Neurosurgical Approaches to the Cranial Compartments

This course is aimed at ST3-ST8 level trainees and subspecialty (skull base and cerebrovascular) fellows. Teaching of the approaches are tailored to the specific needs and experience of the individual trainee. This workshop is co-organised by the east and west of Scotland training programs. The program includes complex surgical procedures which cannot be performed by trainees without prior cadaveric exposure.

It covers the whole armamentarium of intracranial approaches and provides fundamental insight to very complex procedures. The focus is on enabling trainees to safely approach superficial and deep seated vascular and benign intracranial lesions arising from or being in proximity to the cranial vault or skull base. Trainees will gain a heightened appreciation of the critical structures encountered through these approaches.

Suitability

ST3-ST8 and subspecialty (skull base and cerebrovascular) fellows. Teaching of the approaches will be tailored to the specific needs and experience of the individual trainee.

Relevant Grades: ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST8, SpR, SAS

Course Format

Introductory Lectures followed by hands on Cadaveric workshops. Commonly performed techniques such as pterional, bifrontal, middle fossa and retrosigmoid craniotomies will be covered as well as more complex approaches to the third ventricle, pineal region, antero-lateral brainstem. State of the art microscopes, Integra Mayfield clamps, Codman microinstruments, and Anspach high speed drills will be readily available in all stations (two participants per station - one faculty member per station).

Course Objectives

Familiarize trainees with the surgical anatomy pertinent to common as well as complex neurosurgical procedures, which will be comprehensively taught. Identify anatomical avenues for the safe exposure of both superficial and deeper intracranial structures. Expose trainees to microsurgical principles (appropriate application of the operating microscope, high speed drill, and microdissection).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

Enable trainees to safely approach superficial and deep seated vascular and benign intracranial lesions arising from or being in proximity to the cranial vault or skull base.

Understand the critical structures encountered through these approaches.

Costs

Full Course Fee: £1955

Course Fee RCSEd Fellow/Member: £1760

Course Director

Mr Ioannis Fouyas, Consultant Neurosurgeon

Mr William Taylor, Consultant Neurosurgeon

If you are interested in registering, please visit: Neurosurgical Approaches to the Cranial Compartments | RCSEd