Amsterdam 2026
Key Conference Topics
- Fetal surgery & post-natal care
Discover the latest insights: Open vs Scopic surgery- What do the latest data say about the outcomes?
Keynote speakers: Prof. Dr Jan Deprest (Leuven) / Prof. Andrea Rossi (Italy)
- Tethered cord syndrome
Unlocking the mystery of Tethered Cord Syndrome: Latest updates, dilemmas in untethering, and Spine shortening vs untethering. - Seamless transition
Bridging pediatric and adult care, enhancing collaboration, sharing insights in panel discussions and elevating the patient perspective. - Urology in spina bifida
Cultural Approaches, Self-Catheterization Adherence, and Bowel management- Antegrade vs Retrograde irrigation.
Welburn lecture Prof. Dr Ahmad Elderwy (Egypt)
- Rehabilitation and orthopedics
Use of gait analysis in spina bifida, scoliosis, sports with physical disabilities, evaluation of quality of life in spina bifida. - Hydrocephalus
Scientific update in hydrocephalus, VP shunt vs. third ventriculostomy: Evaluating different approaches.
Provisional Programme
Wednesday, 16 September
08:00–09:00 Registration & welcome coffee
09:00–09:05 Welcome to be announced soon!!
09:05–09:15 Opening of the Congress; Dr. Ian Pople, Dr. D.P. Bakker, Carola McDonald
Session 1: Embryology and imaging in spinal dysraphism
Cutting-edge insights into imaging of spinal dysraphism’s and fetal brain MRI changes, advancing precision diagnostics in spina bifida.
09:15–10:00 Keynote Speaker 1
Prof. A. Rossi (Professor of Neuroradiology, Italy, Genoa)
Title: Revisiting spinal dysraphisms: classification, controversies and clinical impact
10:00–10:30 Keynote Speaker 2
Prof. M. Aertsen (Consultant Radiologist, UZ Leuven)
Title: The spectrum of brain changes in spina bifida on fetal MRI
10:30–11:00 ☕ Break
Session 2: Embryology of spina bifida and hydrocephalus
Unlocking the origins of spina bifida and hydrocephalus, this session explores embryological development, revealing new insights into early disease formation.
11:00–11:30 Keynote Speaker 3
Dr. B. de Bakker (Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC)
Title: Micro-CT of the nervous system
11:30–11:40 Abstract Presentation #1
Nyske Engel (Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands)
Title: Quantitative and qualitative brain changes in fetuses with spina bifida: insights from micro-CT at 15–23 weeks of gestation
11:40–11:50 Abstract Presentation #2
Chagajeg Soloukey (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Continuous intraoperative mapping for pediatric spinal dysraphism surgery: a pilot cohort study
11:50–12:00 Abstract Presentation #3
Ingeborg Linskens (Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands)
Title: Overview of available test in the Dutch prenatal screening program with special focus on spina bifida detection by structural anomaly scans: case characteristics and pitfalls from screening
12:00–12:10 Abstract Presentation #4
Antoinette Botman (Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia)
Title: Developing an Australian national Spina Bifida Patient Registry – preliminary results of a scoping review on meaningful data to be captured
12:10–13:00 🍽 Lunch
Session 3: Fetal surgery in spina bifida
Exploring how prenatal intervention is transforming outcomes and redefining the future of neonatal care.
13:00–13:45 Keynote Speaker 4
Prof. Dr. J. Deprest (Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven/London)
Title: Surgical repair of spina bifida before birth today and tomorrow
13:45–14:15 Keynote Speaker 5
Dr. Chagajeg Soloukey (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Patient proximity
14:15–14:45 Keynote Speaker 6
Dr. K. Jansen (Paediatric Neurologist, Leuven, Belgium)
Title: Long-term outcome before and after fetal surgery in spina bifida
14:45–15:15 Keynote Speaker 7
Dr. L. Mazzone (Paediatric Surgeon, Zurich)
Title: Outcomes of 5-year-old patients after open prenatal spina bifida aperta repair in Zurich
15:15–15:25 Abstract Presentation #5
Chagajeg Soloukey (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Prevalence of structural brain anomaly patterns after prenatal repair of spina bifida aperta: a nationwide multicenter MRI study with comparison to a postnatal cohort
15:25–15:35 Abstract Presentation #6
Ryan Juncker (Ohio State University, Columbus, USA)
Title: Functional outcomes after postnatal closure of myelomeningocele below S1: an argument to consider prenatal closure of S2 lesions
15:35-15:45 Abstract Presentation #7
Charlotte Kik (University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada)
Title: Development of a Core Outcome Set for Fetal Spina Bifida: Preliminary Results from an International Delphi Study (COSMIC)
15:45-15:55 Abstract Presentation #8
Petra Aden (Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway)
Title: How a New Classification Changes Epidemiology – Two Years’ Experience with the Orpha Revised Coding System
15:55–16:15 ☕ Break
Session 4: Seamless Transition
Bridging pediatric and adult care, enhancing collaboration, sharing insights through panel discussions, and elevating the patient’s perspective.
