As part of BULENDO 2026, a special “Best Clinical Case” session will be organised for young gastroenterologists and gastroenterology trainees with an interest in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The initiative aims to encourage the presentation of interesting clinical cases, the exchange of experience, and the active participation of young colleagues in the scientific programme of the symposium.

Participation Requirements:

1. Physicians up to 35 years of age and gastroenterology trainees are eligible to participate in the competition. Each participant may submit one clinical case related to diagnostic or therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy.
2. Abstracts must be prepared in English. Recommended structure: Introduction, Case Presentation, Conclusion, Key Words. The inclusion of short endoscopic videos is encouraged but not mandatory. Submission format: PDF abstract and PowerPoint presentation of up to 10 slides; Maximum length: 500 words. All patient-related information, images and videos must be fully anonymised. The presenting author is responsible for obtaining any required patient consent in accordance with applicable regulations.
3. Only original cases that have not been published at the time of submission will be accepted. Submissions must be sent no later than 23 June 2026 to: dralexanderkatzarov@gmail.com with a copy to: zlatina_21@abv.bg The presenting author must be the principal author and presenter of the case. The presenting author bears full responsibility for the content and authorship of the submitted case. Where applicable, participants should declare any potential conflict of interest related to the presented clinical case.
4. Presentations will be evaluated by an international jury based on the following criteria: Scientific value; Originality; Clinical relevance; Quality of presentation; Discussion; Practical impact. Following the evaluation of all submitted abstracts, the international jury will select the three best clinical cases. The authors of the selected cases will be notified by e-mail by 25 June 2026 and will be invited to present their cases during Plenary Scientific Session 5, which will take place on 27 June 2026 in Hall 3 of the National Palace of Culture, Sofia. Presentation format: 5 minutes presentation; 3 minutes discussion. The decision of the international jury regarding the selection and final ranking of the cases shall be final and not subject to appeal.
5. Award: The author of the best clinical case will receive: an official certificate: “Best Clinical Case Award – BULENDO 2026”; The registration fee for participation in ESGE Days 2027 – New Horizons in Endoscopy, Lisbon, Portugal, 29 April – 1 May 2027, covered by BASGO.

Endoscopy is a team-based discipline where successful clinical outcomes depend on the close collaboration between physicians and endoscopy nurses. To encourage the active participation of endoscopy nurses in scientific and educational activities, BULENDO 2026 offers a special registration fee of 100 EUR (195.58 BGN) for endoscopy nurses registering after 1 June 2026. We encourage all endoscopy nurses to join BULENDO 2026 and become part of the exchange of knowledge, experience and international best practices.

BULENDO 2026 will welcome leading international experts in gastrointestinal endoscopy, who will participate not only with lectures and expert discussions, but also in the live endoscopy sessions broadcast directly from the operating theatres of the Gastroenterology Clinic at the Military Medical Academy – Sofia.

The international faculty includes recognised specialists with extensive clinical and academic experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, ERCP, EUS, ESD and advanced minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to follow live demonstrations, State-of-the-art lectures and practical discussions focused on contemporary endoscopic approaches and challenging clinical cases.

The International Faculty of BULENDO 2026 includes:

• Prof. Andrada Seicean (Romania)
• Prof. Arjun Koch (Netherlands)
• Prof. George Mavrogenis (Greece)
• Prof. Hakan Senturk (Turkey)
• Prof. Lars Aabakken (Norway)
• Prof. Marcel Tantau (Romania)
• Prof. Michal Kaminski (Poland)
• Prof. Peter Draganov (United States)
• Dr. Cem Simsek (Turkey / United States)
• Dr. Kotha Sreelakshmi (United Kingdom)
• Dr. Mario Tadic (Croatia)
• Dr. Nicola Panic (Serbia)

Their participation will contribute to the exchange of international experience and the presentation of the latest innovations and practical strategies in gastrointestinal endoscopy.