Focus On – Neurosurgery

Course Master(s):

Dr. Niklas Bergknut, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVN
Dr. Martijn Beukers, DVM, Dipl. ECVDI
Dr. Abraham Calero Rodriguez, DVM, PhD, ECVAA
Dr. René Dörfelt, DVM, ECVAA, ECVECC
Dr. Maurice Zandvliet, DVM, PhD, ECVIM-CA

Course Overview

For this distinctive MasterClass, the collaboration between a small animal surgeon specializing in neurology and a neurologist with a keen interest in surgery provides an optimal training environment. Together, they offer the most extensive expertise available to elevate your neurosurgical skills to unprecedented levels.
It is crucial, however, to acknowledge that discussing intracranial surgery without addressing the essential component of perioperative care would result in an incomplete examination of the subject. With this consideration in mind, we have expanded the program to include a comprehensive array of topics presented in recorded webinars, covering diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, intensive care, and adjuvant therapies.

Aims and learning outcomes:
The main objectives of this MasterClass are to acquaint the veterinary surgeons with the intricacies of intra-cranial surgery and equip them with the necessary expertise and training to carry out a wide range of procedures.
Upon completion of this MasterClass, participants will have achieved the following outcomes:
• Understand Indications for Brain Surgery:
o Identify and describe various surgical diseases that necessitate brain surgery.
o Explain the role of surgical interventions in cases of meningioma, the roles of biopsies, hydrocephalus management, and trauma treatment.
• Diagnostic Imaging in Surgical Decision-Making:
o Evaluate the importance of diagnostic imaging in the decision-making process for brain surgery.
o Interpret imaging results to inform surgical planning and approaches.
• Technical Proficiency in Brain Surgery:
o Demonstrate knowledge of the technical aspects and procedures involved in brain surgery.
o Apply surgical techniques appropriately in different clinical scenarios.
• Pituitary Tumor Surgery:
o Understand the fundamentals of pituitary tumor surgery in both dogs and cats.
o Recognize the unique challenges and considerations associated with pituitary surgery in different species.
o Recognize common mistakes and challenges encountered in brain and pituitary surgeries.
o Develop strategies to avoid pitfalls and manage challenges effectively during surgical procedures.
• Clinical Case Analysis:
o Analyze and discuss various clinical cases, including those involving trauma and reconstruction.
o Develop critical thinking skills to assess complex cases and determine appropriate surgical interventions.

These learning outcomes aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of brain and pituitary surgery in veterinary medicine.

This specialized course primarily targets surgeons or neurologists but it also welcomes residents in their final years of training who possess advanced knowledge in neurology and/or surgery.

Recorded webinars
• Imaging of the brain and pituitary – Beukers
• Postoperative intensive care of brain and pituitary tumor surgery patients – Dörfelt
• Anesthesia for brain and pituitary tumor surgery patients – Calero Rodriguez
• Adjuvant therapy in treatment of Brain and pituitary tumors – Zandvliet

Course Program (Subject to change)