By Mohammad Tarique Saleem
The Fourth Meeting and Course of the Indo-Gulf Craniofacial Society (IGCS) was successfully conducted on 25th October 2025 at the prestigious Hotel Clarks Avadh, Lucknow. This landmark event was organized under the leadership of Dr. Rajiv Agarwal, Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, and President of the IGCS. Known for his unparalleled expertise in craniofacial surgery, Dr. Agarwal trained under Dr. Kenneth Salyer in Dallas, USA, and has devoted over 25 years to treating children with complex head and facial deformities.
Craniofacial deformities are among the most challenging conditions in pediatric surgery. Children affected often present with abnormal head size, bulging eyes, widened spacing between the eyes, and defects in the lip and palate. Some of these deformities also lead to breathing difficulties, making surgical intervention the only viable solution. Over the years, Dr. Agarwal has successfully treated hundreds of children with such deformities, enabling them to lead normal, healthy lives post-surgery.
In India, craniofacial surgery is performed at very few centers, primarily because of its technical complexity, risk of complications, and specialized expertise required. With this background, the IGCS meeting aimed not only to showcase advanced surgical techniques but also to train the next generation of plastic surgeons, ensuring the expansion of expertise in this highly specialized field.
(L-R) Dr. Sultan Al Shaqsi, Head of Craniofacial Unit, Khoula Hospital, Muscat – Dr. Rajiv Agarwal, Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, & President of the IGCS – Hon’ble Justice Alok Mathur, Senior Judge at the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court and Dr. Taimoor Al Bulushi – Head of Craniofacial Unit, Khoula Hospital, Muscat.
The conference program was meticulously divided into two sessions. The morning session focused on theoretical knowledge, with detailed lectures covering topics such as the anatomy of cleft lip and palate, bone fixation techniques of the head and face, and surgical approaches to cleft repair. Faculty members conducted interactive panel discussions, facilitating a deeper understanding of the nuances of craniofacial surgery. The session drew residents and postgraduate students from across the country, reflecting the growing interest in this specialized field. In the post-lunch session, hands-on workshops were organized to translate theory into practice. The workshops included: Cleft Lip Surgery – Cleft Palate Surgery – Skull Bone Fixation Techniques.
These workshops employed specially designed models that allowed participants to practice the intricate art of craniofacial surgery under the close supervision of expert faculty. Such practical exposure is crucial, given the delicate nature of craniofacial procedures, where precision and skill are paramount to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
The conference was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice Alok Mathur, Senior Judge at the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. In his address, Justice Mathur emphasized the urgent need for advanced training in craniofacial surgery in India, highlighting how such initiatives can enhance both medical outcomes and the quality of life for children suffering from these complex deformities.
Dr. Rajiv Agarwal, reflecting on the importance of this meeting, stated that the IGCS aims to create a sustainable platform for knowledge exchange, promoting collaboration between Indian and Gulf specialists in craniofacial surgery. By combining expert lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops, the conference not only enhanced technical skills but also inspired a new generation of plastic surgeons to specialize in this challenging and rewarding field.
The Fourth Indo-Gulf Craniofacial Society Meeting marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a hub for advanced craniofacial surgery. With continued efforts in education, training, and collaboration, patients with complex craniofacial deformities can look forward to world-class care closer to home, reducing the need to travel abroad for treatment.
