ISPN Meeting in Liverpool

George I. Jallo, MD

The annual meeting of the International Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons held in Liverpool this September had an excellent turnout of more than 400 participants from around the globe. Close to 20 neurosurgeons from the United States were in attendance.

The program was well-organized and comprehensive with invited speakers on major topics in hydrocephalus, craniofacial malformations, epilepsy, translational research and spinal dysraphism (tethered cord). The "state of the art" in these areas was discussed, namely prophylactic surgery versus observation for tethered cord, current management of ependymomas, craniopagus twins, and shunt infection and antibiotic catheters. There was a concomitant nurses program as well as video sessions on the major topics such as endoscope-assisted surgery, hemispherotomy for epilepsy, and tethered cord release surgery.

The social program was well-planned, and it included golf and sporting outings. The evenings featured a dinner cruise and a night at the Cavern Club (the old Beatles hangout and club).

As a final note, Rick Abbott was named president of the ISPN at the gala dinner.