16:15–16:45 Keynote Speaker 8
Dr. A.L. van Staa (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Transition
16:45–17:05 Keynote Speaker 9
Bakal & I. Bakal with Carola McDonald (Nurse Practitioner, Amsterdam UMC)
Title: The patient’s voice: experience in transition (interview)
17:05-17:45 Discussion Panel with Kate Steel (CEO SHINE, UK), Dr. O. de Wit (Rehabilitation Physician, Expert by experience ), Corina Mos (Expert by experience), Sjoerd van den Berg (Expert by experience)
Discussion: ‘Bridging the gap’
17:45-17:55 Abstract Presentation #9
Iris van Wijk (De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Title: Youth-led implementation of transition tools in spina bifida care: bridging the gap between policy and practice
17:55-18:10 Short break before AGM
18:10–18:40 SRHSB Annual General Meeting (SRHSB Members Only)
Thursday, 17 September
08:00–08:30 Welcome coffee
Session 5: Tethered Cord Syndrome
Unlocking the mysteries of tethered cord syndrome: latest updates, dilemmas in untethering, and spine shortening vs. untethering.
08:30-08:55 Keynote Speaker 10
Dr. D.P. Bakker (Paediatric Neurologist, Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands)
Title: Spina bifida, posterior fossa & tethered cord
08:55-09:20 Keynote Speaker 11
Feller (Neurosurgeon, Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands)
Title: Tethered cord treatment options: Untethering vs spine shortening
09:20-09:45 Keynote Speaker 12
Dr. J. Spoor (Neurosurgeon, Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Lipomyelomeningocele and spinal lipoma: a surgical perspective
09:45-09:55 Abstract Presentation #10
Sabri Bouharrate (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: 1-year urological outcomes in paediatric lumbosacral spinal lipoma surgery: a retrospective international dual-centre cohort study
09:55-10:05 Abstract Presentation #11
Sabri Bouharrate (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: New Orphanet Classification for Spinal Lipomas: Validation, feasibility, and observed limitations in 169 patients based on pre-operative MRI
10:05-10:25 ☕ Break
Session 6: Hydrocephalus 1
10:25–10:45 Keynote Speaker 13
Prof. Nanna MacAulay (University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark)
Title: Pharmacological modulation of CSF secretion to reduce ICP – starting with rats, but aiming for the clinic
10:45-11:05 Keynote Speaker 14
Dr. Hannah Botfield (University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)
Title: Decorin treatment for post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus
11:05-11:15 Abstract Presentation #12 – SRHSB Integra Travelling Fellowship 2025 Award
Chagajeg Soloukey (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Variation in cerebrospinal fluid diversion rates and practices for myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus: a mixed-methods analysis
11:15-11:25 Abstract Presentation #13 – Waite Bursary 2025 Award
Elena Pinkney (University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)
Title: Identifying CSF factor(s) responsible for the developmental defect in hydrocephalus
11:25-11:35 Abstract Presentation #14 – Waite Bursary 2025 Award
Anissa Valverde (Wayne State University, Detroit, USA)
Title: Comparative Analysis of Flow Resistance in New versus Explanted Hydrocephalus Shunt Valves: A Multi-Center Benchtop Study
11:35-11:45 Abstract Presentation #15 – Waite Bursary 2025 Award
Martina Rivero Garcia (University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain)
Title: How does meningitis lead to development of hydrocephalus?
