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Veljanoski D, Barlas R, Jamjoom AAB, Walkden J, Horgan G, Moleron R, Myint PK, Giamouriadis A. Impact of remoteness and rurality on the treatment and survival of patients with glioblastoma in the north of Scotland. World Neurosurg X 2024; 22:100331. [PMID: 38455242 PMCID: PMC10918251 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The geographical catchment area served by the Neurosurgical Unit in Aberdeen, Scotland is the largest in the United Kingdom. We examined whether a distance-decay effect on survival exists for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, who have to travel substantial distances for neurosurgical and oncological treatment in the north of Scotland. Methods Electronic medical records of adult patients with glioblastoma, referred for treatment between 2007 and 2018, who underwent surgical resection were reviewed. Travel time by car (as a measure of distance travelled) was calculated from the patients' home to their general practice (GP) and to their main neuro-oncological centre. Results There were 122 patients; 71 (58.2%) were male and the mean age was 57.8 years. The urban-rural split was 61.5% and 38.5%, respectively. Median driving time to the neuro-oncological centre was 36 min and to the GP this was 6 min. Most patients underwent either sub-total (49.6%) or gross total (46.3%) surgical resection. Post-operative treatments included: radiotherapy only (15.6%), chemotherapy only (6.6%), and chemotherapy with radiotherapy (63.1%). Temozolomide was used in 70.5% of patients. Seventeen patients did not receive any post-operative chemo-radiotherapy. The median survival time was 345 days. There was no statistically significant association between distance travelled and survival time in days. MGMT methylation status, extent of resection, Charlson co-morbidity index and treatment received significantly affected survival. Conclusions There was no evidence of disadvantage on survival time for patients living further from their neuro-oncological centre compared to those who live nearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjan Veljanoski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom
| | - Raphae Barlas
- Department of Acute Medicine, Ward 101/103, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom
| | - Aimun A B Jamjoom
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom
| | - James Walkden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Horgan
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, Ashgrove Rd W, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Moleron
- Department of Oncology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen Health Sciences Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasios Giamouriadis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Health Campus, Foresterhill Rd, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, United Kingdom
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Ahmed H, Furqan M, Okon II, Oduoye MO, Mitchell UO, Akpan U, Umutoni F, Bandyopadhyay S, Akilimali A, Nkeshimana M. The availability, access, challenges and advancements in neurosurgical care in Africa: a mini review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2011-2015. [PMID: 38576995 PMCID: PMC10990298 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The availability and accessibility of neurosurgical care across Africa remains limited despite recent advancements. Overall, Africa accounts for 15% of the global neurosurgical disease burden but has access to less than 1% of neurosurgeons globally. While the number of neurosurgeons has increased in recent decades, huge workforce shortages remain, with the region facing the second-largest neurosurgical deficit. Access to adequate facilities and equipment is also lacking. Barriers like poverty, conflicts, and distance from care centres negatively impact patients' ability to access services. However, training programs like the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Rabat Training Center have contributed to building local capacity. Use of technologies like neuro-endoscopy is expanding access to more cost-effective interventions for conditions such as hydrocephalus. Undergraduate medical education is also seeing a rise in African students interested in neurosurgery. Despite these advancements, workforce shortfalls, inadequate infrastructure, and challenges posed by geopolitical instability continue to hinder the provision of comprehensive neurosurgical care. Limited research and funding discourage experienced surgeons from practicing in their home countries. Increased international collaboration, support for education, and tackling of structural issues are needed to continue strengthening Africa's neurosurgical capacity and reducing the disease burden. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current state of neurosurgery on the continent, highlight achievements, and identify persisting challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Ahmed
- Faculty of medicine, University of Kordofan, Elobeid, Sudan
| | - Muhammad Furqan
- Faculty of medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Inibehe Ime Okon
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Bukavu
| | | | | | - Usoro Akpan
- Faculty of medicine, University of Warwick, Coventry
| | - Florence Umutoni
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Bukavu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rwanda
| | - Soham Bandyopadhyay
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire
- Oxford University Global Surgery Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aymar Akilimali
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Bukavu
| | - Menelas Nkeshimana
- Department of Health Workforce Development, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda
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Pecorari IL, Agarwal V. Medical malpractice and epidural hematomas: a retrospective analysis of 101 cases in the United States. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:1873-1880. [PMID: 38576915 PMCID: PMC10990362 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neurosurgeons face particularly high rates of litigation compared to physicians in other fields. Malpractice claims are commonly seen after mismanagement of life-threatening medical emergencies, such as epidural haematomas. Due to the lack of legal analysis pertaining to this condition, the aim of this study is to identify risk factors associated with litigation in cases relating to the diagnosis and treatment of epidural haematomas. Materials and methods Westlaw Edge, an online database, was used to analyze malpractice cases related to epidural haematomas between 1986 and 2022. Information regarding plaintiff demographics, defendant specialty, reason for litigation, trial outcomes, and payouts for verdicts and settlements were recorded. Comparative analysis between cases that returned a jury verdict in favour of the plaintiff versus defendant was completed. Results A total of 101 cases were included in the analysis. Failure to diagnose was the most common reason for litigation (n = 64, 63.4%), followed by negligent care resulting in an epidural haematoma (n = 44, 43.6%). Spine surgery (n = 29, 28.7%), trauma (n = 28, 27.7%), and epidural injection/catheter/electrode placement (n = 21, 20.8%) were the primary causes of haematomas. Neurosurgeons (n = 18, 17.8%) and anesthesiologists (n = 17, 16.8%) were the two most common physician specialties cited as defendants. Most cases resulted in a jury verdict in favour of the defense (n = 54, 53.5%). For cases ending in plaintiff verdicts, the average payout was $3 621 590.45, while the average payment for settlements was $2 432 272.73. Conclusion Failure to diagnose epidural haematomas is the most common reason for malpractice litigation, with neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists being the most common physician specialties to be named as defendants. More than half of all cases returned a jury verdict in favour of the defense and, on average, settlements proved to be more cost-effective than plaintiff verdicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella L. Pecorari
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
- Department of Neurological Surgery Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Vijay Agarwal
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
- Department of Neurological Surgery Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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Giribabu P, Karan N, Sriganesh K, Shukla D, Devi BI. Incidence, risk factors and impact of anemia after elective neurosurgery: A retrospective cohort study. World Neurosurg X 2024; 22:100289. [PMID: 38444872 PMCID: PMC10914572 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Anemia after surgery is common and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Understanding the incidence and risk factors for postoperative anemia is important to reduce anemia-related complications and blood transfusion. There is lack of data regarding postoperative anemia and its contributing factors in neurosurgery. This study evaluates the incidence and risk factors of postoperative anemia, and its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods This was a single centre, retrospective study of patients who underwent elective neurosurgery over seven months. Data regarding age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, diagnosis, surgery, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, dose of tranexamic acid, intraoperative fluid balance, years of surgeon's experience, postoperative hemoglobin, postoperative RBC transfusion, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at hospital discharge, and duration of postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay were collected. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of postoperative anemia. Results The incidence of postoperative anemia was 11.3% (116/1025). On univariate analysis; age, preoperative hemoglobin, surgery duration, gender, ASA grade, surgery type, and surgeon's experience were associated with postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin (p<0.001) and non-tumor surgery (p<0.001) were predictive of postoperative anemia on multivariate analysis. Postoperative anemia resulted in increased RBC transfusion (p<0.001) and lower GCS score at discharge (p=0.012). Conclusions Atleast one in ten patients undergoing elective neurosurgery develop postoperative anemia. Lower preoperative hemoglobin and non-tumor surgery predict anemia. Anemia results in increased RBC transfusion and lower discharge GCS score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthiban Giribabu
- Department of Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Bengaluru, India
| | - Nupur Karan
- Department of Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Bengaluru, India
| | - Kamath Sriganesh
- Department of Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Bengaluru, India
| | - Dhaval Shukla
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - B Indira Devi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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Rumalla KC, Covell MM, Skandalakis GP, Rumalla K, Kassicieh AJ, Roy JM, Kazim SF, Segura A, Bowers CA. The frailty-driven predictive model for failure to rescue among patients who experienced a major complication following cervical decompression and fusion: an ACS-NSQIP analysis of 3,632 cases (2011-2020). Spine J 2024; 24:582-589. [PMID: 38103740 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Preoperative risk stratification for patients considering cervical decompression and fusion (CDF) relies on established independent risk factors to predict the probability of complications and outcomes in order to help guide pre and perioperative decision-making. PURPOSE This study aims to determine frailty's impact on failure to rescue (FTR), or when a mortality occurs within 30 days following a major complication. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of retrospective and nationally-representative data. PATIENT SAMPLE The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for all CDF cases from 2011-2020. OUTCOME MEASURES CDF patients who experienced a major complication were identified and FTR was calculated as death or hospice disposition within 30 days of a major complication. METHODS Frailty was measured by the Risk Analysis Index-Revised (RAI-Rev). Baseline patient demographics and characteristics were compared for all FTR patients. Significant factors were assessed by univariate and multivariable regression for the development of a frailty-driven predictive model for FTR. The discriminative ability of the predictive model was assessed using a receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS There were 3632 CDF patients who suffered a major complication and 7.6% (277 patients) subsequently expired or dispositioned to hospice, the definition of FTR. Independent predictors of FTR were nonelective surgery, frailty, preoperative intubation, thrombosis or embolic complication, unplanned intubation, on ventilator for >48 hours, cardiac arrest, and septic shock. Frailty, and a combination of preoperative and postoperative risk factors in a predictive model for FTR, achieved outstanding discriminatory accuracy (C-statistic = 0.901, CI: 0.883-0.919). CONCLUSION Preoperative and postoperative risk factors, combined with frailty, yield a highly accurate predictive model for FTR in CDF patients. Our model may guide surgical management and/or prognostication regarding the likelihood of FTR after a major complication postoperatively with CDF patients. Future studies may determine the predictive ability of this model in other neurosurgical patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kranti C Rumalla
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 420 E Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Michael M Covell
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Georgios P Skandalakis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Kavelin Rumalla
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Alexander J Kassicieh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Joanna M Roy
- Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai Central, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008, India
| | - Syed Faraz Kazim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Aaron Segura
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital, 2211 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Christian A Bowers
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, 8342 S Levine Ln, Sandy, UT, 84070, USA.
