UCSD Spring 2008

International Neurosurgical Children’s Association (4/6/08 – 4/9/08)

Managua, Nicaragua

Team Members

Rahul Jandial, M.D.

Michael Levy, M.D., Ph.D.

Allen Ho

Chris Allen

Martin Gonzales

The inaugural trip of our Project Nicaragua – INCA collaboration proved to be a fruitful endeavor that helped build a coalition between UCSD and Nicaraguan neurosurgeons, setting a foundation for many future trips. UCSD neurosurgeons Dr. Rahul Jandial, and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego and Project Nicaragua members were received by the National Neurosurgery Service of Nicaragua and hospital administrators at El Hospital Antonio Lenin Fonseca. In the four day visit, the surgeons saw and consulted on over 30 patients, and participated in operations together. They also were able to examine and appraise the equipment and capabilities of the only public academic neurosurgery department in the nation at Lenin Fonseca, and agree on equipment donation goals, and a plan of action that involved many more trips over the next few years. INCA and Project Nicaragua pledged to bring neuroendoscopy to Nicaragua, and help Dr. Carolina Canterero, the new Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at El Hospital Mascota de Niños, set up the first exclusive Pediatric Neurosurgery department in the country.