Department of neurosurgery – a quarter of a century dedicated to the development of neurosurgery in Moldova

The Department of Neurosurgery of Nicolae Testemitanu  State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova celebrated 25 years since its foundation through an international scientific conference. The event with the generic title "Department of Neurosurgery - a quarter of a century dedicated to the development of neurosurgery in Moldova" brought together over 200 professionals - neurosurgeons, neurologists and doctors from related specialties.

The conference was moderated by University Professor Grigore Zapuhlih, head of the Department of Neurosurgery, considered the mentor and driving force of this specialty, who noted that the forum gathered the best neurosurgeons in the world, supporters of trends in Bessarabian neurosurgery who contribute to the progress of this branch in European countries. The professor specified that the event had a scientific significance, at the same time representing an occasion to strengthen  friendship ties: "The Department of Neurosurgery was founded 25 years ago, after the separation from the Department of Neurology. This was beneficial for both specialties. As the illustrious professor Diomid Gherman said, the neurosurgeon is “just a neurologist with a scalpel in his hand".

For his part,  Rector Emil Ceban welcomed the participants, in particular the international guests, who have a fundamental role in the collaboration with the representatives of the Department of Neurosurgery, in carrying out clinical, didactic and research activities, as well as in the transfer of knowledge and skills through academic mobility. “The conference symbolizes our commitment to continuous learning, innovation and collaboration in the field of neurosurgery. It is necessary to persevere and build on this rich heritage, aspiring to excellence in education, research and patient care, for the benefit of our nation and the global medical community,” the rector stated.

Professor Adrian Belii, Chairman of the Social Protection, Health and Family Parliamentary Commission has specified that currently neurosurgery represents an interference of specialties such as biotechnology, information technology, imaging, etc. "Marking historical moments, knowing the history of a specialty and the school one grew up in is what many people lack, and I note, with satisfaction, that these foundations in health and in the medical world are preserved with sanctity", the deputy mentioned.

"Neurosurgery integrated the neurosciences, which are exceptional today. Neurosurgery is the tip of medicine – that iceberg, which must be promoted, supported, positioned, because the brain highly appreciates thinking, analysis, those necessary strategies that each individual and society in general need to apply for a sustainable future. Neurological or neurosurgical pathology is an extremely destructive factor for humanity, therefore it is essential to develop the school in the field, with an emphasis on collaboration with similar schools from other countries. 25 years is an age of youth, for this reason we must talk about the future, strategies, collaboration, progress and about the fundamentalization of this major discipline", said academician Stanislav Groppa, head of the Department of Neurology no. 2, the president of the Society of Neurology from the Republic of Moldova.

Prof. Jesús Lafuente, neurosurgeon at Del Mar University Hospital in Barcelona, ​​Spain, delivered a congratulatory message from representatives of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies, noting that such events must be organized more often in the future to responsibly manage changes in the field, that will greatly influence medicine in the next 25-100 years.

Gail Rosseau, vice president of Global Neurosurgery, United States of America, declared herself honored and grateful for the collaboration she had with prof. Grigore Zapuhlih over the years, in various projects. She noted the wide access to diagnostic and intervention technologies in neurosurgery in our country, to MRI/NMR magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT), currently 60% of specialized centers being endowed with CT equipment. At the same time, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, there should be one physician per 10,000 population,  while Moldova has 7,7 neurologists, which is gratifying. "Moldova has a rich history, a very dynamic present and will certainly have an outstanding future in the field of neurosurgery", concluded prof. Gail Rosseau.

Miguel Angel Arraez - president of the World Academy of Neurological Surgery, Spain, and Ioan Stefan Florian, president of the SouthEast Europe Neurosurgical Society, Romania, also came with greeting messages at the opening of the conference. 

In recognition of their multilateral activity, prof. Grigore Zapuhlih handed out certificates of appreciation to mentors and fellow neurosurgeons.

The scientific event took place on December 6 and 7, 2024, bringing together specialists from 17 countries, including 30 speakers - outstanding specialists devoted to the field of neurosurgery.

At the conference, topics such as brain stem tumor surgery, aspects of global neurosurgery, exosomes and stem cells in neurorepair, peripheral nerve surgery, thoracic disc herniation, ventricular endoscopy, bypass for Moyamoya, robotics for spinal surgery, endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysm, skull base surgery, malignant glioma surgery, ultra-microneurosurgery etc have been discussed.

The forum was organized in partnership with the Association of Neurosurgeons of the Republic of Moldova, the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies, the World Academy of Surgical Neurology and the Global  Neurosurgery Initiative.