Columbia Neurosurgery Leads at 1st International Epilepsy Surgery Society Congress in Dubai

Columbia Neurosurgery’s faculty members, Dr. Guy McKhann, Dr. Gordon Baltuch and Dr. Brett Youngerman, were honored this past week to serve as invited speakers to lead the first International Epilepsy Surgery Society Congress (IESS) at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The IESS was officially founded in 2020 and is the first international society dedicated to epilepsy surgery. The IESS Congress brought together epilepsy surgeons and neurologists from around the globe to discuss epilepsy surgery techniques and advances. From the conference leaders, “The scientific program features high-level courses, distinguished speakers worldwide, and very educational and fascinating presentations. The courses will guide our young neuro interventionists and epilepsy surgeons, broadening their minds, strengthening their technical skills, and introducing them to a new era with a brighter future.” This event was also in partnership with the Epilepsy Surgery Techniques Meeting (ESTM), the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), the Egyptian Society of Neuroradiology (ESON), and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center.

Dr. Guy McKhann is a founding board member of the IESS and the organization’s Vice-Secretary. He served as a Session Chairperson and presented on “The Evolution of Temporal Lobe Surgical Techniques”, discussing how modern surgical advances have paved the way for safer and more personalized surgical approaches for patients. Said Dr. McKhann, “Our outstanding UAE hosts expertly organized this Congress. It provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with epilepsy surgery leaders worldwide, which will help us provide even better care for our patients.”

Dr. Gordon Baltuch also served on the Faculty Congress as a Session Chairperson presenting on "Focused Ultrasound in Epilepsy Surgery." Dr. Baltuch commented, "Focused ultrasound offers a strategy to safely and selectively deliver biologicals to the brain and potentially revolutionize the surgical treatment of epilepsy."

Finally, Dr. Brett Youngerman served as a Congress Faculty member presenting on "Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy." Dr. Youngerman commented, "It was a privilege to be a part of this exceptional gathering of international leaders in epilepsy surgery. We had an opportunity to share our practice and research and learn from the experience of others worldwide."

This program successfully united neurosurgeons, neurointerventionalists, epileptologists, neuropsychologists, pediatricians, nurses, and other health professionals. The opportunity to connect with this international community and review the latest topics, research, and treatments through the lens of various epilepsy surgery techniques created a truly unique and valuable experience for the attendees that will continue to improve care and drive innovations in the care of epilepsy patients worldwide.

Our team at Columbia Neurosurgery was proud to be a part of this important endeavor and look forward to the next IESS Congress in Beijing, China, in late 2025!