Disasters by the Masters: When Surgery Pushes the Limits
Plenary Sessions at ICOMS 2025
What happens when even the most experienced surgeons face cases that defy expectations?
At ICOMS 2025, the Disasters by the Masters plenary sessions bring together the world’s top oral and maxillofacial surgeons to share their most challenging, high-risk, and unexpected cases—the ones that tested their expertise, forced difficult decisions, and sometimes, didn’t go as planned.
In these dynamic sessions, renowned experts in Aesthetic Surgery, Orthognathic Surgery, TMJ Surgery, Trauma, Skull Base Surgery, Reconstruction, and Implantology will each present a particularly difficult or controversial case in just 6-8 minutes. Their peers—fellow masters in the specialty—will then engage in a moderated discussion, offering insights, alternative approaches, and ethical considerations.
Expect intense debates, high-level surgical insights, and unfiltered discussions that dive deep into the complexities, risks, and realities of modern maxillofacial surgery.
QUICK LINKS
Thursday, May 22
Friday, May 23
Saturday, May 24
Sunday, May 25
Thursday, May 22 | 9-10:30am
Disasters by the Masters - Aesthetic
Aesthetic surgery demands precision and artistry—but what happens when the unexpected threatens the final outcome? This session showcases complex and challenging cases in aesthetic maxillofacial surgery, highlighting innovative solutions and lessons learned.
Moderated by:
Amir Elbarbary
Tian Ee Seah
Speakers:
Tirbod Fattahi
Art Director
Joseph Niamtu
Tech Lead
Thursday, May 22 | 4-5:30pm
Disasters by the Masters - Orthognathic
Orthognathic surgery requires meticulous planning and execution. In this session, top surgeons reveal cases where complications, setbacks, or unexpected challenges reshaped their approach to surgical correction.
Moderated by:
Gabriele Milesi
Raymond Wong
Speakers:
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Alfred Becking
Art Director
Alberto Bianchi
Tech Lead
Alejandro Martinez
Product Manager
Friday, May 23 | 9-10:30am
Disasters by the Masters - Trauma
When the unexpected happens, how do the best in the field respond? This session explores extreme trauma cases, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between recovery and catastrophe.
Moderated by:
Yeshaswini Thelekkat
Michael Grant
Gopal Krishnan
Speakers:
Nils-Claudius Gellrich
Art Director
Gregorio Anicetto Sanchez
Tech Lead
Michael Grant
Product Manager
Friday, May 23 | 4-5:30pm
Disasters by the Masters - TMJ
The complexity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery demands expertise, adaptability, and innovation. This session delves into cases where the unexpected tested even the most seasoned surgeons.
Moderated by:
Sergio Olate
Michael Markiewicz
Speakers:
Ajoy Roychoudhury
Art Director
Larry Wolford
Tech Lead
Yang Chi
Product Manager
Saturday, May 24 | 9-10:30am
Disasters by the Masters - Skull Base
A high-risk frontier in maxillofacial surgery, skull base cases push the boundaries of precision and technique. Join leading experts as they navigate intricate cases with life-altering consequences.
Moderated by:
Sanjiv Nair
Daniel Buchbinder
Speakers:
Julio Acero
Art Director
Peter Kessler
Tech Lead
Moni Abraham Kuriakose
Product Manager
Saturday, May 24 | 4-5:30pm
Disasters by the Masters - Reconstruction
When reconstruction cases go wrong, what happens next? Explore some of the most challenging reconstructive procedures and the strategies that turned potential disasters into success stories.
Moderated by:
Majeed Rana
Speakers:
Sat Parmar
Art Director
He Yue
Product Manager
Sunday, May 25 | 9-10:30am
Disasters by the Masters - Implantology
Implantology is a rapidly evolving field—but what happens when complications arise? This session highlights cases where implant failures, peri-implant disease, or unexpected surgical challenges tested even the best.
Moderated by:
Deepak Krishnan
Speakers:
Pushkar Waknis
Art Director
Frank Schwarz
Tech Lead
Paul Sambrook
Product Manager