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Iqbal J, Courville E, Kazim SF, Kogan M, Schmidt MH, Bowers CA. Role of nanotechnology in neurosurgery: A review of recent advances and their applications. World Neurosurg X 2024; 22:100298. [PMID: 38455250 PMCID: PMC10918265 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- School of Medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Evan Courville
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Syed Faraz Kazim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Michael Kogan
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Meic H. Schmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Christian A. Bowers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH), Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Bowers Neurosurgical Frailty and Outcomes Data Science Lab, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Rechberger JS, Power EA, DeCuypere M, Daniels DJ. Evolution of neurosurgical advances and nuances in medulloblastoma therapy. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1031-1044. [PMID: 38112693 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06239-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children, presents a complex treatment challenge due to its propensity for infiltrative growth within the posterior fossa and its potential attachment to critical anatomical structures. Central to the management of medulloblastoma is the surgical resection of the tumor, which is a key determinant of patient prognosis. However, the extent of surgical resection (EOR), ranging from gross total resection (GTR) to subtotal resection (STR) or even biopsy, has been the subject of extensive debate and investigation within the medical community. Today, the impact of neurosurgical EOR on the prognosis of medulloblastoma patients remains a complex and evolving area of investigation. The conflicting findings in the literature, the challenges posed by critical surrounding anatomical structures, the potential for surgical complications and neurologic morbidity, and the nuanced interactions with molecular subgroups all contribute to the complexity of this issue. As the field continues to advance, the imperative to strike a delicate balance between maximizing resection and preserving quality of life remains central to the management of medulloblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Erica A Power
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Michael DeCuypere
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Camarano J, Lefever D, Kandregula S, Abushehab N, Benzil D, Huntoon K, Mazzola C, McGuire L, Heary R, Parr A, Hussain N, Perez-Cruet M, Shuer L, Stacy J, Guthikonda B. Utilization of Locum Tenens in Neurosurgery. World Neurosurg 2024; 184:e274-e281. [PMID: 38296044 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite its rising popularity, little has been described about locum tenens employment (locums) in neurosurgery. This study provides the first nationwide overview of the locums neurosurgery experience. METHODS An anonymous online survey examined practice characteristics of respondents, extent of and satisfaction with locums, motivations for pursuing locums, case volumes, agencies used, compensation, and positive/negative aspects of experiences. Responses were collected between November 2020 and February 2021. RESULTS Response rate for the 1852 neurosurgeons who opened the survey request was 4.9%; 36 of 91 respondents had previously worked locums and were commonly motivated by compensation or transitioning to new jobs or retirement. In our response group, 92% of locums respondents had taken more than one position and 47% had taken more than 10. Neurosurgeons performing <200 cases/year were significantly more likely to have also worked locums than those performing >200 cases/year (41.6% locums, 12.7% non-locums, P = 0.001). Responses showed that 69% of locums respondents earned $2000-$2999/day and 16% earned >$3500/day. Nearly 78% of locums respondents were satisfied with their experience(s) and 86% would take another future locums position. Being in practice for >15 years was significantly associated with satisfaction with locums (P = 0.03). Reported flaws included unfamiliarity with hospitals, limited continuity of care, credentialing burdens, and inadequate travel compensation. CONCLUSIONS Locums is utilized by neurosurgeons across multiple practice types and may serve to complement workloads or "fill in gaps" between longer-term employment. Overall, locums neurosurgeons are well compensated, and the majority are satisfied with their experience(s). Inevitably, flaws still exist with locums employment, which may be the focus of organized efforts aiming to improve the experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Camarano
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
| | - Devon Lefever
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sandeep Kandregula
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nimer Abushehab
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Deborah Benzil
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Center for Spine Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristin Huntoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Catherine Mazzola
- Division of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, Goryeb Children's Hospital, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
| | - Laura McGuire
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago Illinois, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago Illinois, USA
| | - Robert Heary
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ann Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Namath Hussain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | | | - Lawrence Shuer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jason Stacy
- Division of Neurosurgery, North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA
| | - Bharat Guthikonda
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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O'Malley GR, Sarwar SA, Weisman HE, Wan E, Prem Kumar R, Patel NV. Assessing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Patient-Facing Websites in Neurosurgical Departments in the United States. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00529-1. [PMID: 38556163 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-facing websites serve as essential platforms for disseminating information, engaging with patients, and increasing access to neurosurgical resources and services. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the forefront of issues facing the field of neurosurgery, especially concerning race and gender disparities in regards to providers in the field. METHODS Data were collected in regards to the race and gender of patients and providers displayed on the neurosurgery department's patient-facing website in addition to accommodations for disabilities, decreased ability to pay, and language. RESULTS Patients who were White were depicted more commonly than those of color (69% vs. 31%, P < 0.00001). White patients also were over-represented when compared with the average demographics of the communities in which the hospitals served (P = 0.03846). Neurosurgical providers who were White outnumbered those of color (70% vs. 30%, P < 0.00001). The racial depiction of providers was comparable with racial disparities currently observed in neurosurgery (P = 0.59612). Female neurosurgery providers were seen less than male providers on patient-facing websites (P < 0.00001) but were seen more commonly on patient-facing websites than the percentage of practicing neurosurgeons they currently comprise (28% vs. 8%, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that patient-facing websites of neurosurgical departments are an area of improvement in regards to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the field of neurosurgery. Disparities are noted in regards to the racial depiction of patients and further call to attention racial and gender disparities in the field of neurosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey R O'Malley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Syed A Sarwar
- Department of Neurosurgery, HMH-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hannah E Weisman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Erica Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rohit Prem Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nitesh V Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, HMH-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
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Serebin M, Zhang J, Yan K, Cabacungan E, Deshmukh T, Maheshwari M, Foy A, Cohen S. Prediction of short- and long-term outcomes using pre-operative ventricular size in infants with post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilation. Childs Nerv Syst 2024:10.1007/s00381-024-06371-2. [PMID: 38532147 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilation (PHVD) leads to developmental delays in premature infants, yet the optimal timing of neurosurgical interventions is unknown. Neuroimaging modalities have emerged to delineate injury and follow the progression of PHVD. Fronto-temporal horn ratio (FTHR) is used as a marker of ventricular dilation and can be a standardized tool to direct the timing of neurosurgical intervention. Our study determined a pre-operative FTHR measurement threshold to predict short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of premature infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) who developed PHVD requiring neurosurgical intervention and were treated in a level IV NICU between 2012 and 2019. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were performed to evaluate the accuracy of pre-operative FTHR for predicting developmental delay. In-hospital outcomes and developmental assessments were analyzed. RESULTS We reviewed 121 charts of infants with IVH and identified 43 infants with PHVD who required neurosurgical intervention. We found FTHR measurements were an excellent predictor of cognitive and motor delay with an AUC of 0.89 and 0.88, respectively. An average pre-operative FTHR of ≥ 0.67 was also associated with worse lung and feeding outcomes. There was excellent inter-observer reliability of individual components of FTHR measurements. CONCLUSIONS Early intervention for PHVD is ideal but not always practical. Identification of ventricular size thresholds associated with better outcomes is needed to direct timing of neurosurgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jian Zhang
- Division of Quantitative Health Science, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ke Yan
- Division of Quantitative Health Science, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Erwin Cabacungan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Corporate Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 N. 92 Street, Suite C410, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Tejaswini Deshmukh
- Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Mohit Maheshwari
- Division of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Foy
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Susan Cohen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Corporate Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 N. 92 Street, Suite C410, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
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Sun R, Pitsika M, Momin S, Sher Z, Macarthur D. Evaluating neurosurgical training: a national survey examining the British trainee experience. Br J Neurosurg 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38533926 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2024.2332178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurosurgery training in the UK has undergone significant changes over the past few years, including the new competency-based curriculum and a reduction of elective operating due to the pandemic. We conducted a comprehensive survey to assess UK neurosurgical trainees' experiences and perceptions to develop targeted action plans. METHODS An online anonymised survey was developed and distributed amongst the BNTA mailing list. Question types included 10-point Likert scales and free text options. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric testing of Likert scores, and Spearman's rank correlation were used to analyse responses. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for subgroup analysis of categorical data. RESULTS A total of 75 trainees with a National Training Number (NTN) responded. Overall trainees feel they are well trained, well supported, and have caught up with training emerging out of COVID. Funding for training varied between deaneries. There is significant concern amongst trainees regarding the workforce crisis. This, as well as financial concerns are leading to more than a quarter of trainees considering quitting. Half of the trainees are considering going OOP. More than one third of the trainees and more than half of the female trainees are considering working Less Than Full Time (LTFT). Most important supportive mechanisms towards completion of training were social support, along with personal satisfaction from work. An independent mentoring scheme is a preferred additional support mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Overall training experience for neurosurgery trainees in UK and Ireland was positive. There are significant concerns regarding the workforce crisis and costs of training, with a large proportion of neurosurgery trainees considering resigning. OOP and LTFT are popular means of becoming more competitive for consultant posts and to spend time with their families. Deanery experience, senior and peer support does, and will improve trainee experience and protect against attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals North Midlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
| | - Marina Pitsika
- Department of Neurosurgery, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Clinical Fellow, General Medical Council, London, UK
| | - Sheikh Momin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals North Midlands, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zenab Sher
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Coventry Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Donald Macarthur
