23rd Congress of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery: open day to the public

Zaragoza will host the Congress of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC), which will offer the next May 27 For the first time, a day open to the public. Alberto J. Schuhmacher, head of the Molecular Oncology Group at the IIS Aragón, will explore cutting-edge topics such as epigenetics and its applications in brain surgery, among others

Zaragoza will meet from 28 to 30 May 2025 to more than 600 professionals in the XXVIII Congress of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery, which, for the first time, will offer a preview day open to the entire society on Tuesday May 27. During this event, which will take place at the Ibercaja Patio de la Infanta Foundation, with the aim of bringing the latest advances in research and clinical practice closer, Top-level experts will debate the future of neurosurgery from a popularization perspective. Those interested can register for free through this link.

The first session, "Through Research, We Arrive at Treatment," will explore cutting-edge topics such as epigenetics and its applications in brain surgery, virtual biopsy, fluorescence-guided surgery techniques, and current research into brain metastasis. Moderated by Alberto Jiménez Schuhmacher, Head of the Molecular Oncology group from the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon) and Researcher Araid, will show the steps that are being taken in the laboratories to converting scientific discoveries into clinical solutions.

In parallel, they will be developed two blocks aimed at patients, family members and interested publicThe brain neurosurgery section will address the limits and most recent advances in brain surgery, the current and future use of brain implants, the importance of operating room safety for both patients and healthcare personnel, and the fundamental role of patient associations; all with a vision of what brain surgery could achieve in the coming years. Spinal neurosurgery will review the evolution of spinal surgery, from its beginnings to the most innovative techniques, highlighting the importance of technology, safety during procedures, and the increasingly active role played by patients in their own care process.

This day offers the opportunity to learn firsthand how research and clinical practice work together to improve patients' quality of life. In addition, the challenges posed by technology, the importance of safety in the hospital setting, and how informed patient participation can make a difference in therapeutic outcomes will be discussed. An essential meeting to understand where neurosurgery is heading and the keys that will determine its future.

Programme

17:30 to 18:30 By investigating we arrive at the treatment

Moderated by Alberto J. Schuhmacher. ARAID, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón)

• Brain and Science: The Work Behind Neuroscience ResearchMarta Alonso; Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology (CBMS-CSIC-UAM)
• Brain: Changing the “switches” of our genes: Epigenetics as a tool for the future of neurosurgery. Sabrina Rivero Canalejo, University of Seville, Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER)
• From virtual biopsy to fluorescence-guided surgery. Alberto J. Schumacher; ARAID, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón)
• Studying brain metastasis: understanding and seeing to cure. Neibla Priego; National Center for Oncological Research

19:00 PM to 20:00 PM Room 1. Brain neurosurgery for patients

Moderated by: Luis Ley. Head of the Neurosurgery Service at Ramón y Cajal Hospital (Madrid)

• Current advances, the limits of brain surgery
• Brain implants why, why and when
• What brain surgery will be like in the future, expectations.
• Safety in the operating room for patients and healthcare personnel
• Importance of patient associations

Dr. Francisco González Llanos. Head of the Neurosurgery Department at Toledo University Hospital.
Dr. Roberto García Leal. Head of the Neurosurgery Department at Gregorio Marañón Hospital. Madrid.
Dr. Idoya Zazpe Cenoz. Head of the Neurosurgery Department. Navarra University Hospital.
Dr. Mónica Lara Almunia. Jiménez Díaz Foundation Hospital. Madrid

19:00 to 20:00 Room 2. Vertebral neurosurgery for patients

Moderated by: Juan Calatayud. Head of the Neurosurgery Service at HCU Lozano Blesa Zaragoza

• Evolution of spinal surgery as it was yesterday and as it is today
• The surgery of tomorrow: what it will be like and what it will contribute.
• What will be more important, the doctor or the technology?
• Safety in the operating room for patients and healthcare personnel
• What should be the role of the patient in spinal surgery?

Dr. Jesús Lafuente Baraza. President of SENEC (Spanish Society of Neurosurgery).
Dr. José María Torres Campa. Head of the Neurosurgery Department at the Asturias Medical Center.
Dr. Rubén Martín Láez. Head of the Neurosurgery Department at Valdecilla Hospital, Cantabria.
Dr. Ángel Horcajadas Almansa. Neurosurgery Coordinator, Vithas Hospital, Granada.

Source: SENEC