The Opening of a Neurosurgical Skull Base Laboratory in St. Petersburg, Russia

Abstract

Introduction: During the last 15 years in Russia there have been cardinal changes in political and economic life. Russia turned from a closed totalitarian state to an open democratic country. These changes have also affected Russian medicine in general and neurosurgery in particular. Insufficient development of the field of microneurosurgery was caused by the weak training of neurosurgeons, insufficient material resources for development of hi-tech and precise techniques, and isolation of Russian neurosurgeons from their colleagues in North America, Europe, and Asia. Methods: For the last several years neurosurgeons from St. Petersburg have had an opportunity to attend trainings in conducting clinics in the United States and to attend neurosurgical conferences and meetings. Russian neurosurgeons took part in North American Skull Base Society meetings in 2004 and 2005 for the first time. In September 2005 in the Research Institute for Traumatology and Orthopedics we organized a training room equipped with a microscope (LOMO, St. Petersburg, Russia), endoscopic equipment (Karl Storz), high-speed drills (Mides Rex, Medtronic; Hall, Zimmer), and surgical instrumental kits (Aesculap, Codman). There it is possible to work on plastic models; in addition, we have a specially equipped room for improving neurosurgical approaches by using cadavers. Results: Opening of the training center has improved the system of preparation of young neurosurgeons to allow them to carry out masters' classes in various problems of neurosurgery. Much attention is given to formation of the skills of working with a microscope, drilling techniques, and research of microneuroanatomy. Conclusions: The international communication with American colleagues has allowed us to lift up the level of neurosurgical knowledge, to create the microneurosurgical training center, and to assist our patients using more modern technologies.