IRCAD

The IRCAD is an original private institute, dedicated to improving the status of basic research against digestive cancer (IRCAD) and developping new computer technologies in the field of medicine. Our research activity aims at making computer assisted surgical procedures easier thanks to automation. In 1992, surgery faced inevitable changes, shifting from the industrial era to the computer era. In this context, Prof. Jacques Marescaux came up with the idea to create an original research and training center. In 1994, IRCAD opened on the grounds of the University Hospital of Strasbourg. Since its creation, IRCAD has gained world renowned fame as a leading research and education institute IRCAD’s research orientation has always been directed towards the development of less invasive surgical techniques. The development of concepts and instruments enabled the IRCAD team to carry out the first fully natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgical (NOTES) procedure in April 2007. The parallel development of a training structure was the logical extension of the groundbreaking work at IRCAD. Last year, 5,500 surgeons from all over the world were trained by a team of 800 international experts. The IRCAD made it possible for surgeons from the entire world to obtain high-level skills, and as a result, the Institute maintained its position as an ambassador of French excellence. The success of the Institute was made possible with the help of local authorities who have given their trust from the outset of the project, of industrial partners who have given us their firm support, and, of course, with the help of our faithful members who have been supporting the IRCAD for 23 years!