WFNS Symposia 2018 – August 15-19 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia (NAM) hosted the 6th International Symposium of the WFNS from 15th to 19th August at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The prelude to this event were 9 Pre-Symposia Workshops on August 15 and 16.  Six of those Workshops – conducted by eminent Neurosurgeons - were for Neurosurgeons; three were for Nurses and Allied Health Professionals.  The Workshops were conducted in several venues: Hilton Kuala Lumpur, and three of the Neurosurgical Centres in Kuala Lumpur:

• Intrinsic Brain Neuroanatomy – 3D Lectures and Live Brain Dissection Demonstration – Hilton, Kuala Lumpur
• Microneurosurgical Techniques & Cerebral Revascularisation – National University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC)
• Skull Base Hands-On Cadaveric Workshop – University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
• The Advances of Intraoperative Radiotherapy (IORT) In Brain Cancer – Live Surgery Workshop - University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
• Global Neuro – Neurotrauma Certification Course – Hilton, Kuala Lumpur
• Neurospine Certification Course – Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL)
• Certification Course on External Ventricular Drainage & Intracerebral Pressure Monitoring Workshop - Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL)
• Brainlab Image Guidance System (IGS) & Stereotaxy Hands-On Workshop & Certification Course - Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).
• Medtronic Midas Rex Hands-On Workshop & Certification Course For Sterile Processing Personnel - Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL)

The Symposia from 17th to 19th August saw the gathering in Kuala Lumpur of faculty and delegates in one of the largest international neurosurgical meetings, both nationally and regionally.  More than 800 delegates from 75 countries gathered as 131 distinguished faculty from 39 countries expounded their knowledge, experience, and expertise.  Eleven sub-specialty tracks delivered concurrently in 7 lecture halls were a conference highlight - on topics ranging from Advances in Imaging & Technology to Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery to Controversies in Neurosurgery.  Social gatherings fostered camaraderie between delegates and faculty alike, particularly among the young Neurosurgeons.

We received 866 abstract submissions from 75 countries.  We are particularly proud of providing Education Grants to 130 Young Neurosurgeons from developing nations, covering registration fees and shared accommodation.
The distinguished delegates and eminent faculty - and 111 generous Industry Partners - made this Symposia a resounding success. We thank the President and the Leadership of the WFNS for putting their faith in us and giving the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia (the sole society representing all Neurosurgeons in the country) the opportunity to host the 6th International Symposium of WFNS in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur.

Hari Chandran, President of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia (NAM)
Kantha Rasalingam, Organising Chairman of the WFNS Symposia 2018
Regunath Kandasamy, Lead Scientific Co-Chairman of the WFNS Symposia 2018