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Lawson McLean A, Vetrano IG, Lawson McLean AC, Conti A, Mertens P, Müther M, Nemir J, Peschillo S, Santacroce A, Sarica C, Tuleasca C, Zoia C, Régis J. Revitalizing neurosurgical frontiers: The EANS frontiers in neurosurgery committee's strategic framework. Brain Spine 2024; 4:102794. [PMID: 38601776 PMCID: PMC11004717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2024.102794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The field of neurosurgery faces challenges with the increasing involvement of other medical specialties in areas traditionally led by neurosurgeons. This paper examines the implications of this development for neurosurgical practice and patient care, with a focus on specialized areas like pain management, peripheral nerve surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Research question To assess the implications of the expanded scope of other specialties for neurosurgical practice and to consider the response of the EANS Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee to these challenges. Materials and methods Analysis of recent trends in neurosurgery, including the shift in various procedures to other specialties, demographic challenges, and the emergence of minimally invasive techniques. This analysis draws on relevant literature and the initiatives of the Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee. Results We explore a possible decrease in neurosurgical involvement in certain areas, which may have implications for patient care and access to specialized neurosurgical interventions. The Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee's role in addressing these concerns is highlighted, particularly in terms of training, education, research, and networking for neurosurgeons, especially those early in their careers. Discussion and conclusion The potential decrease in neurosurgical involvement in certain specialties warrants attention. This paper emphasizes the importance of carefully considered responses by neurosurgical societies, such as the EANS, to ensure neurosurgeons continue to play a vital role in managing neurological diseases. Emphasis on ongoing education, integration of minimally invasive techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for maintaining the field's competence and quality in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lawson McLean
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jena University Hospital – Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ignazio G. Vetrano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna C. Lawson McLean
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jena University Hospital – Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alfredo Conti
- UOC Neurochirurgia, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrick Mertens
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Michael Müther
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jakob Nemir
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Simone Peschillo
- Endovascular Neurosurgery, Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Santacroce
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Barbara-Klinik Hamm-Heessen, Hamm, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- European Radiosurgery Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Can Sarica
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontatio, Canada
| | - Constantin Tuleasca
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurosurgery Service and Gamma Knife Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cesare Zoia
- UOC Neurochirurgia, Ospedale Moriggia Pelascini, Gravedona e Uniti, Italy
| | - Jean Régis
- Aix Marseille University, Department of Functional Neurosurgery, CHU Timone, Marseille, France
| | - EANS Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jena University Hospital – Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
- UOC Neurochirurgia, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Hospices Civils de Lyon, University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Endovascular Neurosurgery, Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Barbara-Klinik Hamm-Heessen, Hamm, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- European Radiosurgery Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontatio, Canada
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurosurgery Service and Gamma Knife Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine (FBM), Lausanne, Switzerland
- UOC Neurochirurgia, Ospedale Moriggia Pelascini, Gravedona e Uniti, Italy
- Aix Marseille University, Department of Functional Neurosurgery, CHU Timone, Marseille, France
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Ramirez MDJE, Montemurro N, Musa G, Chmutin GE, Nurmukhametov R, Rosario AR, Barza JL, Kaprovoy S, Konovalov N, Kudriavtsev D, Mukengeshay JN, Kalangu KK, Kachinga S, Sufianov A, Simfukwe K, Baeza-Antón L, Kutty RK, El-Ghandour NMF, Garozzo D. On the balance beam: facing the challenges of neurosurgical education in the third millennium. Surg Neurol Int 2024; 15:102. [PMID: 38628530 PMCID: PMC11021083 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1014_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neurosurgery is one of the most complex and challenging areas of medicine, and it requires an ongoing commitment to education and expertise. Preparing young neurosurgeons with comprehensive education that can allow them to achieve high professional standards is a pivotal aspect of our profession. Methods This paper aims to analyze the current scenario in neurosurgical training identifying innovative methods that can guarantee the highest level of proficiency in our specialty. Results Given the inherent high-stakes nature of neurosurgical procedures, there is a significant burden of responsibility in ensuring that neurosurgical training is of the highest caliber, capable of producing practitioners who possess not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and well-tuned judgment. Conclusion Providing high-quality training is one of the major challenges that the neurosurgical community has to face nowadays, especially in low- and middle-income countries; one of the main issues to implementing neurosurgery worldwide is that the majority of African countries and many areas in Southeast Asia still have few neurosurgeons who encounter enormous daily difficulties to guarantee the appropriate neurosurgical care to their population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Montemurro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gerald Musa
- Department of Neurological Diseases and Neurosurgery, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Gennady E. Chmutin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Renat Nurmukhametov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Andreina Rosario Rosario
- Department of Neurosurgery, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Jesus Lafuente Barza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Center Hospital del Mar, Sagrat Cor University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stanislav Kaprovoy
- Department of Neurosurgery, N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Nikolay Konovalov
- Department of Neurosurgery, N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry Kudriavtsev
- Department of Neurosurgery, Podolsk Regional Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Kazadi Kelvin Kalangu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Zimbabwe
| | - Sichizya Kachinga
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Albert Sufianov
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Centre of Neurosurgery, Tyumen, Russia
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Keith Simfukwe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Laura Baeza-Antón
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, New York, United States
| | - Raja K. Kutty
- Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | | | - Debora Garozzo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Yeradi M, Dunn E, Hou A, Johansen PM, Rainone GJ. Post-COVID Analysis of Which U.S. Medical Schools Produce the Most Neurosurgery Residents: 2021-2023 in Review. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00461-3. [PMID: 38522786 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The process surrounding application to the national residency matching program changed drastically because of COVID. Virtual interviews, pre-interview Zoom socials, and limitations on sub-internships are major changes that applicants worldwide have had to overcome. The available literature does not reflect the impact of major changes to the interview process. Here, we examine the neurosurgery resident cohort from 2021-2023 to investigate differences between United States medical schools pre- and post-COVID. METHODS A database was constructed reporting the number of students matched to neurosurgery for U.S. medical schools (M.D. and D.O.) from 2021-2023. Percentage of total graduates matched to neurosurgery was calculated and institutions were ranked by this metric. This rank was compared to a rank reported in 2021. Variables were compared across the pre- and post-COVID cohorts. RESULTS Case Western, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt, University of Illinois, and University of California San Francisco produced the most neurosurgical residents as a percentage of total graduates. There was a statistically significant difference in the post-COVID cohort between medical schools with a home program versus those without. For the top 20 ranked U.S. News and World Report medical schools, there was a statistically insignificant increase in the number of graduates matched to neurosurgery. CONCLUSIONS With the data provided, there have not been many significant changes in which medical schools produce the most neurosurgery residents since COVID changes were implemented. The playing field has remained relatively stable in the setting of major changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yeradi
- Department of General Surgery, Creighton University Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Emma Dunn
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Annabel Hou
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Phillip M Johansen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Gersham J Rainone
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.
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Verbraeken B, Aboukais R, Voormolen M, Van der Zijden T, Boogaarts HD, Vanloon M, Menovsky T. Posterior Cerebral Artery-to-Superior Cerebellar Artery Side-to-Side Bypass via Extreme Lateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach: Technical Note. World Neurosurg 2024; 186:108-115. [PMID: 38521223 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficult-to-treat aneurysms of the distal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) can often be treated by parent artery occlusion. A cerebrovascular bypass can complement PCA occlusion to curb the risk of ischemic complications. An in situ bypass may be considered when the occipital artery or superficial temporal artery cannot serve as a bypass donor. This article describes the use of a side-to-side bypass of superior cerebellar artery as a donor to the PCA via an extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach (ELSCIT). This bypass approach can be a useful surgical strategy for PCA revascularization. METHODS A 40-year-old woman underwent a side-to-side PCA-superior cerebellar artery bypass via the ELSCIT approach for to treat a complex and previously coiled PCA aneurysm. The bypass was followed by endovascular aneurysm and parent artery occlusion. RESULTS Postoperatively, the patient experienced transient, partial trochlear nerve palsy of the left eye without ischemic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. The clinical condition was stable, and angiography showed a patent bypass and complete aneurysm occlusion 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS The ELSCIT approach offers access to the medial and distal PCA that is suitable for a side-to-side PCA-superior cerebellar artery bypass. This type of approach and bypass may be of value when revascularization of a P2-P3 portion of the PCA is needed, but a suitable occipital artery or superficial temporal artery is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Verbraeken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Pathology, Jessa Hospital Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Rabih Aboukais
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lille University Hospital, Hospital Nord, Lille, France
| | - Maurits Voormolen
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Thijs Van der Zijden
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hieronymus D Boogaarts
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Vanloon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Tomas Menovsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Lequin MB, Verbaan D, Schuurman PR, Tasche S, Peul WC, Vandertop WP, Bouma GJ. The long-term outcome of revision microdiscectomy for recurrent sciatica. Eur Spine J 2024:10.1007/s00586-024-08199-5. [PMID: 38512504 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the long-term outcome of revision microdiscectomy after classic microdiscectomy for lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LSRS). METHODS Eighty-eight of 216 patients (41%) who underwent a revision microdiscectomy between 2007 and 2010 for MRI disc-related LSRS participated in this study. Questionnaires included visual analogue scores (VAS) for leg pain, RDQ, OLBD, RAND-36, and seven-point Likert scores for recovery, leg pain, and back pain. Any further lumbar re-revision operation(s) were recorded. RESULTS Mean (SD) age was 59.8 (12.8), and median [IQR] time of follow-up was 10.0 years [9.0-11.0]. A favourable general perceived recovery was reported by 35 patients (40%). A favourable outcome with respect to perceived leg pain was present in 39 patients (45%), and 35 patients (41%) reported a favourable outcome concerning back pain. The median VAS for leg and back pain was worse in the unfavourable group (48.0/100 mm (IQR 16.0-71.0) vs. 3.0/100 mm (IQR 2.0-5.0) and 56.0/100 mm (IQR 27.0-74.0) vs. 4.0/100 mm (IQR 2.0-17.0), respectively; both p < 0.001). Re-revision operation occurred in 31 (35%) patients (24% same level same side); there was no significant difference in the rate of favourable outcome between patients with or without a re-revision operation. CONCLUSION The long-term results after revision microdiscectomy for LSRS show an unfavourable outcome in the majority of patients and a high risk of re-revision microdiscectomy, with similar results. Based on also the disappointing results of alternative treatments, revision microdiscectomy for recurrent LSRS seems to still be a valid treatment. The results of our study may be useful to counsel patients in making appropriate treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Lequin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location Acadamic Medical Center, Neurosurgery, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 EZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurosurgery, OLVG, Jan Tooropstraat 164, 1061 AE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - D Verbaan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location Acadamic Medical Center, Neurosurgery, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 EZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P R Schuurman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location Acadamic Medical Center, Neurosurgery, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 EZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Tasche
