Message from Chairman of Organizing Committee Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to join us for the International Colorectal Disease Symposium 2009 in Hong Kong from 19th to 21st February 2009 at the HKEC Training Centre for Healthcare Management and Clinical Technology. This is the fourth time for the Symposium to be held in Hong Kong. It has always been a landmark event that offers an invaluable opportunity to share the recent advances in the treatment of Colorectal disease. This time, we have again invited a number of world-class faculties across the continents, including renowned surgeons, physicians, oncologists and radiologists from United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific regions, and our local experts. I am sure you will find the program attractive and stimulating. Hong Kong is an energetic city that you will never forget once you have been here. Our Symposium will take place in the newly established HKEC Training Centre for Healthcare Management and Clinical Technology located in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on the Hong Kong Island. The 3-storey centre is equipped with high tech audiovisual facilities with excellent environment and hospitality. For more information about the Symposium, please visit our website at www.icds-hk.org. The superlative program at ICDS 2009 is a result of many individuals who contributed their time and expertise leading up to the event. In that regard, I hope you have a rewarding and enjoyable time at the symposium. We look forward to meeting you in the entire new fabulous venue! Mr. Michael K W LI Chairman, Organising Committee, ICDS 2009 Welcome Message from the President of Hong Kong Society for Coloproctology Dear Colleagues, As President of the Hong Kong Society for Coloproctology, I am proud to present to you the fourth International Colorectal Disease Symposium (ICDS) which will be held on 19-21 February 2009 in Hong Kong. Like previous Symposia, ICDS 2009 comprises a series of authorative talks and state-of-the-art lectures by the most distinguished and eminent experts across the continents. As Coloproctology field en-compasses physicians, oncologists, pathologist etc in addition to surgeons, the Scientific Committee has ensured a wide and balanced coverage of various topics of interest in the programme. For instance, there will be highlights on the latest development in endoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery, as well as updated management of various anorectal disorders. In each session, ample time will be provided for participants to discuss with the panel on practical problems that we face in everyday clinical practice. For surgical colleagues, on the second day, you will have a chance to discuss with the leading surgeons during live demonstrations, which had received superb comments at the last Symposium. Free papers in the form of poster / video poster presentation will be included this year. The idea is to encourage participation from our young doctors; the participants can continue discussion and academic exchange during coffee breaks. For the young fellows, you are strongly encouraged to submit your original work for consideration as poster presentation in the Symposium. Remember, not only you are given a precious opportunity to present papers to your peers but it is also the most efficient way to get your work known and debated. Hong Kong is a truly international city. This Asia’s premier city is well known to be a city of vibrance, a place where cultures from the East and West intersect. You will be pleasantly amazed by the delightful array of shopping and dining options here. The Symposium will be held in our new HKEC Training Centre for Healthcare Management & Clinical Technology in the hospital, which is only 15 minute-ride to the heart of the city near the world famous Victoria Harbour. Thus, do come and join us, and register early! This Symposium will definitely offer the singular opportunity for you to keep abreast of the latest development in Coloproctology and to build friendship in this part of the world. Once again, I look forward to welcoming you in person to this exciting landmark event. See you in Hong Kong! Yours sincerely, Cliff CC CHUNG President Hong Kong Society for Coloproctology