Dr. Himanshu Champaneri, neurosurgeon.
Visiting Mauritius from August 21 to 23 for continuous medical training conferences and meetings with health authorities, Dr. Himanshu Champaneri is expressed on the challenges of modern neurosurgery, epilepsy and regional collaboration.
🔵 What brings you to Mauritius this week and what results do you hope to get your meetings with the health authorities?
Maurice occupies a special place in my career. I have treated many Mauritian patients in India for advanced neurosurgical interventions. This visit aims to strengthen clinical collaboration, to initiate a dialogue with health officials and to exchange with local doctors. My goal is to build sustainable partnerships to improve access to specialized brain and column care, whether in Mauritius or via coordinated sectors with India. I also want to raise awareness of pathologies such as epilepsy, too often overlooked or underdiagnosed.
🔵 You are a pioneer in functional neurosurgery and epilepsy as well as endoportal surgery of the column. Can you simply explain these techniques?
Functional neurosurgery and epilepsy treats cases resistant to drugs, such as Parkinson’s disease, certain dystonia, chronic pain, epilepsy or certain psychiatric disorders. It consists in targeting precise areas of the brain. In refractory patients, interventions such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) can transform the quality of life.
Endoportal column surgery is a mini-invasive approach. Instead of large incisions, it uses small surgical corridors, often endoscopic, to treat hernia discs, stresses or instabilities. The patients recover faster, with less pain and better respect for the natural architecture of the column.
🔵 Epilepsy remains sub-diagnosed in several regions. What are the main obstacles and how can Maurice answer them?
Lack of awareness, stigma and limited access to specialized diagnostic tools such as electroencephalogram (EEG) prolonged video or pet scan constitute the main brakes. Many patients continue to suffer unnecessarily without knowing that surgery is possible. This can be corrected by the training of local doctors, the implementation of partnerships with specialized centers abroad and public campaigns to normalize epilepsy as a treatable disease. With its solid primary health system, Mauritius can become a regional model.
🔵 How do new technologies transform neurosurgery and patient safety?
Discipline experiences a silent revolution. We now use brain cartography in real time, neuronavigation, peroperative monitoring and sometimes robotics. These tools improve precision, reduce surgical trauma and protect neurological functions. For patients, this results in shorter interventions, fewer complications and reduced hospital stays. Neurosurgery has gone from high -risk vital surgery to functions to preserve functions.
🔵 Beyond direct treatment, what is the contribution of continuing education sessions for Mauritian doctors?
Continuing education is crucial in a rapidly evolving discipline. Case discussions, surgical videos and questions and answer sessions make it possible to popularize advanced procedures and to inform doctors on possible reference paths. But beyond the transfer of knowledge, these sessions build links. I want to come back regularly, and participate in a community of shared knowledge and clinical excellence.
🔵 What are the priority axes to improve access to neurosurgical care in low and intermediate income countries?
I quote three pillars to you: early diagnosis, cross -border collaboration and affordable innovation. Countries and Mauritius do not need to develop everything locally. With suitable reference systems, patients can access cutting -edge care when necessary. At the same time, local capacities must be strengthened through training, teleconsultations and internships. The essential is that the quality of care in neurosurgery does not depend on geography: it must remain accessible, human and centered on the results.
Bio express
Dr. Himanshu Champaneri is clinical director and head of the functional neurosurgery service and epilepsy, specialist in endoportal surgery of the spine at the Marengo Asia International Institute in Neuro & Spine, in Gurugram, India.
