Endoscopy Training and Education
Central focus of our research group is the design and evaluation of competency-based training concepts for endoscopy. We investigate the implementation and learning effectiveness of modern simulators with regard to validity and usability. To support this work, we utilize a dedicated skills lab (or "Life Long Learning Center") equipped with training simulators and a fully equipped endoscopy tower. Furthermore, we analyze national and European training structures (such as in the field of ERCP) with the goal of defining evidence-based standards for structured postgraduate medical education.

Artificial Intelligence in Endoscopy
We develop and evaluate AI-based methods for gastrointestinal endoscopy - ranging from the generation of quality-assured, annotated datasets to clinical application designed to support clinicians in everyday practice. Our primary focus lies on interventional procedures, AI-assisted real-time detection of relevant lesions, and the development of systems for automated reporting. The overarching goal is to optimize diagnostic quality and efficiency in everyday endoscopic care.

Evaluation of innovative endoscopic medical devices
The testing and evaluation of innovative endoscopic instruments and technologies in both clinical and preclinical settings form another cornerstone of our work. In doing so, we place an emphasis on ergonomics and the targeted optimization of devices for interventional applications. Looking forward, we actively accompany the transition toward robot-assisted endoscopy through the structured evaluation of novel assistance systems and platform technologies.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
For our healthcare research in IBD, we utilize clinical data from our dedicated outpatient clinic, which provides comprehensive care for a large volume of patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. To achieve this, we employ advanced laboratory, endoscopic, and sonographic modalities for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment guidance. In addition, we actively participate in national and international clinical trials (phase 1 till 4).

Our group actively participates in national and international clinical trials in the field of endoscopy and inflammatory bowel disease.

SAFE PANCREAS Trial (prospective, randomized, multicentre; 17 centres in Germany and Switzerland): This trial investigates whether a prophylactic pancreatic stent placed after ERCP can safely remain in situ longer than the guideline-recommended ten days without increasing the risk of complications. The goal is to reduce unnecessary follow-up endoscopies and imaging procedures.

PRECISE Trial (randomized, controlled, multicentre; 11 centres in Germany and Austria): This trial compares bile culture-guided, antibiogram-directed antibiotic prophylaxis with standard empirical prophylaxis for the prevention of post-ERCP cholangitis in high-risk patients.

EndoMove Trial (prospective, multicentre; 16 centres): This study evaluates the efficacy of a 12-week exercise programme in reducing endoscopy-related musculoskeletal complaints among endoscopy personnel.

Climbing Crohn Trial (Phase 1 and 2, 2 centres, funded by the BMBF): This study investigates integrin-targeted microbubbles for molecular ultrasound imaging in patients with Crohn’s disease. Further information: www.climbingcrohn.de/en

Selected publications:

• Hamesch K et al.: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training conditions, results from a pan-European survey: Between vision and reality. United European Gastroenterol J 2025
• Hohlstein P, et al.: Feasibility, usability, and validity assessment of a novel plug-and-play virtual endoscopy simulator. Surgical Endoscopy 2026
• Ar E et al.: Long-term clinical and endoscopic outcomes of ulcerative colitis after liver transplantation: a multicenter cohort study on the use and safety of advanced therapies. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2026

A complete and continuously updated overview of our scientific work can be found on PubMed.

Our team organizes various medical education formats in Aachen and actively participates in the organization and direction of workshops and courses at scientific congresses and industry-supported events. Furthermore, we are committed to undergraduate medical education (see: https://www.ukaachen.de/kliniken-institute/klinik-fuer-gastroenterologie-stoffwechselerkrankungen-und-internistische-intensivmedizin-med-klinik-iii/lehre/).

Organized Workshops:

• Endoscopy: Cholangioscopy, ESD, POEM, Viszeralmedizin NRW (encompassing 30 individual workshops)
• Ultrasound: DEGUM- and EFSUMB-certified basic and advanced courses (see www.ukaachen.de/sonokurs)

Faculty / Tutoring Roles at External Workshops:

• Endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), United European Gastroenterology (UEG), German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS), International Endoscopy Symposium Düsseldorf (IESD), ENDOCLUBNORD, Endo Ruhr Live, Workshop Week, as well as various courses and symposia hosted by medical technology companies
• Ultrasound: Tutor for DEGUM-certified courses (abdominal ultrasound, intestinal ultrasound)
• IBD: Association for Nutrition and Dietetics (VFED), as well as various courses and symposia hosted by the pharmaceutical industry