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
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 (SHINE, UK), Dr. O. de Wit (Rehabilitation Physician)
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
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: Lipomeningocele
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: TBC
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: TBC
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 Paediatrics, 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
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