- Department of Neurosurgery, OLVG, Jan Tooropstraat 164, 1061 AE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W C Peul
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Center Holland, UMC | HMC | HAGA, Leiden, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - W P Vandertop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location Acadamic Medical Center, Neurosurgery, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 EZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G J Bouma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers Location Acadamic Medical Center, Neurosurgery, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 EZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, OLVG, Jan Tooropstraat 164, 1061 AE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Cho HJ, Lloyd T, Zammit A, Pattavilakom Sadasivan A, Wagels M, Sutherland A. Radiologically derived 3D virtual models for neurosurgical planning. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 123:23-29. [PMID: 38518385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Three dimensional (3D) virtual models for neurosurgery have demonstrated substantial clinical utility, especially for neuro-oncological cases. Computer-aided design (CAD) modelling of radiological images can provide realistic and high-quality 3D models which neurosurgeons may use pre-operatively for surgical planning. 3D virtual models are useful as they are the basis for other models that build off this design. 3D virtual models are quick to segment but can also be easily added to normal neurosurgical and radiological workflow without disruption. Three anatomically complex neuro-oncology cases that were referred from a single institution by three different neurosurgeons were segmented and 3D virtual models were created for pre-operative surgical planning. A face-to-face interview was performed with the surgeons after the models were delivered to gauge the usefulness of the model in pre-surgical planning. All three neurosurgeons found that the 3D virtual model was useful for presurgical planning. Specifically, the virtual model helped in planning operative positioning, understanding spatial relationship between lesion and surrounding critical anatomy and identifying anatomy that will be encountered intra-operatively in a sequential manner. It provided benefit in Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and patient education for shared decision making.3D virtual models are beneficial for pre-surgical planning and patient education for shared decision making for neurosurgical neuro-oncology cases. We believe this could be further expanded to other surgical specialties. The integration of 3D virtual models into normal workflow as the initial step will provide an easier transition into modalities that build off the virtual models such as printed, virtual, augmented and mixed reality models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jae Cho
- Australian Centre for Complex Integration of Surgical Solutions (ACCISS), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Thomas Lloyd
- Australian Centre for Complex Integration of Surgical Solutions (ACCISS), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Radiology, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Adrian Zammit
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ananthababu Pattavilakom Sadasivan
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Neurosurgery, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Michael Wagels
- Australian Centre for Complex Integration of Surgical Solutions (ACCISS), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Allison Sutherland
- Australian Centre for Complex Integration of Surgical Solutions (ACCISS), Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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La Corte E, Gelmi CAE, Bertolini G, Ruggiero F, Younus I, Sturiale C, Mazzatenta D, Conti A, Aspide R. Giuseppe Dagnini (1866-1928): Discoverer of the Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex and Practical Implications in Neurosurgery and Other Medical Specialties. World Neurosurg 2024; 186:116-121. [PMID: 38521222 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The authors present the life and art of Giuseppe Dagnini, a renowned Italian physician who was born in Bologna in 1866. He was the chief of the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna and authored valuable scientific works on the trigemino-cardiac reflex which is still applied in modern clinical practice. Dr. Dagnini firstly described the reflex in 1908 postulating that stimulation of one of the 3 branches of the trigeminal nerve triggers the afferent pathway in lowering heart rate. The authors also provide a modern outlook on the clinical implications of the TCR in neurosurgery, neuroanesthesia, and other medical specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele La Corte
- Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Giacomo Bertolini
- Neurosurgery Unit, Head and Neck Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Ruggiero
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Bellaria-Maggiore Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Bologna, Italy
| | - Iyan Younus
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Carmelo Sturiale
- Neurosurgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Mazzatenta
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Programma Neurochirurgia Ipofisi - Pituitary Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alfredo Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Neurosurgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Aspide
- Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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69
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Ramón-Cuellar JF, Mejía-Cordovez JA, Quiñones-Ossa GA, Leal-Isaza JP, Vargas-Osorio MP, Ramirez-Muñoz JD, Ordóñez-Rubiano EG, Ramirez AP, Amarillo DG, Hakim-Daccach F. Cerebral Myiasis, An Unexpected Intraoperative Finding - A Case Report and Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 186:138-144. [PMID: 38503402 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Postoperative complications, exemplified by surgical site infections, are commonplace in the realm of daily surgical interventions. Conversely, certain infectious entities, such as cerebral myiasis (CM), are distinctly rare. This report elucidates the clinical presentation of a 74-year-old female afflicted with a CSF fistula, within the context of a preceding surgical microvascular decompression employing a suboccipital craniotomy approach. Notably, the course of evaluation and treatment unveiled an intraoperative manifestation of severe CM. This case report underscores the critical significance of prompt identification, precise diagnostic elucidation, and comprehensive multidisciplinary management to optimize patient outcomes in instances of CM. Furthermore, a systematic literature review on CM supplements this report, contributing to the understanding of this infrequent complication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriel Alexander Quiñones-Ossa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Pablo Leal-Isaza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Juan Daniel Ramirez-Muñoz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Edgar G Ordóñez-Rubiano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia; Department of Neurosurgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
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70
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Poletto E, Kanthimathinathan HK, Gyorgyi Z. How to perform and interpret a middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler examination in children at risk of brain injury. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2024; 109:98-104. [PMID: 37532292 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is a non-invasive neuromonitoring technique that falls under the umbrella of point-of-care ultrasound. In this article, we provide a primer to encourage clinicians to perform TCD examinations and to aid them with accurately interpreting the scans. We focus on the middle cerebral artery waveforms and use traumatic brain injury as a model for brain insult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Poletto
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, San Bortolo Hospital of Vicenza, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | - Zoltan Gyorgyi
- Paediatric Critical Care Unit, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
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71
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Moriconi S, Rodríguez-Núñez O, Gros R, Felger LA, Maragkou T, Hewer E, Pierangelo A, Novikova T, Schucht P, McKinley R. Near-real-time Mueller polarimetric image processing for neurosurgical intervention. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2024:10.1007/s11548-024-03090-6. [PMID: 38503943 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-024-03090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wide-field imaging Mueller polarimetry is a revolutionary, label-free, and non-invasive modality for computer-aided intervention; in neurosurgery, it aims to provide visual feedback of white matter fibre bundle orientation from derived parameters. Conventionally, robust polarimetric parameters are estimated after averaging multiple measurements of intensity for each pair of probing and detected polarised light. Long multi-shot averaging, however, is not compatible with real-time in vivo imaging, and the current performance of polarimetric data processing hinders the translation to clinical practice. METHODS A learning-based denoising framework is tailored for fast, single-shot, noisy acquisitions of polarimetric intensities. Also, performance-optimised image processing tools are devised for the derivation of clinically relevant parameters. The combination recovers accurate polarimetric parameters from fast acquisitions with near-real-time performance, under the assumption of pseudo-Gaussian polarimetric acquisition noise. RESULTS The denoising framework is trained, validated, and tested on experimental data comprising tumour-free and diseased human brain samples in different conditions. Accuracy and image quality indices showed significant ( p < 0.05 ) improvements on testing data for a fast single-pass denoising versus the state-of-the-art and high polarimetric image quality standards. The computational time is reported for the end-to-end processing. CONCLUSION The end-to-end image processing achieved real-time performance for a localised field of view ( ≈ 6.5 mm 2 ). The denoised polarimetric intensities produced visibly clear directional patterns of neuronal fibre tracts in line with reference polarimetric image quality standards; directional disruption was kept in case of neoplastic lesions. The presented advances pave the way towards feasible oncological neurosurgical translations of novel, label-free, interventional feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Moriconi
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Omar Rodríguez-Núñez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Romain Gros
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonard A Felger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Theoni Maragkou
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ekkehard Hewer
- Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Angelo Pierangelo
- LPICM, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - Tatiana Novikova
- LPICM, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, 91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - Philippe Schucht
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Richard McKinley
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
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72
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Mohammad O, Jacoby J, Tighe MP. Infantile myofibromatosis in a 5-month-old boy. Arch Dis Child 2024; 109:347-348. [PMID: 38123918 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Osama Mohammad
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Joseph Jacoby
- Paediatric Radiology, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Mark Peter Tighe
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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73
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Brokkelkamp P, Baalman JH, Driesse MJ, Kho KH. Management of an acute intracranial emergency in pregnancy. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258066. [PMID: 38508596 PMCID: PMC10953304 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a mid-20s primigravida at 37 weeks' gestation who presented with severe headache and acute neurological deterioration. The CT brain scan showed hydrocephalus caused by a colloid cyst in the third ventricle. The patient underwent emergency placement of an external ventricular drain for decompression of acute hydrocephalus. Four hours later, labour commenced spontaneously, and in view of her neurological status, a decision was taken to perform a caesarean section under general anaesthetics. Four days postpartum, the patient underwent an endoscopic removal of the cyst. Intracranial emergencies during pregnancy are rare and challenging to manage. The mortality rate can be significant. Diagnostic and surgical intervention should not be delayed because of pregnancy. An individualised treatment approach is required with multidisciplinary input. The collaborative efforts of our multidisciplinary team resulted in prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment in this case that resulted in both a healthy mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jelle H Baalman
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kuan H Kho
- Neurosurgery, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Clinical Neurophysiology Group, University of Twente Faculty of Science and Technology, Enschede, The Netherlands
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74
