Artificial intelligence and robotic surgery are among the topics being discussed at a major surgical meeting taking place in Waterford.

The Waterford Surgical October Meeting is being held at SETU’s Health Sciences Building on the Cork Road, with this year’s theme focusing on how surgical services are adapting to modern practice.

The programme brings together surgeons and specialists from across a range of disciplines, with sessions examining developments in breast surgery, paediatric surgery, surgical training, research and specialist care.

Artificial intelligence is also on the agenda, with a dedicated session looking at what surgeons need to know about the technology.

University Hospital Waterford consultant Liam Devane is due to speak on the development of robotic surgical services and future directions in the field.

Professor Peter Neary, Academic Head of the Department of Surgery at University Hospital Waterford and University College Cork, said technological advances including robotics and artificial intelligence offer major opportunities in clinical care, training and research.

The meeting also features the Gordon Watson Lecture, which will be delivered by Belfast consultant colorectal surgeon William Wallace.