The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery has made a major advancement in its Tanzania Neurosurgery Program by launching the region’s first dedicated endoscopy training program, the MOI Endoscopy Course. From February 3-7, the course provided a hands-on training experience for local surgeons, furthering the program’s commitment to enhancing neurosurgical care in East Africa.
“We are incredibly proud to see the success of the MOI Endoscopy Course and the growing interest in spine endoscopy here in Tanzania,” said Dr. Roger Härtl, director of Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “This program has evolved from a vision to improve neurosurgical outcomes into a thriving educational initiative that empowers local surgeons with the tools and knowledge they need to provide the best possible care for their patients.”
The course featured a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and 11 live surgeries, all aimed at expanding the use of endoscopic spine surgery in Tanzania. This new initiative follows the success of spine endoscopy, which was first introduced during the Global Neurosurgery Course in March 2024. Dr. Lynn McGrath and local surgeons performed two of Tanzania's first-ever endoscopic spine surgeries at that event.
A Collaborative Effort to Improve Spine Surgery Techniques
Spine endoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique, has proven to be a game changer in many parts of the world. By using smaller incisions and conventional X-rays, the technique leads to faster recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional open spine surgery.
"Endoscopic spine surgery has the potential to reduce complications and improve patient recovery times significantly," Dr. Härtl explained. "By using smaller incisions and avoiding extensive tissue dissection, patients experience less postoperative pain, which is especially important in a setting where access to post-surgery care, such as physiotherapy, is limited."
The MOI Endoscopy Course at the Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute (MOI) in Dar es Salaam became the first fully dedicated endoscopy training program thanks to the donation of an endoscopic tower. Dr Marta Garvayo, a Global Neurosurgery Fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine, was pivotal in organizing the course and bringing this groundbreaking initiative to life.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr Garvayo shared, "It has been an honor to help coordinate this course and see the enthusiasm from Tanzanian surgeons eager to improve their skills in this life-changing technique. The success of this program, combined with the hands-on training, sets the foundation for sustainable improvements in neurosurgery across Tanzania."
Local Surgeons Gain Expertise in Endoscopic Techniques
Twenty-five Tanzanian neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons participated in the course. They were trained in surgical indications, anatomy, and endoscopic techniques, with four surgeons selected for more intensive, hands-on training. In addition to learning theoretical aspects of endoscopic surgery, participants could perform surgeries themselves, solidifying their skills in real-world settings.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this course is seeing the progress made by local surgeons who will be able to continue practicing and improving the techniques they’ve learned here,” Dr. Härtl said. “This educational exchange benefits individual surgeons and the entire healthcare system.”
Among the highlights was a remarkable success story shared on the MOI Instagram account: One patient who underwent an endoscopic spine procedure could walk the same day as the surgery and was discharged within 24 hours, demonstrating the rapid recovery possible with this technique.
“This patient’s rapid recovery is a testament to the power of endoscopic surgery in providing effective treatment with less disruption to the body,” said Dr. Osama Kashlan, associate professor of neurological surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. “The benefits of this approach are clear, especially in resource-limited settings like Tanzania, where minimizing postoperative complications is critical.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Endoscopic Training
The success of this inaugural course has paved the way for further training opportunities. Plans are already in motion to conduct a refresher course during the next Global Neurosurgery Course, where additional hands-on training will be provided.
“The goal is to create a sustainable program where Tanzanian surgeons are not only proficient in endoscopic spine surgery but also capable of training future generations of surgeons,” Dr. Härtl said. “We’re committed to ensuring this technique becomes a permanent fixture in Tanzanian healthcare, and we will continue supporting these surgeons as they build upon the knowledge they’ve gained.”
Two Tanzanian surgeons will be sponsored to attend an advanced course in Germany to deepen their expertise. This will strengthen the program and ensure that Tanzania remains at the forefront of neurosurgical innovation in East Africa.
About the Tanzania Neurosurgery Program
The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery has been involved in the Tanzania Neurosurgery Program since 2008, focusing on improving the country's neurosurgical care. The program initially partnered with Bugando Hospital in northern Tanzania, serving a population of 14 million people, and has since expanded to include MOI in Dar es Salaam.
The program's approach is multifaceted, involving hands-on training for local surgeons, the exchange of knowledge through international fellowships, and collaboration with global neurosurgical experts. Weill Cornell Medicine organizes a Global Neurosurgery Course each year that brings together surgeons from across East Africa for lectures, practical workshops, and live surgeries. The program’s long-term goal is to continue improving neurosurgical care throughout Tanzania and beyond, providing local surgeons with the tools and expertise to make a lasting impact on their patients’ lives.
Get Involved
The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on healthcare in East Africa. It is always seeking new partners, donors, and supporters to help expand the reach of the Tanzania Neurosurgery Program. If you’re interested in supporting this life-changing initiative or would like to learn more about opportunities to get involved, please visit our website or contact us at info@tanzanianeurosurgery.org. Together, we can continue to advance neurosurgical care and transform lives.