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Axenhus M, Schedin-Weiss S, Tjernberg L, Winblad B. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgery in the elderly population in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:823. [PMID: 38491396 PMCID: PMC10941451 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a refocus of health care resources to acute care which has impacted on the capacity of healthcare systems to conduct neurological surgeries. The elderly population has been shown to be particularly vulnerable to the consequences of the pandemic. Less neurosurgery can result in great impact on public health by increasing morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancies and traumatic injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgical procedures in the elderly population in Sweden. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, the reported incidence of all neurosurgical procedures registered in the 21 Regions of Sweden during 2015-2021 in people aged 65 year or older was collected. Surgical procedures were classified according to the NOMESCO system of classification. Neurosurgery incidence was defined as the number of NOMESCO associated interventions per 100.000 inhabitants. ICD-10 codes associated with neurosurgery-related diagnoses and deaths were also collected. Expected incidence of neurosurgery, neurosurgery-associated deaths and brain cancer diagnoses was estimated and compared to actual outcomes. Decrease in the incidence of neurosurgery was compared to regional COVID-19 incidence, other types of surgery and surgery waiting times. RESULTS The incidence of several categories of neurosurgery decreased in Sweden during 2020 and 2021, although not as much as other surgical categories. Women were more affected than men by the decrease in neurosurgery which could be partly explained by a decrease in brain cancer diagnoses amongst women. There was an association between regional decrease in neurosurgery incidence and longer surgery waiting time. COVID-19 incidence in the region did not have an effect on regional decreases in neurosurgery incidence. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a reduction in the number of neurosurgical procedures performed in Sweden during 2020-2021, although not as much as in other European countries. There was regional difference in Sweden with respect to number of surgeries, and waiting time for elective surgeries although there was no increase in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Axenhus
- Department of Clinical Sciences at Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sophia Schedin-Weiss
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Tjernberg
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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75
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Adams IG, Jayaweera R, Lewis J, Badawi N, Abdel-Latif ME, Paget S. Postoperative pain and pain management following selective dorsal rhizotomy. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002381. [PMID: 38490692 PMCID: PMC10946356 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical procedure that reduces lower limb spasticity, performed in some children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Effective pain management after SDR is essential for early rehabilitation. This study aimed to describe the anaesthetic and early pain management, pain and adverse events in children following SDR. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants were all children who underwent SDR at a single Australian tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2020. Electronic medical records of all children identified were reviewed. Data collected included demographic and clinical data (pain scores, key clinical outcomes, adverse events and side effects) and medications used during anaesthesia and postoperative recovery. RESULTS 22 children (n=8, 36% female) had SDR. The mean (SD) age at surgery was 6 years and 6 months (1 year and 4 months). Common intraoperative medications used were remifentanil (100%), ketamine (95%), paracetamol (91%) and sevoflurane (86%). Postoperatively, all children were prescribed opioid nurse-controlled analgesia (morphine, 36%; fentanyl, 36%; and oxycodone, 18%) and concomitant ketamine infusion. Opioid doses were maximal on the day after surgery. The mean (SD) daily average pain score (Wong-Baker FACES scale) on the day after surgery was 1.4 (0.9), decreasing to 1.0 (0.5) on postoperative day 6 (POD6). Children first attended the physiotherapy gym on median day 7 (POD8, range 7-8). Most children experienced mild side effects or adverse events that were managed conservatively. Common side effects included constipation (n=19), nausea and vomiting (n=18), and pruritus (n=14). No patient required return to theatre, ICU admission or prolonged inpatient stay. CONCLUSIONS Most children achieve good pain management following SDR with opioid and ketamine infusions. Adverse events, while common, are typically mild and managed with medication or therapy. This information can be used as a baseline to improve postoperative care and to support families' understanding of SDR before surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel G Adams
- Australian National University College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ramanie Jayaweera
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Lewis
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nadia Badawi
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Grace Centre for Newborn Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohamed E Abdel-Latif
- Australian National University College of Health and Medicine, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Neonatology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Simon Paget
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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76
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Maresca L, Fragale M, Petrella G, Boeris D. Management of post blood patch severe rebound intracranial hypertension by the usage of an external ventricular drain. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e257743. [PMID: 38490699 PMCID: PMC10946380 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a condition characterised by postural headaches due to low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, often stemming from CSF leakage. Diagnosis poses a significant challenge, and the therapeutic approach encompasses both conservative measures and operative interventions, such as the epidural blood patch (EBP). However, EBP carries the potential risk of inducing rebound intracranial hypertension (RIH), subsequently leading to high-pressure headaches. We present a case wherein RIH following EBP was effectively managed through the implementation of an external ventricular drain (EVD) aimed at reducing CSF pressure. The patient improved significantly, underscoring the potential utility, if not necessity, of EVD in carefully selected cases, highlighting the imperative for further research to enhance the management of SIH and optimise EBP-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Maresca
- Neurosurgery, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Maria Fragale
- Neurosurgery, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
- Neurosurgery, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giacomo Petrella
- Neurosurgery, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Davide Boeris
- Neurosurgery, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
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77
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Dutta RR, Lopez A, Hsu FPK, Paff M. What is the Philosophy of Neurosurgery? Systematic Review and Defining the Discipline. World Neurosurg 2024; 186:35-42. [PMID: 38493892 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite centuries of joint investigation of philosophy and neurological interventions, a founding account for the philosophy of neurosurgery has yet to be rigorously constructed or defended. This paper reviews recent work on the philosophy of neurosurgery, spanning metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory, to establish a framework and clinical relevance for study in the philosophy of neurosurgery. METHODS A systematic review of an online database was conducted using the broad search terms, "Philosophy AND (Neurosurgery OR Neurological Surgery)." Records were included if they demonstrated relevance to the philosophy of neurosurgery and analytical rigor, but were excluded if solely legal, clinical, or ethical principles were considered without substantive discussion of underlying ethical frameworks and philosophical principles. RESULTS Of 8025 candidates from online and print records, 16 records (14 from online sources and 2 from an edited volume) met inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Three dealt with metaphysics, 3 dealt with epistemology, 4 dealt with value theory, 5 dealt with metaphysics/epistemology, and 1 dealt with value theory/metaphysics. Questions of free will, consciousness, personal identity, neurosurgical knowledge, ascription of other minds, deontology, and minimalism, among others, were considered. DISCUSSION Based on identified studies, the philosophy of neurosurgery is defined as the discipline of rigorously and methodically addressing metaphysical, epistemological, and value-theoretic questions arising from physically intervening in the nervous system. We discuss future directions for questions within the philosophy of neurosurgery and consider their relevance for patient care and the practice of neurosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev R Dutta
- School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
| | - Alexander Lopez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Frank P K Hsu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Michelle Paff
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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Santoro GD, Morselli C, Cirullo A, Bassani R. 'Tumour-like' lesion caused by cervical discal instability. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e257373. [PMID: 38479832 PMCID: PMC10941145 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a man in his 40s who sought medical attention due to central cord syndrome. MRI findings demonstrated contrast uptake, spinal swelling, syrinx formation and narrowing of the spinal canal. We encountered two potential scenarios:when malignancy is suspected, the patient would undergo a biopsy. However, if the lesion is ultimately determined to be benign, the patient would have been subjected to an avoidable risk of neurological damage associated with the procedure. Conversely, addressing the lesion as a result of a degenerative process (discal instability), performing an anterior approach for interbody fusion with an underlying malignant process could lead to substantial delays in the diagnosis, finally producing a poor outcome. A comprehensive imaging workup was conducted to rule out malignancy. We hypothesised that discal instability was responsible for the observed findings. The patient was successfully treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion, without complications. Follow-up evaluations confirmed remission of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Diodato Santoro
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Second Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Carlotta Morselli
- Second Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Agostino Cirullo
- Second Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Bassani
- Second Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Hospital, Milano, Italy
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Maeda-Anezaki M, Omura K, Mori R, Ishida K. Case of giant juvenile angiofibroma resected by external incision with temporary double balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery by intraoperative endovascular treatment. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e256731. [PMID: 38479825 PMCID: PMC10941159 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the first case of a juvenile nasal angiofibroma (JNA) fed by multiple arteries from the internal carotid artery (ICA), removed without complications by temporarily blocking the ICA with two balloons. An early adolescent with JNA underwent preoperative embolisation of feeding arteries arising from the external carotid artery (ECA) (University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre classification IV). Endoscopic resection was attempted once but discontinued due to massive bleeding (7000 mL). 17 months later, the JNA had grown to fill both nasal cavities. Repeated preoperative embolisation of the feeders from the ECA was performed, followed by surgery combined with endoscopic and external incision. Intraoperatively, two balloons were inserted into the right ICA, which were inflated at the proximal and distal sites of the feeder vessels to cut-off blood flow to the tumour. The tumour was almost completely resected with 6270 mL of blood loss and no postoperative neurological deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuka Maeda-Anezaki
- Otorhinolaryngology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan
- Otorhinolaryngology, Self Defence Forces Central Hospital, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Omura
- Otorhinolaryngology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Mori
- Neurosurgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Ishida
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minatoku, Tokyo, Japan
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Chaudhry M, Botterbush K, Zhang JK, Coppens J. Spontaneous and asymptomatic rupture of an RCC with resolution of symptoms. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258534. [PMID: 38471699 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There is no standard of care for management of Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs), and protocol for spontaneous rupture or residual capsule fragments is not well documented.Our case involves a Caucasian man in his 80s who presented with muscle weakness, fatigue, bitemporal hemianopia and pain. Further examination demonstrated decreased thyroid and cortisol levels. MRI revealed a 1.6×1.5×1.3 cm sellar homogenous mass with extension into the suprasellar cistern. While the size of the cyst was rather large, a decision was made to follow conservatively with serial MRI. At 3 years, the mass had spontaneously regressed. The patient was asymptomatic without imaging evidence of RCC recurrence at 4-year follow-up.Classic indications for surgical intervention in suprasellar cysts were subtle in our patient and his advanced age made us take a conservative approach. Current data are lacking regarding management of RCCs presenting with endocrine dysfunction. Our case suggests that RCCs presenting with endocrine dysfunction may be managed conservatively with serial imaging-based monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaria Chaudhry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kathleen Botterbush
