The Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences at Aster Medcity has embarked on a comprehensive training programme for 200 neurosurgeons on various diseases affecting brain and spine. The training sessions were mandated following a rise in paediatric and adult brain tumour cases along with congenital malformations, degenerative diseases, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease across the country and globally.  The objective was to share new technologies in surgical interventions from global and Indian experts.

The two-day intensive training session was held by the Asian-Australasian Society of Neurological Surgeons (AASNS) hosted by Aster Medcity in association with the Cochin Neurological Society.

The discussions helped to understand Neurosurgery a rapidly developing area with evolving advances in technology that help improve understanding of disease processes and better treatment options. Besides a focus on sub-specialties like vascular, functional and paediatric neurosurgery.

The rise in paediatric brain tumours saw the need for subspecialty training. Advances in surgery and chemotherapy/radiotherapy have made treatment for paediatric brain tumours like medulloblastoma more effective, and there are an increasing number of long term survivors. Further, treatment of strokes is seen as another challenge. Integration with other services like neuro-radiology, to treat  malformations of blood vessels permits treatment without open surgical intervention. Minimally invasive surgery of  brain and spine, were highlighted because the results indicated greater patient comfort, shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work.

Talking about the technological availability in India, Dr Harish Pillai, CEO, Aster Medcity says, “ through this course, we are extending and partnering with global faculty to bring in the understanding of the newer advances in neurosurgery, which we believe will go a long way in treatment of this critical illness.”

Spearheading the two day educational course, Dr Dilip Panikar, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, CoE Neurosciences at Aster Medcity highlighted that advances in imaging technology. There are advanced surgical techniques and instrumentation which can make surgery safer and more effective. The need is to bring these technological advances in India and generate awareness about the better treatment options available today.

Prof Andrew Kaye from The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia and the President of AASNS along with Prof. Basant Misra, Sr. Consultant Neurosurgeon at the P. D. Hinduja National hospital, Mumbai and Chairman of the AASNS Education Committee were amongst the eminent speakers addressing the delegates part of the AASNS session.