European Board Certification
The FEBS Coloproctology examination is the European fellowship in colorectal surgery. This guide explains what it is, the exam format, eligibility, the topics and trials tested, and how to prepare.
FEBS Coloproctology is the Fellowship of the European Board of Surgery in Coloproctology, issued by the UEMS Section of Surgery in partnership with the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP). It certifies subspecialty competency across the full range of colorectal surgical practice.
The examination is built on the ESCP curriculum and provides a harmonised European benchmark for colorectal surgeons, spanning colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and the breadth of benign proctology.
Part 1 — Written Examination
Part 2 — Oral / Viva Examination
Colorectal Cancer
Staging, surgical resection, complete mesocolic excision and multidisciplinary management.
Rectal Cancer & TME
Total mesorectal excision, neoadjuvant sequencing, watch-and-wait pathways.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Surgical management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, pouch surgery.
Benign Proctology
Haemorrhoids, fistula-in-ano, pilonidal disease and functional disorders.
Pelvic Floor & Functional
Obstructed defecation, incontinence and rectal prolapse management.
Emergency Colorectal
Obstruction, perforation and anastomotic complications.
The written examination is generally held in spring, with the oral examination at the annual ESCP congress in autumn. Applications open months in advance; confirm the current timeline and eligibility with the UEMS Section of Surgery and ESCP.
FEBS Coloproctology is the recognised European subspecialty credential in colorectal surgery, referenced by units across Europe when appointing colorectal specialists.
Preparation forces systematic mastery of the rapidly evolving evidence base — from total neoadjuvant therapy to organ preservation — that defines modern colorectal practice.
Prioritise total mesorectal excision technique and neoadjuvant sequencing — RAPIDO and PRODIGE 23 appear frequently — and know the ESCP and ESMO colorectal guidelines chapter by chapter. Practise timed questions and rehearse structured case presentations for the oral viva.
SurgBoardsQ&A offers more than 1,400 coloproctology practice questions mapped to the FEBS Coloproctology syllabus, each with a full guideline-referenced explanation.
The exam combines a written multiple-choice paper (typically 100 MCQs) with an oral viva, held annually — the written component in spring and the oral at the ESCP congress.
Yes — 50 coloproctology practice questions are free with no credit card required.
SurgBoardsQ&A provides 1,400+ practice questions mapped to the exam syllabus, each with a detailed explanation and guideline citation.
Start practising
50 questions free, no credit card required. Filter by board, topic, or difficulty. Explanations cite ESMO and NCCN.