- Department of Neurosurgery, Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin K Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jeroen Coppens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Saint Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Goyal-Honavar A, Markose AP, Gupta A, Manesh A, Varghese GM, Rose W, Jonathan GE, Prabhu K, Chacko AG. Distinct patterns of postoperative fever in paediatric neurosurgery patients. Childs Nerv Syst 2024:10.1007/s00381-024-06355-2. [PMID: 38472391 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postoperative fever is a common problem following neurosurgery but data on the causes among paediatric patients is sparse. In this report, we determined the incidence, causes, and outcomes of postoperative fever in paediatric neurosurgical patients (< 18 years), and contrasted the findings with an adult cohort published recently from our unit. METHODS We recruited 61 patients who underwent 73 surgeries for non-traumatic neurosurgical indications over 12 months. A standard protocol was followed for the evaluation and management of postoperative fever. We prospectively collected data pertaining to operative details, daily maximal temperature, clinical features, and use of surgical drains, urinary catheters, and other adjuncts. Elevated body temperature of > 99.9 °F or 37.7 °C for > 48 h or associated with clinical deterioration or localising features was considered as "fever"; elevated temperature not meeting these criteria was classified as transient elevation in temperature (TET). RESULTS Twenty-six patients (35.6%) had postoperative fever, more frequent than in adult patients. TET occurred in 12 patients (16.4%). The most common causes of fever were aseptic meningitis (34.6%), followed by urinary tract infections (15.4%), pyogenic meningitis, COVID-19, and wound infections. Postoperative fever was associated with significantly longer duration of hospital admission and was the commonest cause of readmission. CONCLUSION In contrast to adults, early temperature elevations in paediatric patients may portend infectious and serious non-infectious causes of fever, including delayed presentation with aseptic meningitis, a novel association among paediatric patients. Investigation guided by clinical assessment and conservative antibiotic policy in keeping with the institutional microbiological profile provides the most appropriate strategy in managing paediatric postoperative fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Goyal-Honavar
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Annsmol P Markose
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ankush Gupta
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abi Manesh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George M Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Winsley Rose
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gandham Edmond Jonathan
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Krishna Prabhu
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Ari G Chacko
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, Tamil Nadu, India
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82
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Stieger A, Romero CS, Andereggen L, Heisenberg D, Urman RD, Luedi MM. Nerve Blocks for Craniotomy. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024:10.1007/s11916-024-01236-4. [PMID: 38472617 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is a common adverse event and can lead to various complications and decreased quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS To reduce postcraniotomy pain and associated complications, a multimodal pain therapy including analgesics, analgesic adjuncts, and regional anesthesia is essential. The use of opioids should be minimized to facilitate prompt postoperative neurosurgical assessment. Here, we provide an update on the latest evidence regarding the role of scalp nerve blocks in the pain management of patients undergoing craniotomy procedure. Nerve blocks are effective in alleviating postoperative pain after craniotomy. Scalp blocks contribute to lower pain levels and less opioid consumption in the first 48 h following surgery. Moreover, there is a significant decrease in patients suffering from PONV among patients who receive scalp block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stieger
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Rescue and Pain Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Carolina S Romero
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital General, Universitario De Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Research Methods Department, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lukas Andereggen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Heisenberg
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Rescue and Pain Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Richard D Urman
- Department of Anaesthesiology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Markus M Luedi
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Rescue and Pain Medicine, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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83
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Pozzi P, Morselli C, Cirullo A, Bassani R. Change in pelvic incidence due to sacral stress fracture following multilevel instrumented fusion. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e256319. [PMID: 38471702 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Multilevel-instrumented fusion is a common surgical technique used to treat adult spinal deformity (ASD), but it can occasionally lead to rare complications such as sacral insufficiency fractures. The impact of sacral fractures on spinopelvic parameters, particularly pelvic incidence (PI), has not been thoroughly investigated even though they have been documented in the literature. Here, we present a case of a patient who underwent a Th11-sacrum instrumented fusion for ASD. She underwent a revision surgery 18 months after the first procedure to treat proximal junctional pain brought on by a localised kyphosis of the rods. An asymptomatic sacral fracture was discovered during the radiological evaluation: the PI had increased from 71° to 103° between the 2 surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierrenzo Pozzi
- 2° Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Carlotta Morselli
- 2° Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Agostino Cirullo
- 2° Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Roberto Bassani
- 2° Spinal Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, MI, Italy
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84
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Hirano Y, Miyawaki S, Sakaguchi Y, Koizumi S, Hongo H, Saito N. A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most-cited clinical articles in the research of intracranial artery stenosis and intracranial atherosclerosis. Surg Neurol Int 2024; 15:74. [PMID: 38628533 PMCID: PMC11021113 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1030_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS), caused by intracranial atherosclerosis, is one of the major causes of ischemic stroke. This study identified the top 100 most-cited publications on ICAS through a bibliometric analysis. Methods Two independent authors conducted a search in the Web of Science database for clinical articles on ICAS published between 1993 and 2022. The top 100 most-cited articles were then extracted. For each article, the analysis covered the title, author, country of origin/affiliation, journal, total number of citations, number of citations per year, and type of study. Results The top 100 most-cited papers in the ICAS were authored by 565 authors from 12 countries and published in 29 journals. In terms of the 5-year trend, the largest number of papers were published between 2003 and 2007 (n = 31). The median number of citations for the 100 papers was 161 (range 109-1,115). The journal with the highest proportion of the 100 most published articles was Stroke, accounting for 41% of articles and 37% of the citations. According to country of origin, the United States of America accounted for the largest number of articles, followed by China, Japan, and South Korea, with these four countries together accounting for 81% of the total number of articles and 88% of the citations. Trends in the past five years included the use of terms such as acute ischemic stroke and mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion The findings of this study provide novel insight into this field and will facilitate future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Hirano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Miyawaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sakaguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Koizumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hongo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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85
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Capo G, Calvanese F, Vandenbulcke A, Zaed I, Di Carlo DT, Cao R, Barrey CY. Lateral-PLIF for spinal arthrodesis: concept, technique, results, complications, and outcomes. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2024; 166:123. [PMID: 38451339 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery represents an effective option to treat degenerative conditions in the lumbar spine. To reduce the drawbacks of the classical technique, we developed a variant, so-called Lateral-PLIF, which we then evaluated through a prospective consecutive series of patients. METHODS All adult patients treated at our institute with single or double level Lateral-PLIF for lumbar degenerative disease from January to December 2017 were prospectively collected. Exclusion criteria were patients < 18 years of age, traumatic patients, active infection, or malignancy, as well as unavailability of clinical and/or radiological follow-up data. The technique consists of insert the cages bilaterally through the transition zone between the central canal and the intervertebral foramen, just above the lateral recess. Pre- and postoperative (2 years) questionnaires and phone interviews (4 years) assessed pain and functional outcomes. Data related to the surgical procedure, postoperative complications, and radiological findings (1 year) were collected. RESULTS One hundred four patients were selected for the final analysis. The median age was 58 years and primary symptoms were mechanical back pain (100, 96.1%) and/or radicular pain (73, 70.2%). We found a high fusion rate (95%). A statistically significant improvement in functional outcome was also noted (ODI p < 0.001, Roland-Morris score p < 0.001). Walking distance increased from 812 m ± 543 m to 3443 m ± 712 m (p < 0.001). Complications included dural tear (6.7%), infection/wound dehiscence (4.8%), and instrument failure (1.9%) but no neurological deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Lateral-PLIF is a safe and effective technique for lumbar interbody fusion and may be considered for further comparative study validation with other techniques before extensive use to treat lumbar degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Capo
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Pierre Wertheimer Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 696777, Lyon-Bron, France
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Calvanese
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Pierre Wertheimer Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 696777, Lyon-Bron, France.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Alberto Vandenbulcke
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Pierre Wertheimer Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 696777, Lyon-Bron, France
| | - Ismail Zaed
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Pierre Wertheimer Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 696777, Lyon-Bron, France
| | - Davide Tiziano Di Carlo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Via Paradisa 2, 56100, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research On New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Cao
- Department of Neuroradiology, Pierre Wertheimer Hospital, GHE, Hospices Civils de Lyon, and Claude Bernard University of Lyon 1, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 696777, Lyon-Bron, France
| | - Cédric Y Barrey
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery, Pierre Wertheimer Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 696777, Lyon-Bron, France
- Laboratory of Biomechanics, ENSAM, Arts Et Metiers ParisTech, 153 Boulevard de L'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
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Aznarez-Sanado M, Romero-Garcia R, Li C, Morris RC, Price SJ, Manly T, Santarius T, Erez Y, Hart MG, Suckling J. Brain tumour microstructure is associated with post-surgical cognition. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5646. [PMID: 38454017 PMCID: PMC10920778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55130-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumour microstructure is potentially predictive of changes following treatment to cognitive functions subserved by the functional networks in which they are embedded. To test this hypothesis, intra-tumoural microstructure was quantified from diffusion-weighted MRI to identify which tumour subregions (if any) had a greater impact on participants' cognitive recovery after surgical resection. Additionally, we studied the role of tumour microstructure in the functional interaction between the tumour and the rest of the brain. Sixteen patients (22-56 years, 7 females) with brain tumours located in or near speech-eloquent areas of the brain were included in the analyses. Two different approaches were adopted for tumour segmentation from a multishell diffusion MRI acquisition: the first used a two-dimensional four group partition of feature space, whilst the second used data-driven clustering with Gaussian mixture modelling. For each approach, we assessed the capability of tumour microstructure to predict participants' cognitive outcomes after surgery and the strength of association between the BOLD signal of individual tumour subregions and the global BOLD signal. With both methodologies, the volumes of partially overlapped subregions within the tumour significantly predicted cognitive decline in verbal skills after surgery. We also found that these particular subregions were among those that showed greater functional interaction with the unaffected cortex. Our results indicate that tumour microstructure measured by MRI multishell diffusion is associated with cognitive recovery after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite Aznarez-Sanado
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, 31009, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rafael Romero-Garcia
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), HUVR/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla/CIBERSAM, ISCIII, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Bldg, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK.
