1st Athens Upper Limb Plastic Surgery Cadaver Course (International).
Hellenic Society of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.
02–03 October 2026 · Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
Registration fee: €1,000 per participant
Course Overview
The Athens Upper Limb Plastic Surgery Cadaver Course (AULIP) is a specialized, hands-on educational program organized by the Hellenic Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (HESPRAS), in collaboration with the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Held at the Department of Anatomy of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the course integrates detailed anatomical dissection with fundamental reconstructive principles in hand and upper limb surgery. Supervised dissection on fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens allows participants to develop precise surgical skills, with a maximum of two participants per specimen to ensure optimal exposure to critical hand and upper limb anatomy and reconstructive methods.
The program is specifically structured to enhance anatomical knowledge and provide comprehensive theoretical and practical training in hand surgery, including flexor and extensor tendon repair and reconstruction, peripheral nerve surgery, and local and regional flap techniques for hand and upper limb reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on surgical anatomy, operative planning, and technique execution relevant to everyday clinical practice in hand surgery.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is intended for board-certified plastic surgeons and trainees enrolled in accredited training programs who seek to deepen their expertise in hand surgery and upper limb anatomy, and to enhance surgical precision, safety, and decision-making in reconstructive hand and upper limb procedures.
Key Learning Objectives
· Develop an in-depth understanding of complex hand and upper limb anatomy
· Gain practical knowledge of flexor and extensor tendon repair techniques, tailored to the zone of injury
· Understand the principles and techniques of peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction
· Learn the surgical release of common compression neuropathies of the upper limb
· Acquire essential skills in hand and upper limb reconstruction using local and regional flaps
Educational Format
The seminar combines concise lectures, step-by-step anatomical demonstrations and supervised cadaveric dissection, ensuring that every theoretical concept is immediately translated into practical, hands-on experience. Small working groups (two participants per specimen) allow each participant to actively perform dissections rather than observe, under direct faculty supervision.
Hands-On Cadaveric Practice
Each participant will work directly on cadaveric specimens, performing guided procedures and systematically exploring key surgical anatomy of the hand and upper limb within a controlled, academically rigorous environment that emphasizes anatomical accuracy and operative relevance.
Complication Prevention
Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on meticulous tissue handling, recognition of anatomically demanding zones of the hand and upper limb, protection of critical neurovascular structures, and procedure-specific surgical decision-making based on the mechanism and pattern of injury. Participants are guided through practical strategies to minimize postoperative complications, reinforcing surgical safety, precision, and reliability in everyday hand surgery practice.
Professional Networking
The course provides a unique opportunity for professional interaction among plastic surgeons from different countries and backgrounds, fostering academic exchange, collegial communication, and the development of international professional connections within a focused educational environment.
How the Seminar Is Structured
You may view the full seminar program, including session timings, by clicking here
Foundational Lectures
Focused lectures introducing key anatomical concepts, reconstructive indications and safety considerations.
Guided Cadaveric Dissection
Step-by-step dissection of the upper limb under expert supervision, correlating anatomy with reconstructive procedures.
Clinical Translation & Discussion
Linking anatomical findings to real-life clinical scenarios through case discussions and surgical planning exercises.
FAQs
Participation is restricted to certified plastic surgeons or trainees in accredited training programs who can provide valid documentation of their specialty.
The official language of the seminar is English.
A significant portion of the programme is dedicated to supervised cadaveric dissection, ensuring active participation for all attendees.
To complete your registration, please follow the instructions provided on the Contact & Registration page.
In brief:
1. Download the official Eligibility & Participation Application Form available on the Contact & Registration page.
2. Complete the form and provide the required documentation confirming that you are a certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon.
3. Submit the form via email to info@hespras.gr.
Once your eligibility is verified, you will receive a confirmation email with further participation instructions and the IBAN details required to complete your payment.
Where Scientific Accuracy Meets Surgical Mastery
A high-level educational experience for plastic surgeons seeking deeper anatomical insight, safer procedural planning and hands-on cadaveric refinement in upper limb surgery.