This congress will provide an opportunity for each and every one of us to share our experience and discuss breakthroughs in our various specialist fi elds, a necessary prerequisite if we are to successfully assess our own practices. We will spare no efforts to ensure that the event provides a forum for extensive and fruitful scientifi c debate, in an interactive and convivial atmosphere.

With its many plenary sessions, symposiums, lectures, instructional courses, video sessions and live surgery sessions, we hope to make this congress an event to remember, not only in terms of its scientifi c content, but also as a social occasion.

"La Ville Rose", as Toulouse is known for its distinctive pink brick architecture, will not fail to seduce you with its historical past as well as its resolutely forward-looking technological and scientifi c dimension. France's 4th largest city, Toulouse combines a rich historical and cultural heritage (the City Hall, Church of the Jacobins with its cloister, Saint-Sernin Basilica, the Bemberg Foundation, the "Musée des Augustins", the "Canal du Midi", the "Cité de l'Espace", the Chateau of the Counts of Carcassonne...) and the delights of its world-famous "Gourmet cuisine" (cassoulet, foie gras)...

It is with a great pleasure that we invite you to Toulouse and we are confi dent that you will take away with you fond memories of your stay in "La Ville Rose".