| | - Chao Li
- Cambridge Brain Tumour Imaging Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, The Centre for Mathematical Imaging in Healthcare, Cambridge, CB3 0WA, UK
- School of Medicine & School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Rob C Morris
- Academic Neurosurgery Division, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Stephen J Price
- Cambridge Brain Tumour Imaging Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Thomas Manly
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Thomas Santarius
- Academic Neurosurgery Division, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yaara Erez
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michael G Hart
- St George's, University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences Research Centre, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - John Suckling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Bldg, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
- Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB21 5EF, UK
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87
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Cazorla-Morales IJ, Chan AW, Mikhail MM, Fu A, Koutsouras GW, Heary RF, Mazzola CA. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 20-Year Trends in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the United States: How Does Neurological Surgery Compare? World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00382-6. [PMID: 38458250 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the current medical workforce, diversity is limited among surgical specialties. However, diversity allows physicians to provide culturally competent care. This paper discusses the trends in racial, ethnic, and gender representation within different surgical subspecialties with an emphasis on neurosurgery over a 20-year time frame. METHODS A retrospective review of data collected by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education over the past twenty years, as reported in Journal of the American Medical Association, was conducted. Residents from 5 surgical specialties were evaluated based on gender, race, and ethnic identifications from 2002 to 2022. One-way analysis of variance was performed to compare the levels and retention rates of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity within these specialties. RESULTS Analysis of resident demographics of the 5 surgical specialties reveals an overall trend of increasing diversity over the study period. Over the past 20 years, neurosurgery had an overall increase in Asian (+5.1%), Hispanic (+3.0%), and female (+11.4%) residents, with a decrease in White residents by 2.1% and Black residents by 1.1%. Among the surgical specialties analyzed, otolaryngology had the greatest overall increase in minority residents. Notably, there has been an overall increase in female residents across all 5 surgical specialties, with the highest in otolaryngology (+20.3%) which was significantly more than neurosurgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This chronological analysis spanning 20 years demonstrates that neurosurgery, like other specialties, has seen a growth in several racial and ethnic categories. Relative differences are notable in neurosurgery, including Black, Asian, Hispanic, and White ethnic categories, with growth in females, but at a significantly lesser pace than seen in otolaryngology and plastic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona J Cazorla-Morales
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Amber W Chan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mirai M Mikhail
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Allen Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
| | - George W Koutsouras
- Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Robert F Heary
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Catherine A Mazzola
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
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88
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Pannu CD, Hess M, Baxter D. Osteoid osteoma presenting with scoliosis: successful resection with endoscopic excision. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258346. [PMID: 38453226 PMCID: PMC10921494 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
A young male in his mid-teen years presented with severe back pain for 3 months and was subsequently diagnosed with osteoid osteoma in the left superior articular process of the L4 vertebra. Initial treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provided temporary relief. Due to concerns about scoliosis progression along with unrelieved pain, a multidisciplinary team recommended endoscopic excision of the osteoid osteoma. The procedure resulted in complete pain relief and an improvement in the scoliosis curve from 22° of Cobb's angle to 12 degrees at the 8-month follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Dev Pannu
- Specialist Surgery, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - David Baxter
- Neurosurgery, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
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89
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Ovchinnikov A, Andereggen L, Rogers S, Gschwind M. Visual hallucinations after resection of cerebral metastases: two patients with complex phantom images. Strahlenther Onkol 2024:10.1007/s00066-024-02213-x. [PMID: 38453698 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-024-02213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Complex visual hallucinations are rarely seen in neurooncology. They are commonly observed alongside psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia or dementia, in Parkinson's or Lewy-body disease, after opioid medications or anesthesia, and, in particular, they appear with visual impairments. METHODS Here we report two normal-sighted and mentally healthy patients with unusual visual hallucinations after the resection and irradiation of brain metastases, the main features of which were persistent colorful and meaningful images with hallucinatory perseveration. RESULTS These cases demonstrate the occurrence of complex visual hallucinations after resection of visual cortices as an effect of deafferentation, so-called visual release hallucinations or phantom images, similar to phantom pain after amputation of a limb. CONCLUSION This case serves to heighten awareness in the radiooncology practitioner of the occurrence of visual release hallucinations (Charles Bonnet syndrome) related to multidisciplinary treatment of brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ovchinnikov
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland.
| | - L Andereggen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Rogers
- Centre for Radiation Oncology KSA-KSB, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - M Gschwind
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
- Department for Clinical Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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90
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Qian C, Wang R, Fang Y. Is ChatGPT Proficient in extracting critical medical information from patient records? Asian J Surg 2024:S1015-9584(24)00385-3. [PMID: 38448291 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.02.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chengxing Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Tongling People's Hospital, Tongling, China
| | - Renzhi Wang
- Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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91
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Liu J, McHugh F, Li Y. Spinal subdural haemorrhage secondary to strenuous exercise and warfarin, complicated by acute ischaemic stroke. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258729. [PMID: 38442981 PMCID: PMC10916092 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal subdural haemorrhage or haematoma (SSDH) is a rare condition that is often overlooked and missed on initial presentation due to its non-specific features that may mimic other more common pathologies. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, with few evidence-based management principles, particularly during the subacute stages of recovery. In this report, we detail a case of SSDH associated with exercise and anticoagulation therapy, which was complicated by acute ischaemic stroke. SSDH should be suspected in cases of acute back pain without a clear alternative cause, particularly in coagulopathic individuals. Following treatment, early recommencement of anticoagulation therapy may be justified in certain cases where indicated, after careful consideration of the affected individual's risk profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Liu
- Neurosurgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances McHugh
- Neurosurgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yingda Li
- Neurosurgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Qedair J, Ezzi S, AlMadani R, Alsamin S, Almeneif H, Hakami A, Alobaid A. Neurosurgery Residents' Satisfaction toward their Saudi Training Program: Insights from a National Survey. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00356-5. [PMID: 38447740 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.02.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the high-stakes nature of their work, neurosurgery residents face constant pressure and require high-quality training to succeed. We aim to investigate the satisfaction levels of residents with their Saudi Neurosurgery Residency Training Program (SNRTP) and its influential factors. METHODS This is a nationwide, cross-sectional study that employed a questionnaire, structured based on the relevant literature, which was disseminated to neurosurgery residents, commencing from December 2021 and culminating in September 2022. RESULTS A total of 70 out of 143 neurosurgery residents were included, giving a response rate of 48.9%. Most participants (62.9%) aged 24-28 years old, 55.7% were males, and 40.0% were from the Central region of Saudi Arabia. The residents were further divided into juniors (R1-R3; 64.3%) and seniors (R4-R6; 35.7%). Approximately 13.3% of the juniors were satisfied with the SNRTP, whereas only 8.0% of the seniors were satisfied. Dissatisfaction rates over the SNRTP were significantly higher in the seniors (68.0%) compared to the juniors (28.9%; p= 0.006). The frequency of operating room sessions per week and presence of protected research time were the only two factors significantly associated with the junior and senior residents' satisfaction, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The SNRTP has a vision to provide the society with elite competent neurosurgeons. However, we found a degree of dissatisfaction among the residents, indicating a need for improving the SNRTP's policies. We recommend incorporating more hands-on training opportunities, implementing a mentorship model, setting tailored teaching sessions, and establishing resident wellness programs. We hope this study initiate dialogue on promoting residents' satisfaction and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumanah Qedair
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Suzana Ezzi
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad AlMadani
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alsamin
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham Almeneif
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alqassem Hakami
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alobaid
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neurosciences Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Lee KS, Borbas B, Plaha P, Ashkan K, Jenkinson MD, Price SJ. Incidence and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infection After Cranial Surgery for Patients with Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)00346-2. [PMID: 38432506 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.02.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical site infections after craniotomy (SSI-CRANs) are a serious adverse event given the proximity of the wound to the central nervous system. SSI-CRANs are associated with substantial patient morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance and recognition of this event in other surgical fields, there is a paucity of evidence in the neurosurgical literature devoted to SSI-CRAN specifically in patients after brain tumor surgery. METHODS Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central were undertaken. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI-CRAN at 30 and 90 days. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for SSI-CRAN. RESULTS Thirty-seven studies reporting 91,907 patients with brain tumors who underwent cranial surgery were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled incidence of SSI-CRAN at 30 and 90 days was 4.03% (95% CI: 2.94%-5.28%, I2 = 97.3) and 6.17% (95% CI: 3.16%-10.07%, I2 = 97.3), respectively. Specifically, incidence of SSI-CRAN following surgery for posterior fossa tumors was the highest at 9.67% (95% CI: 5.98%-14.09%, I2 = 75.5). Overall pooled incidence of readmission within 30 days and reoperation due to SSI-CRAN were 13.9% (95% CI: 12.5%-15.5%, I2 = 0.0) and 16.3% (95% CI: 5.4%-31.3%, I2 = 72.9), respectively. Risk factors for SSI-CRAN included reintervention (risk ratio [RR] 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22-2.04, I2 = 0.0), previous radiotherapy (RR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.20-2.38, I2 = 0.0), longer duration of operation (mean difference 64.18, 95% CI: 3.96-124.40 minutes, I2 = 90.3) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (RR 14.26, 95% CI: 2.14-94.90, I2 = 73.2). CONCLUSIONS SSI-CRAN affects up to 1 in 14 patients with brain tumors. High-risk groups include those with reintervention, previous radiotherapy, longer duration of operation, and CSF leaks. Further prospective studies should focus on bundles of care that will reduce SSI-CRAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng Siang Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Balint Borbas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Puneet Plaha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Michael D Jenkinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK; Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen J Price
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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94
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Apaydin AS, Emekli I. Gender Inequality in Leadership Positions in Neurology and Neurosurgery Journals and Societies. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:e304-e313. [PMID: 38141754 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gender inequalities persist in several areas of medicine, despite the growing number of female doctors and medical students. In this study, we aimed to reveal the gender inequality in the top journals' editorial boards and national societies' leadership positions in the field of neurology and neurosurgery. METHOD This is a cross-sectional study that uses public information accessed through the internet via journals' and academic societies' public websites. The medical journals are selected and included according to their h5-index in the field of neurology and neurosurgery. We evaluated the gender composition of the editorial boards and academic societies' leadership positions. RESULTS The female editorial board member ratio was 44.0% in the top 10 neurology journals. However, this ratio was significantly decreased to 29.7% in the other journals(P < 0.001). The top 10 neurosurgery journals had a female editorial board member ratio of 13.7%. This ratio was significantly decreased to 5.3% in the other 10 journals with lower h5-index(P < 0.001). A significantly lower number of female individuals are present in the editorial boards of the neurosurgery journals than in neurology(P < 0.001). The female president or delegate ratio was 19.3% in the World Federation of Neurology-affiliated countries, and it was 4% in the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies-affiliated countries. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, there is a significant gender inequality among editorial board members. The position of neurosurgical societies and journals is far different than the field of neurology. Furthermore, these findings should be evaluated as a continuum of the gender inequality in the professional societies' executive boards and delegates representing the national academical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aydin Sinan Apaydin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Karabuk University Faculty of Medicine, Karabuk Training and Research Hospital, Karabuk University, Karabük, Turkey.