11:45-12:00 Keynote Speaker 15
Dr. Chris Roberts (Wayne State University, Detroit, USA)
Title: The effect of catheter position on cerebrospinal fluid flow distribution in ventricular catheters
12:00–12:45 Lunch 🍽 – Sponsor Round
Session 7: Urology in Spina Bifida
Cultural approaches, self-catheterization adherence, and bowel management: antegrade vs. retrograde irrigation.
12:45–13:15 The Welburn Lecture
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Elderwy (Professor of Pediatric Urology, Asyut, Egypt)
Title: The dilemma of spina bifida in Egypt
13:15-13:40 Keynote Speaker 16
Mrs. T. de Kraker (Nurse practitioner, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Therapy compliance in neurogenic bladder
13:40-14:05 Keynote Speaker 17
Dr. J.R. de Jong (Pediatric Surgeon) & Janine van Leeuwen (Nurse Practitioner) (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Bowel irrigation via Chait trapdoor – a surgical intervention
14:05-14:30 Keynote Speaker 18
Prof. Dr. R.J.M. Nijman (Urologist, Groningen UMC, Groningen, The Netherlands)
Title: European guidelines for bladder management in spinal dysraphism
14:30–14:40 Abstract Presentation #16
Jenny Sacree (Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar)
Title: Embedding longitudinal clinical intelligence: Development of a spina bifida registry and registry-driven urological pathway standardisation
14:40-14:50 Abstract Presentation #17
Femke Bannink Mbazzi (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda)
Title: Clean intermittent catheterization among children with spina bifida and their caregivers in Uganda: a mixed method study
14:50-15:00 Abstract Presentation #18
Pierre Mertens (Child-Help International, Antwerp, Belgium)
Title: A peer-driven, low-cost neurogenic bladder care model for low income settings
15:00-15:10 Abstract Presentation #19
Annick Viaene (University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium)
Title: The impact of fecal and urological (in)continence on activities, participation, and quality of life in patients with spina bifida
15:10–15:30 ☕ Break
Session 8: Rehabilitation and Orthopedics
Use of gait analysis in spina bifida, scoliosis, sports with physical disabilities, and evaluation of quality of life in spina bifida.
15:30-16:00 Keynote Speaker 19
Dr. Eveline Boeker (Rehabilitation Physician), Susan de Koning (Movement Scientist) & Eefje Muselars (Paediatric Physical Therapist) (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Evaluation of multilevel orthopaedic management in spina bifida
16:00-16:25 Keynote Speaker 20
Dr. A. Stadhouder (Orthopaedic surgeon), Marieke Hijma (Occupational therapist) (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Sitting and scoliosis management in spina bifida
16:25-16:50 Keynote Speaker 21
Eefje Muselaers (Pediatric physical therapist), Eveline Boeker (Rehabilitation physician) (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Enhancing participation in regular sport clubs for children with a physical disability – a qualitive study
16:50-17:10 Keynote Speaker 22
Dr. H. Vreugdenhil (Psychologist) and Miss J. Boekhoff (Social Worker) (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Evaluation of QOL in children with spina bifida and family centred care
17:10-17:30 Keynote Speaker 23
Dr. M. Alsem (Rehabilitation Physician, WKZ Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Title: Interprofessional care in spina bifida
17:30–17:40 Abstract Presentation #20
Bronwyn Warner (Shine Charity, Peterborough, UK)
Title: Evaluating a Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation (tSCS) service using the NISE-Stim protocol in paediatric spina bifida physiotherapy
17:40-17:50 Abstract Presentation #1
Santiago Vallasciani (Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar)
Title: Neonatal clean intermittent catheterisation in spina bifida: proactive or reactive?
17:50-18:00 Abstract Presentation #22
Jesper Vinken (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: How effective is bipolar fixation for scoliosis in children with spina bifida? A case series
18:00-18:10 Abstract Presentation #23
Hossein Razaghi (Erasmus UMC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Primary or reconstructive closure following myelomeningocele repair: a multicentre retrospective cohort study comparing neurosurgical and plastic surgery practice
18:10-18:30 Short break before SRHSB Society Dinner
18:30–21:30 SRHSB Society Networking Dinner – Amsterdam UMC
Friday, 18 September
08:00–08:30 Welcome coffee
Session 9: Paediatrics
From bone fragility to breakthrough bacteriophage therapy for urinary tract infections, this session explores innovative, multidisciplinary strategies to tackle key complications in spina bifida care.
