Koueik Joyce, Lu Victor M, Sandoval-Garcia Carolina, Fuentes-Rocabado Nicole, Guerrero-Ocampo Mauricio, Doucette Lindsay, Brockmann Maria Eugenia, Barroso Henry Jorge, Rocabado Martín Aliaga, Moser Richard, Dempsey Robert J, Iskandar Bermans J
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Oper Neurosurg. 2025 Aug 11. doi: 10.1227/ons.0000000000001748.
Lower-middle income countries in South America have limited pediatric neurosurgery exposure and resources. Hands-on courses are critical in pediatric neurosurgical training, but detailed literature on the requirements and challenges of implementing such courses is lacking. This report describes our experience in conducting the first pediatric hydrocephalus and ventricular endoscopy course in Bolivia.
Through a partnership with Solidarity Bridge, a nongovernmental organization aimed at enhancing surgical education and training in Bolivia and Paraguay, the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Wisconsin organized a 2-day course to highlight all aspects of CSF diversion and endoscopy, using innovative approaches to account for limited country resources. The course preceded the national neurosurgical meeting in La Paz, Bolivia, which made it possible for medical students, residents, and practicing neurosurgeons countrywide to participate.
Twenty-seven participants successfully completed the course, which consisted of didactic sessions, hands-on experiences, case discussions, interactive quizzes, and live surgery demonstrations. Course content was guided by multiple discussions with local neurosurgeons to understand priorities and needs. Important preparatory efforts included formal discussions with hospital and governmental leaderships to acquire appropriate course venues and facilitate resident attendance and travel, establishing a team of language interpreters native to Bolivia and Paraguay with insight in the local medical culture, and developing inexpensive endoscopy and CSF access models. Communication challenges were anticipated and addressed creatively, for example using game settings. Lessons learned comprised issues of logistics, funding, attendance, and assessment. Course feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants especially appreciating the one-on-one time with instructors at the hand-on stations, and the experiential and interactive format of the lectures.
The successful execution of a pediatric hydrocephalus and ventricular endoscopy course in a South American lower-middle income country requires innovative approaches to mitigate resource shortage and strategic collaborations to optimize the educational venues.
南美洲的中低收入国家小儿神经外科手术的接触机会和资源有限。实践课程在小儿神经外科培训中至关重要，但缺乏关于实施此类课程的要求和挑战的详细文献。本报告描述了我们在玻利维亚举办首个小儿脑积水和脑室内镜课程的经验。
威斯康星大学神经外科系与团结桥（一个旨在加强玻利维亚和巴拉圭外科教育与培训的非政府组织）合作，组织了为期两天的课程，以突出脑脊液分流和内镜检查的各个方面，采用创新方法应对该国资源有限的情况。该课程在玻利维亚拉巴斯举行的全国神经外科会议之前举办，这使得全国的医学生、住院医师和执业神经外科医生都有可能参加。
27名参与者成功完成了该课程，课程包括理论授课、实践操作、病例讨论、互动测验和现场手术演示。课程内容通过与当地神经外科医生的多次讨论来指导，以了解重点和需求。重要的筹备工作包括与医院和政府领导层进行正式讨论，以获得合适的课程场地并便利住院医师的出勤和出行；建立一个由玻利维亚和巴拉圭本土且了解当地医学文化的语言口译员组成的团队；开发廉价的内镜检查和脑脊液通路模型。预期并创造性地解决了沟通挑战，例如使用游戏场景。吸取的经验教训包括后勤、资金、出勤和评估等问题。课程反馈总体积极，参与者特别赞赏在实践操作站与教员的一对一交流时间以及讲座的体验式和互动式形式。
在南美洲中低收入国家成功开展小儿脑积水和脑室内镜课程需要创新方法来缓解资源短缺，并通过战略合作来优化教育场地。
