Extrapolating adult treatment paradigms and knowledge to treat children is a big disservice to them. Paediatric neurosurgical conditions are unique and extremely different from adult disorders. Hence a neurosurgeon needs to undergo exclusive paediatric training to develop a mindset and commitment for treating children.
Good paediatric neurosurgical outcomes are only possible when there are multiple specialists working as a team. I believe in the strength of team work not only for difficult cases but also for the simple ones. For eg.
1. Epilepsy Surgery requires a team comprising of Paediatric Neurosurgeon, Paediatric Neurologist, Neuropsychologist, Neuro-radiologist, Rehabilitation therapists, Special educators etc.
2. Brain tumour treatment requires a team of Paediatric Neurosurgeon, Paediatric Neuro-oncologist, Radiologist, Histopathologists, Neuropsychologists, therapists etc.
I believe a child draws his inspiration and positive energy from the parents. To enable a child to deal with a neurosurgical procedure and the journey that ensues, parents, and caregivers need to be empowered through counselling, imparting knowledge and teaming up in formulating a plan for the child. It is essential that parents’ emotions are dealt with sensitively in order for them to be a pillar of support for their child.
Dr. Saurav K Samantray is an exclusive Paediatric Neurosurgeon and Epilepsy Surgeon. He started his Neurosurgical training in 2009 in the prestigious UCMS Medical College in Delhi followed by completion of MCh Neurosurgery degree from Goa Medical College. He went on to work for the next 3 years in reputed Neurosurgical departments of Mumbai, namely PD Hinduja Hospital, Mahim and Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
However, his Paediatric Neurosurgical journey commenced in the iconic BJ Wadia Children’s Hospital , Mumbai where he did an Indian Society of Paediatric Neurosurgery ( INDSPN ) fellowship for 1 year and continued in the same department as a Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon for 2 more years. These 3 years led to his commitment to Paediatric Neurosurgery. To gain further expertise and perspective he went to the United Kingdom for 2 years to pursue further fellowships. He spent a year at the Great Ormond Street Hospital, London where he was awarded the postnominals ‘MIPDEd’ by the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. This was followed by another fellowship at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, United Kingdom.
