It has been a true pleasure to participate in the XVI Congress of the Spanish–German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, held on March 26–27, 2026, in Valencia.
Over these two days, the meeting provided an outstanding and comprehensive update across the specialty, delivered by genuine experts. The scientific level, the exchange of ideas, and the atmosphere of collaboration made it a particularly rewarding experience, both professionally and personally.
My contribution focused on an update of robotic surgery in Head&Neck, framed as a journey from its origins to its current state in 2026. Surgical robotics was born from the concept of telemanipulation and telepresence, initially driven by research funded by NASA and DARPA. Over the past decades, it has evolved into a standard surgical tool. Today, we are entering a new phase where robotic surgery is increasingly computational and data-driven, while we are moving from telemanipulation towards structured autonomy. Artificial intelligence is already enhancing surgical performance, and early forms of autonomy are emerging in specific, well-defined tasks. However, full autonomy in complex procedures, (despite what Elon Musk said), like in Head&Neck Surgery, remains a distant goal. Nevertheless, the real question is no longer if autonomy will arrive, but at what pace should be progress, always guided by patient safety.
I would like to sincerely thank Enrique Zapater, Miriam Oishi and Ainhoa García Liberos from the Hospital General Universitari of Valencia for the excellent organization of the meeting. Their work made possible not a high-level scientific program, but also the opportunity to reconnect with many colleagues and friends.
Meetings like this highlight the importance of international collaboration in advancing medical practice.
We now look forward to the next edition of the congress, which will take place in Freiburg in 2028, continuing this valuable exchange between both communities.
And of course, if because if the language (German or Spanish) or for any other reason you feel linked to the society, ask for joining (click the logo bellow). Members a nationals from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and many Latin-American countries.
See you in Freiburg.
J Granell. Mar 28, 2026
PD. At the end of each meeting, there is always a special musical moment—a small concert performed by members of the society themselves.
I leave you with the recording of one of the pieces performed this year: “Thy hand, Belinda… When I am laid in earth”, the famous Dido’s Lament from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell (Soprano: Isabel García López).
A beautiful and fitting way to conclude an inspiring meeting.
