Joint FLANC and EANS Theoretical and Practical International Course

Joint FLANC and EANS Theoretical and Practical International Course on Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Surgery wrap up

Faculty members and participants

The First Joint FLANC and EANS Theoretical and Practical International Course on Peripheral Nerve and Brachial Plexus Surgery took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in March. 31 – April 2, 2023. The FLANC and EANS organized this Course for the first time as a joint venture in cooperation with the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO) and Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle (HUGG). The Course Directors were Fernando Guedes (Brazil), Christian Heinen (Germany), and Lukas Rasulic (Serbia).

The Course features a rich and dynamic program with a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach, covering a range from basic to innovative aspects of peripheral nerve and brachial plexus surgery in a stimulating way. The Course was divided into theoretical and hands-on cadaveric dissection parts, and it was attended by 91 participants from 11 countries, 17 international and 12 national renowned faculty members. During the extraordinary 13 theoretical parts, these experts from the field introduced participants to the following topics: Evaluation and Techniques of Traumatic Injuries, Nerve Repair and Pain, Entrapments, Iatrogenic/ Gunshot Injuries, Adult Brachial Plexus Lesions, Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy, Plexus Tumors, Tumors, and Rehabilitation – Future possibilities.

Attendees were medical students, doctors, residents, consultants, well-known neurosurgeons, and world-leading masters in peripheral nerve surgery.

The practical part of the Course consisted of Hands-on Practice / Cadaver Lab and Cadaveric Dissection by 35 Participants was held in the Anatomical Department of the Biomedical Institute of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). Seven workstations with seven cadavers were present.

Number of speakers and their importance in the field of peripheral nerve surgery, topics and lectures, a number of attendees, but also the social interactions, have contributed to this event to be evaluated by the participants with the highest grade.

With the intention and a clear sense of purpose, this Course will become a tradition in the EANS - FLANC cooperation. The Second edition is planned to be organized by the EANS PNS Section in Europe (Germany) in Autumn 2024.

On behalf of the Course directors: The report brought by Lukas Rasulic

Course directors: Fernando Guedes, Christian Heinen, and Lukas Rasulic

Social part