Neurosurgeons from around the world attend The Master Class: Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Surgery

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From December 1 – 2, the Brain Science Foundation cosponsored The Master Class: Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Surgery with Brigham & Women’s Hospital Pituitary Neuroendocrine Center. Led by world-renowned pituitary expert and longtime Brain Science Foundation collaborator Edward R. Laws, Jr., MD, FACS, the course provided the opportunity for surgeons to learn the endoscopic techniques that he and his team at BWH use to treat pituitary tumors.

After a successful course offering in March 2011, Dr. Laws and his team again assembled a world-class group of speakers for the program. Participants learned specialized techniques using the most up to date technology. In addition to didactic lectures on the peri-operative management, surgical anatomy, techniques, and complication management, the course features live operations simulcast from the operating room to the lecture hall, including 3-D displays. Attendees have the opportunity to interact with the surgeons in the operating room throughout the case.

In addition to the 15 registered participants—all working in neurosurgery—more than 20 other associates of the Brigham Department of Neurosurgery and residents attended select elements of the class. Four vendors of cutting-edge endoscopic instruments—Stryker, NICO, VisionSense, and Karl Storz—provided financial support and had displays set up in a separate vendor’s space.

With another successful Master Class under his belt, Dr. Laws will continue his pituitary tumor educational outreach—this time directed to patients. On March 24, 2012, the Brain Science Foundation will cosponsor Pituitary Day 2012. This event unites patients, caregivers, family, and friends with leading clinicians, researchers, nurses and other experts to discuss the latest in pituitary diagnosis and treatment. By way of a series of presentations and panel discussions, we will discuss basic and new information related to pituitary disorders, including physical and psychological aspects, and other important patient issues.

What participants had to say about the Master Class:

“I plan on obtaining and using some of the [instruments] used during the procedures.”

“One of the best courses I have attended—I plan on setting up my operating room and patient positioning differently now.”

“It was beneficial seeing the surgery live and communicating with the surgeon.”