International Recognition of the Georgian Neurosurgical School
Interview with Vladimir Tsikharishvili
A delegation of Georgian neurosurgeons has been invited to the third Yasargil Microneurosurgery Congress, which will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, from March 4-7. This represents a significant international event for Georgian neurosurgery. The congress focuses on the development of modern microneurosurgery and is based on the scientific and practical legacy associated with Professor M. G. Yasargil, recognized worldwide as a leading neurosurgeon of the century.
The Yasargil Microneurosurgery Congress serves as an international professional forum uniting leading neurosurgeons from various countries, focusing on modern techniques in microneurosurgery, surgery of the brain’s deep and critical anatomical zones, management of complex vascular and oncological cases, and the development of neurosurgical education.
“Medscriptum” interviewed neurosurgeon Vladimir Tsikharishvili, who is among the invited specialists to speak at the conference. He stated that the invitation goes beyond individual achievement:
“Here, it’s not just about my personal experience; it’s a conversation about Georgia as a whole. Our country has many renowned and high-level specialists who have participated in numerous international congresses. This is why I was particularly pleased to be invited to speak on topics considered among the most challenging and relevant in neurosurgery.”
He added that professional achievements are often made against a backdrop of systemic challenges:
“In real life, this translates into the fact that, despite many problems and challenges in Georgia, we are still doing things. Regardless of the pros and cons of the healthcare system, we strive to bring this to the international stage. Essentially, it’s just the enthusiasm and desire of many talented specialists to mark Georgian neurosurgery on the world medical map and secure its deserved place.”
When asked about the topics of his presentation and their significance, Medscriptum received the following response:
“This is a compilation of retrospective studies, and the Georgian delegation will be represented by approximately six presentations at the conference. Among these, the most relevant and, I would say, technically problematic from a medical perspective concerns the surgical treatment of city-based meningiomas, which are classified as high-complexity operations.
It will also address relatively rare brain pathologies known as third ventricle tumors, which are primarily relevant in pediatric oncology. Our experience has received international recognition worldwide.
I would also like to highlight the topic of vascular or blood vessel pathologies, where the presentation will cover two directions: open treatment of pathologies, such as clipping aneurysms, and closed endovascular approaches, which Mirza Khinikadze will discuss.
The innovations that have been and are being implemented concerning epilepsy will also be addressed. Additionally, I would highlight the topic of vestibular schwannomas and the outcomes of their surgical treatment.
All of these are considered quite complex and relevant topics in international academic circles and the neurosurgical community, which I would attribute to this response. This greatly pleases me, as my experience as a specialist, and not only mine, has received such recognition, and being represented at such a high-level congress is an honor. But the greatest joy comes from the fact that this is not just our success but the success of the entire country—a significant step forward.”
The invitation of Georgian neurosurgeons to the third Yasargil Microneurosurgery Congress clearly indicates that Georgian neurosurgery is viewed as a professional field capable of participating in complex and high-level international discussions. This participation represents not only the recognition of individual specialists but reflects the overall potential, knowledge, and experience of the country’s neurosurgical school. Despite systemic challenges, the professional responsibility of Georgian doctors and their desire for continuous development create the real foundation through which this field maintains its relevance in the international medical community and gradually secures its place in global scientific processes.
For more about the interview with Dr. Vladimir Tsikharishvili, see the article: “Georgian Neurosurgery—Its Place in the Region and the Challenges Facing the Field.”