| | - Inci Emekli
- Department of Neurology, Karabuk Training and Research Hospital, Karabuk University, Karabük, Turkey
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95
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Kitahama Y, Shizuka H, Nakano Y, Ohara Y, Muto J, Tsuchida S, Motoyama D, Miyake H, Sakai K. Advancements and Challenges in Robot-Assisted Bone Processing in Neurosurgical Procedures. Neurospine 2024; 21:97-103. [PMID: 38569635 PMCID: PMC10992635 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2347164.582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Practical applications of nerve decompression using neurosurgical robots remain unexplored. Our ongoing research and development initiatives, utilizing industrial robots, aim to establish a secure and efficient neurosurgical robotic system. The principal objective of this study was to automate bone grinding, which is a pivotal component of neurosurgical procedures. METHODS To achieve this goal, we integrated an endoscope system into a manipulator and conducted precision bone machining using a neurosurgical drill, recording the grinding resistance values across 3 axes. Our study encompassed 2 core tasks: linear grinding, such as laminectomy, and cylindrical grinding, such as foraminotomy, with each task yielding unique measurement data. RESULTS In linear grinding, we observed a proportional increase in grinding resistance values in the machining direction with acceleration. This observation suggests that 3-axis resistance measurements are a valuable tool for gauging and predicting deep cortical penetration. However, problems occurred in cylindrical grinding, and a significant error of 10% was detected. The analysis revealed that multiple factors, including the tool tip efficiency, machining speed, teaching methods, and deflection in the robot arm and jig joints, contributed to this error. CONCLUSION We successfully measured the resistance exerted on the tool tip during bone machining with a robotic arm across 3 axes. The resistance ranged from 3 to 8 Nm, with the measurement conducted at a processing speed approximately twice that of manual surgery performed by a surgeon. During the simulation of foraminotomy under endoscopic grinding conditions, we encountered a -10% error margin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Kitahama
- Departments by Donation Developed Studies for Advanced Robotic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Shizuka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Medical University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yuto Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Medical University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yukoh Ohara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Jun Muto
- Spine Center, Fuji Toranomon Orthopedic Surgery Hospital, Gotenba, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Tsuchida
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Medical University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motoyama
- Departments by Donation Developed Studies for Advanced Robotic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hideaki Miyake
- Departments by Donation Developed Studies for Advanced Robotic Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Sakai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujita Medical University, Toyoake, Japan
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Horcajadas Almansa Á, Ley Urzaiz L, Garcia Leal R, González Llanos F, Lara Almunia M, Martinez Laez R, Torres Campa JM, Zaspe Cenoz I, Lafuente Baraza J. A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures. Neurocirugia (Astur : Engl Ed) 2024; 35:95-112. [PMID: 38295899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucie.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of Neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. METHODS The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into 3 phases: 1) identification and selection of medical acts, 2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and 3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. RESULTS The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into 4 groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. 42 procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. CONCLUSIONS This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimise geographic variability in all healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mónica Lara Almunia
- Fundación Jiménez Diaz, Hospital Rey Juan Carlos, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
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O'Malley GR, Sarwar SA, Cassimatis ND, Kumar RP, Munier S, Shill S, Maggio W, Ahmad G, Hundal JS, Danish SF, Patel NV. Can Publicly Available Artificial Intelligence Successfully Identify Current Procedural Terminology Codes for Common Procedures in Neurosurgery? World Neurosurg 2024; 183:e860-e870. [PMID: 38219799 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coding for neurosurgical procedures is a complex process that is dynamically changing year to year, through the annual introduction and removal of codes and modifiers. The authors hoped to elucidate if publicly available artificial intelligence (AI) could offer solutions for neurosurgeons with regard to coding. METHODS Multiple publicly available AI platforms were asked to provide Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and Revenue Value Units (RVU) values for common neurosurgical procedures of the brain and spine with a given indication for the procedure. The responses of platforms were recorded and compared to the currently valid CPT codes used for the procedure and the amount of RVUs that would be gained. RESULTS Six platforms and Google were asked for the appropriate CPT codes for 10 endovascular, spinal, and cranial procedures each. The highest performing platforms were as follows: Perplexity.AI identified 70% of endovascular, BingAI identified 55% of spinal, and ChatGPT 4.0 with Bing identified 75% of cranial CPT codes. With regard to RVUs, the top performer gained 78% of endovascular, 42% of spinal, and 70% of cranial possible RVUs. With regard to accuracy, AI platforms on average outperformed Google (45% vs. 25%, P = 0.04236). CONCLUSIONS The ability of publicly available AIs to successfully code for neurosurgical procedures holds great promise in the future. Future development of AI should focus on improving accuracy with regard to CPT codes and providing supporting documentation for its decisions. Improvement on the existing capabilities of AI platforms can allow for increased operational efficiency and cost savings for practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey R O'Malley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA.
| | - Syed A Sarwar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nicholas D Cassimatis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rohit Prem Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sean Munier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Steven Shill
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - William Maggio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ghasan Ahmad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jasdeep S Hundal
- Department of Neurology, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shabbar F Danish
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nitesh V Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Hackensack Meridian Health-Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, New Jersey, USA
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Idrees A, Rehman AU, Mehmood MA, Pahwa B, Mohsin A, Shaikh T, Jesrani EK, Chaurasia B. Perception of Neurosurgery as a Career Choice Among Early Career Doctors in Pakistan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:e598-e602. [PMID: 38181874 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A low neurosurgeon-to-patient ratio persists in many developing nations including Pakistan. We aimed to investigate the perceptions of medical students regarding neurosurgery as a first step toward recognizing this problem and potentially suggesting ways to solve it. METHODS A questionnaire was designed comprising 3 sections: 1) demographics, 2) possible challenges and perceptions regarding neurosurgery as a profession, and 3) general perceptions about neurosurgery. Statistical analysis was conducted, and a P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Of 387 responses received, 44.4% of male respondents and 50.6% of female respondents revealed intent to consider opting for neurosurgery as a profession. Regression analysis revealed inadequate dexterity (P = 0.001) and inability to carry out private practice (P = 0.002) were responsible for increased likelihood of opting out of neurosurgery by medical students. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the perceptions that may influence the decision to pursue neurosurgical training among physicians early in their careers. Interventions including availability of day care facilities for children and introduction of curricula to promote neurosurgical knowledge in clinical training are expected to encourage the decision to pursue neurosurgery among medical students in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiman Idrees
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Bhavya Pahwa
- University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi, India.
| | | | | | | | - Bipin Chaurasia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Clinic, Birgunj, Nepal
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99
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Anand S, Reddy RV, Omoba OE, Detchou D, Barrie U, Aoun SG. Maxine Deborrah Hyde: First Female Graduate of Case Western Reserve University's Neurologic Surgery Residency Program and Second Black Female Neurosurgeon in the United States. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:63-69. [PMID: 38081583 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The historical diversity gap in the neurosurgical workforce persists to this day. Women, despite constituting over half of the yearly total of medical school graduates, comprise only 6% of certified practicing neurosurgeons in the United States. Furthermore, Black Americans make up under 4% of U.S. neurosurgeons, despite making up around 14% of the national population. The purpose of this account is to highlight the life and career of Dr. Maxine Deborrah Hyde and illustrate the importance and necessity of diversity and inclusivity in advancing the field of neurosurgery. Through this paper, we aspire to encourage the development of new diversity initiatives. METHODS Original scientific and bibliographic materials of Hyde were examined, and an extensive analysis of her life was compiled. RESULTS Despite growing up during the era of Jim Crow, Dr. Hyde persevered and became the valedictorian of Oak Park High School. As a first-generation college student at Tougaloo College, she later earned her MS from Cleveland State University. Dr. Hyde graduated with honors from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1977. Thereafter, she became the first female and first Black graduate of Case Western's neurosurgery residency and the second Black woman to receive certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Later in life, Dr. Hyde established the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Foundation to assist disadvantaged students in overcoming educational barriers. CONCLUSIONS Dr. Hyde was a trailblazer who overcame systematic barriers and paved the way for future generations of aspiring neurosurgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soummitra Anand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Raghuram V Reddy
- Department of Surgery, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Oluwaseun E Omoba
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Donald Detchou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Umaru Barrie
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
| | - Salah G Aoun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Akshulakov S. Great Hospitals of Central Asia: The Kazakhstan National Centre for Neurosurgery. World Neurosurg 2024; 183:58-62. [PMID: 38097170 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper aimed to describe the National Centre for Neurosurgery, the only specialized hospital in the treatment of neurological diseases in Kazakhstan and the leading neurosurgical hospital in Central Asia. METHODS Historical data were collected from the archive materials of the National Centre for Neurosurgery. RESULTS The paper outlines the achievements of the Centre in providing neurosurgical care to the population over the past 15 years, commencing with its establishment in 2008. During this period, there has been a 2.3-fold increase in the number of neurosurgeons at the Centre, accompanied by a significant seven-fold rise in the number of surgeries conducted. Additionally, the Centre has hosted international conferences and educational programs in collaboration with the Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. Throughout the last 15 years, more than 70 treatment techniques were introduced, and subsequent technology transfer initiatives extended these methods to regions within the country. CONCLUSIONS The National Centre for Neurosurgery has achieved remarkable progress in delivering patient-centered neurosurgical care, rehabilitation programs, and innovative treatments, supported by state funding, benefitting patients across Central Asia.
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