USA Health Neurosurgery makes contribution at Congress of Neurological Surgeons Meeting

The USA Health Department of Neurosurgery earned significant recognition at the 2024 Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Meeting, held in Houston, Texas—the largest international conference in neurosurgery.

Representing the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine and USA Health, the team of faculty, fellows, and medical students gave a total of 10 presentations.

“Our impact at the CNS meeting truly represents the department’s foundation of academic excellence set by Anthony Martino, M.D., chair and professor of neurosurgery at USA Health,” said Richard Menger, M.D., M.P.A., vice chair of neurosurgery and chief of complex spine surgery at USA Health. “The presentations were a collective effort with a significant work and production by our medical students and specifically our fellows.”

Presentations led by the USA Health Department of Neurosurgery included:

• The Value of Endoscopy in Keyhole and Transcranial Surgeries: Eliminating Blind Spots: An engaging oral presentation given by Jai Deep Thakur, M.D., director of minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery, during which he emphasized the critical role of endoscopic techniques in enhancing visualization, reducing surgical risks, and improving patient outcomes in minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures.
• Posterior Fossa Pathologies as Independent Predictors of Postoperative Neurological Deficit in Early Brain Tumor: One of two discussions from Adnan Shahid, MBBS, MCh, a minimally invasive cranial and skull base neurosurgery fellow at USA Health.
• Skull Base-Focused Elective Cranial Practice: A Critical Analysis of the Initial Three Years of Elective Practice: The second presentation given by Shahid, based on Thakur's extensive three-year experience with posterior fossa surgeries.
• Antibiotics-Impregnated Calcium Sulphate Beads in Spine Surgery: An Analysis of 61 Patients: Sudhir Suggala, MBBS, MCh, a complex spine surgery fellow at USA Health, presented on the innovative use of calcium sulphate beads for infection prevention in spine surgeries performed by Menger, providing valuable insights into their efficacy and outcomes. The study highlighted the critical role of advanced techniques in enhancing patient care, underscoring a steadfast commitment to research and innovation in spine surgery.

In addition, Menger was invited to give a lecture on Coronal Spinal Deformity as part of the Scoliosis Research Society Symposium at the CNS meeting. Menger delivered a second lecture on Prior Authorization and the Value of a Neurosurgeon.

“This type of academic productivity is what truly sets the University of South Alabama apart from other programs in our area,” said Thakur. “We want to provide the best care for our patients, so we keep pushing boundaries, studying outcomes, and performing research. We couldn’t have done it without the resources provided by USA, and our group working together.”

Medical students Danner Butler and Maxon Basset attended the CNS meeting with USA Health’s neurosurgery team.