08:30-08:50 Keynote Speaker 24
Dr. M.W. Bijlsma (Paediatrician, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Bone fragility and osteoporosis fractures in spina bifida
08:50-09:15 Keynote Speaker 25
Dr H. Herrema (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Bacteriophage treatment in urinary tract infections: Evidence and emerging applications
09:15–09:25 Abstract Presentation #24
Madison Phipps (Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland)
Title: Improving vitamin D monitoring in spina bifida through opportunistic testing: A quality improvement project
09:25-09:35 Abstract Presentation #25
Arend Bokenkamp (Emma Children’s Hospital AUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Comparison of creatinine and cystatin C-based estimated GFR with respect to severity of spina bifida
09:35-09:45 Abstract Presentation #26
Jenny Smith-Wymant (Shine Charity, Peterborough, UK)
Title: Spina bifida mortality trends in England and Wales from 2001-2023
09:45-09:55 Abstract Presentation #27
Khalil St Brice (University of West Indies, Trinidad)
Title: Myelomeningocele management in a low-resource Caribbean setting: A single-institution experience from Trinidad
09:55-10:15 ☕ Break
Session 10: Hydrocephalus 2
Scientific update in hydrocephalus: VP shunt vs. third ventriculostomy — evaluating different approaches.
10:15-10:45 Keynote Speaker 26
Dr. S. Roosendaal (Neuroradiologist, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Imaging of hydrocephalus
10:45-11:15 Keynote Speaker 27
Dr. K.M. Slot (Neurosurgeon, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy
11:15-11:45 Keynote Speaker 28
Dr. D. Buis (Neurosurgeon, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Title: Hydrocephalus management in infants
11:45-11:55 Abstract Presentation #28
Benjamin Hewitt (University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)
Title: Convergent transcriptomic and proteomic signatures define injury pathways in neonatal intraventricular haemorrhage
11:55-12:05 Abstract Presentation #29
Molly Perham (Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK)
Title: Mind the Gap: Strengthening transitional care for young people with hydrocephalus in the UK: Overview of a pilot transition event in South West England
12:05-12:15 Abstract Presentation #30
Ram Guru Dev Palaparthi (Guntur Medical College and Government General Hospital, Guntur, India)
Title: Congenital obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to fourth ventricle neuroepithelial cyst: a rare aetiology managed with marsupialization of the cyst
12:15-12:25 Abstract Presentation #31
Pat McAllister (Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA)
Title: Single-cell profiling of neurodevelopmental and neuroinflammatory dysregulation in experimental hydrocephalus
12:25-12:35 Abstract Presentation #32
Maria Garcia Bonilla (Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA)
Title: ADAM10-dependent disruption of N-cadherin and ventricular zone in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
12:35-12:55 Keynote Speaker 29
Dr. Monica Chau (Chief Scientific Officer, Hydrocephalus Association, USA)
Title: The patient-led research priorities in hydrocephalus
12:55–13:05 Abstract Presentation #33
Ryan Juncker (Ohio State University, Columbus, USA)
Title: Glycoprotein Non-Metastatic Melanoma Protein B (GPNMB) as an immune modulator in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
13:05-13:15 Abstract Presentation #34
Sebastian Pernal (Wayne State University, Detroit, USA)
Title: Sphinigosine-1-phosphate is heterogeneous and is not independently predictive of shunt revision burden in patients with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus
13:15-13:25 Abstract Presentation #35
Henrik von Ahn (Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden)
Title: The impact of spinal flow restriction on craniospinal compliance in normal pressure hydrocephalus
13:25-13:35 Abstract Presentation #36
Jonathan Pindrik (NCH, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA)
Title: Post-Shunting Acquired Craniosynostosis (PSAC) following Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Shunt insertion for treatment of hydrocephalus: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis
13:35-13:45 Abstract Presentation #37
Frank Kaphesi (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi)
Title: Comparison of motor development in children with hydrocephalus after treatment with third endoscopic ventriculostomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A cross-sectional study
13:45–14:00 Closing Remarks
Dr. R. Verbeek (Pediatric Neurologist, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
☕ Closing meeting refreshments