopy is not just a change in tools, but a revolution in patient accessibility and surgical precision."

Furthermore, the conference will delve into the role of AI in diagnostics and surgery, providing a glimpse into the future of ENT healthcare. This collaborative environment allows specialists to troubleshoot daily clinical challenges with the help of international peers.

Did You Know?: A cochlear implant is one of the few medical devices that can actually bypass a damaged portion of the sensory system to provide a functional sense (hearing) to the brain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of SEOCON 2026?
The primary goal is to advance the field of endoscopic otorhinolaryngology through research, innovation, and the sharing of new surgical techniques.

2. Which medical institutions are organizing this event?
The event is jointly organized by the ENT departments of Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and K. S. Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), Mangaluru.