The Trocar Open Access Journal – 09/2024

Medical societies play a role in improving healthcare in emerging and developing countries by influencing multiple aspects of medical practice, education, policy, and infrastructure. Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle is often corruption and a lack of willingness to change in the governing structures. International players often take advantage of the latter to do good business in countries with poor populations. Corruption opens the doors for investors. The proceeds regularly flow abroad and into the pockets of those who open the doors. This is not new, but unfortunately very little is changing, even if new industrial powers have appeared on the scene. Donations are either well-intentioned or serve the self-deception of the donors. Without local sustainability and the production of the necessary affordable medical products, a broader supply in the medium term is hardly conceivable. However, this must be wanted and supported by governments. This would be an opportunity for the medical industry to prove that serious support is wanted. Even if this means foregoing profits for a longer period of time. So far, the will to do so has hardly been measurable. We as doctors can be ambassadors and idea generators and use contacts to industry.

A professional society like ISGE can hardly influence these problems, and often has to deal with local corruption itself. However, we can tirelessly try to provide knowledge transfer and practical training, even if this seems like a drop of water in the ocean.

This should not frustrate us and we should not make ourselves too small. Constant training, raising your voice and pointing out problems do not change the world in its entirety, but bit by bit. ISGE sees itself as a global network in which everyone can learn from each other. Diversity helps to understand and acknowledge the world and its very different conditions. Every point of view counts, there are many truths.

In this issue you will also find case reports and reviews that cover various aspects of our field from different regions of the world. We are pleased that we are constantly receiving submissions from many parts of the world that we can publish. Read the new issue and maybe you will become a member of the ISGE family.

All the best
Guenter Noé
Editor in chief