This past week, we witnessed history in the making. The Flexible Ventricular Neuroendoscopy Hands-On Cadaveric Workshop, co-hosted by NeuroKids, brought together over 40 neurosurgeons from 13 different countries across five continents for an unprecedented learning experience. This first-of-its-kind event, held at the Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, Florida, was a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and our shared mission to improve pediatric neurosurgical care worldwide.
I had the distinct honor of serving as the Course Director, leading this workshop alongside Dr. Benjamin Warf—my mentor and the pioneer of ETV/CPC (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy with Choroid Plexus Cauterization)—and my esteemed colleagues, Dr, Michael Dewan and Dr. Jacob Lepard. Together, we provided hands-on training in this revolutionary procedure, equipping our participants with the skills and confidence to bring life-changing treatment to children in their home countries.
This workshop was remarkable—not only because of its groundbreaking curriculum but also because of the passion and diversity of our participants. With neurosurgeons from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America, we underscored the urgent need for specialized training in hydrocephalus treatment in resource-limited regions.
Hydrocephalus remains one of the most pressing challenges in pediatric neurosurgery, particularly in developing countries, where access to timely and effective treatment is limited. The reliance on shunts, which have a 60% failure rate within the first four years, creates a lifetime dependency on medical intervention. However, ETV/CPC offers a permanent solution for many children, significantly reducing the need for shunt dependency and repeat surgeries.
One of the most exciting aspects of the workshop was the live surgery demonstration. In a powerful moment of collaboration, Dr. Warf provided real-time commentary as I performed an ETV/CPC procedure, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to observe, learn, and engage in a direct, practical application of the technique.
Workshops like these make a lasting impact. Many of the attending neurosurgeons practice in high-volume referral centers with limited access to advanced neurosurgical training. By providing them with hands-on experience and ongoing mentorship, we are empowering them to save lives and improve care for generations to come.
The numbers speak for themselves—three-quarters of the world’s childhood hydrocephalus cases occur in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, yet these regions have the fewest trained neurosurgeons. For many children, a failed shunt can mean a death sentence due to the lack of emergency neurosurgical care.
By training and equipping neurosurgeons to perform ETV/CPC, we can drastically reduce shunt dependency, alleviate the burden on already overwhelmed healthcare systems, and most importantly, give children a fighting chance at a healthy future.
This workshop is just the beginning. NeuroKids remains committed to expanding access to lifesaving neurosurgical training through on-site mentorship, virtual support, and ongoing global partnerships. Our goal is clear: to eliminate untreated pediatric hydrocephalus in low-resource countries and ensure that every child, no matter where they are born, receives the care they need.
As I reflect on this extraordinary event, I am filled with hope and gratitude. Hope, because I know that the skills and knowledge shared during this workshop will create a ripple effect, transforming the lives of thousands of children. Gratitude, because none of this would be possible without the dedicated neurosurgeons, partners, and supporters who believe in this mission as much as I do.
To everyone who played a role in making this workshop a success—thank you. Your passion, dedication, and commitment to advancing pediatric neurosurgery will change lives for generations to come.
Let’s continue this journey together.
— Dr. Samer K. Elbabaa
By supporting NeuroKids, you can help train and equip neurosurgeons in underserved countries, ensuring that life-saving procedures like ETV/CPC continue to reach the children who need them most. Donate today and be a part of this incredible journey of hope and healing.
