Maria Auxiliadora Hospital in Lima, Peru as a model for neurosurgical outreach to international charity hospitals

INTRODUCTION: A myriad of geopolitical and financial obstacles have kept modern neurosurgery from effectively reaching the citizens of the developing world. Targeted neurosurgical outreach by academic neurosurgeons to equip neurosurgical operating theaters and train local neurosurgeons is one method to efficiently and cost effectively improve sustainable care provided by international charity hospitals. The International Neurosurgical Children’s Association (INCA) effectively improved the available neurosurgical care in the Maria Auxiliadora Hospital of Lima, Peru through the advancement of local specialist education and training. METHODS: Neurosurgical equipment and training were provided for the local neurosurgeons by a mission team from the University of California at San Diego. RESULTS: At the end of 3 years, with one intensive week trip per year, the host neurosurgeons were proficiently and independently applying microsurgical techniques to previously performed operations, and performing newly learned operations such as neuroendoscopy and minimally invasive neurosurgery. CONCLUSION: Our experiences may serve as a successful template for the execution of other small scale, sustainable neurosurgery missions worldwide.