The 27th Pacific and Asian Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (PASMISS 2027)

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is our great honor and privilege to announce that the 27th Pacific Asian Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (PASMISS) will take place over three days from Thursday, July 29, to Saturday, July 31, 2027, at JR Hotel Clement Tokushima in Tokushima, Japan.

The main theme for this congress is “Beyond the Gold Standard.”

The field of spine surgery continues to achieve remarkable advancements, with the evolution of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS/MIST) being particularly astonishing. It is no exaggeration to say that the evolution of minimally invasive techniques drives the progress of spine surgery as a whole—mastering these techniques is the key to mastering spine surgery itself.

At the core of minimally invasive care, endoscopic procedures—specifically Full Endoscopic Spine Surgery (FESS) and Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE/BESS)—have achieved widespread clinical adoption. These techniques enable clear visualization of previously challenging anatomical sites with minimal tissue trauma, rapidly redefining conventional gold standards.

Furthermore, in our rapidly aging society, "Awake Spine Surgery" has emerged as a key strategy to significantly accelerate Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), with spinal endoscopy playing a pivotal role. In line with this trend, our congress will feature a dedicated symposium focusing on Awake Spine Surgery. Additionally, as our department has been actively implementing "Medical Pilates Rehabilitation" to support ERAS, we are planning a special symposium highlighting the integration of medical Pilates with minimally invasive spine surgery.

We truly look forward to fostering vibrant and fruitful academic exchanges in Awa-Tokushima, a region where rich tradition seamlessly intersects with modern innovation.

Our host city, Tokushima, is blessed with abundant natural beauty. In the western region, the historic Kazurabashi vine bridge in the secluded Iya Valley offers a glimpse into medieval Japan. To the north in Naruto, visitors can marvel at the world-famous Naruto Whirlpools and explore the Otsuka Museum of Art, home to exquisite life-sized ceramic reproductions of masterpieces from around the globe. In the south, Kaiyo Town—widely recognized as Japan’s premier surfing destination—attracts wave riders worldwide to the renowned Kaifu Point. Beyond the sights, Tokushima offers extraordinary local gastronomy, including Awa Beef, Awa Odori chicken, and Awa Ton Ton pork, as well as fresh seafood nurtured by the whirlpool currents, such as Naruto sea bream, yellowtail, and pike conger—all best enjoyed alongside Tokushima’s fine local sake.

On behalf of our department and alumni, we extend our warmest welcome and look forward to seeing you in Tokushima.

Respectfully yours,