Providing surgical care for the wounded in times of war

Explosion, gunshot and burn injuries, as well as extensive bone and soft-tissue defects, pose particular challenges for medicine in times of war. Often, several organs and areas of the body are affected simultaneously, requiring specialists from various surgical disciplines for treatment. Added to this are difficult evacuation conditions and the question of how long-term care and reconstruction can be successfully achieved in cases of the most severe injuries.

These topics will be addressed at the conference ‘Multidisciplinary Surgical Care for Civilians and Wounded Soldiers in Wartime’ on Friday, 6 November 2026, at the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW). Organised by the Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Thoracic Vascular Surgery, the event will take place from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm in the lecture theatre of the Centre for Surgical Medicine (ZOM).

Ukrainian and German experiences

The focus will be on interdisciplinary exchange between Ukrainian and German medical professionals.

The Ukrainian specialists will report on the insights they have gained whilst treating war casualties under the conditions of the war that has been ongoing since 2022.

German experts will, amongst other things, share their experiences with patients evacuated to Germany, as well as the possibilities and limitations of their further treatment.

The conference programme highlights the breadth of the medical expertise required: It ranges from cardiac, general and visceral surgery, through neurosurgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, trauma surgery and plastic surgery, to intensive care and emergency medicine.

Topics covered include the management of polytrauma and its long-term consequences, complex injuries to internal organs, burns and soft-tissue defects, as well as reconstructive procedures. The decision between limb preservation and amputation, as well as the management of multi-drug-resistant pathogens, also play a role.

From evacuation to long-term care

Another key focus is on the care pathway for seriously injured patients. Discussions will cover the various stages of evacuation and how medical treatment can be organised across different levels of care.

In addition, the conference will also examine how hospitals in Germany are prepared for potential requirements in the event of alliance or national defence.

Participation and registration

The conference is open to doctors; the participation fee is 20 euros. It is important to register by 20 October 2026 with the Ukrainian Medical Association in Germany (UÄVD) by emailing orguaevd@gmx.de

Further information on the presentation topics and the speakers can be found in the ‘Events Calendar’ section at www.ukw.de/herz-thorax-chirurgie.