The 20th International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) Endourology Workshop was held on April 9 at Guangzhou Medical University's Panyu Campus, attracting 120 urologists from 36 countries and nearly 30 leading international experts as guest speakers.

The three-day event showcased China's advances in minimally invasive urology through live surgical demonstrations using entirely domestically produced equipment. Highlights included cutting-edge lithotripsy platforms, tip-deflectable flexible ureteroscopes with negative pressure suction sheaths, and the world's thinnest mass-produced disposable ureteroscope. Hands-on training sessions gave young physicians valuable opportunities to sharpen their practical skills.

Professor Zeng Guohua, IAU co-founder and chairman, emphasized how Chinese innovations are reshaping global urological care. International participants spoke highly of the domestic equipment's performance, with many planning to introduce these technologies back home.

"Over the past 40 years, we have remained committed to this mission," said Professor Huang Jinkun, president of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. "We've evolved from followers to forerunners in this field. Today, many international colleagues come to China specifically for training."

Founded in 2012 and led by the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, IAU has become the world's largest urolithiasis organization, boasting 939 members from 115 countries and regions. The workshop has established itself as the premier global platform for urologists to upgrade their skills and build international partnerships.

Professor Zhao Xingcun, president of Guangzhou Medical University, said the event reflects the university's internationalization efforts as a member university of the National "Double First-Class" Initiative. Beyond urology, the university has achieved internationally acclaimed breakthroughs in respiratory medicine, tubeless minimally invasive surgery, and gene editing applications for embryo repair.

The 14th IAU Congress is scheduled for October 2-4, 2025, in Doha, Qatar.