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Ukachukwu AEK, Ogundeji OD, Abu-Bonsrah N, Still MEH, Trillo-Ordonez Y, Oboh EN, Nischal SA, Deng DD, Ugorji C, Seas A, Badejo OA, Malomo TA, Nwaribe EE, Oyemolade TA, Okere OE, Oboh E, Waguia-Kouam R, Rahman R, Asemota I, Reddy R, von Isenburg M, Haglund MM, Fuller AT, Adeleye AO. The Scope, Trends, and Challenges of Neurosurgical Research in Nigeria: A Bibliometric Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 185:e86-e98. [PMID: 37931875 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.10.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates the scope, trends, and challenges of neurosurgical research in Nigeria since inception of the specialty in 1962. METHODS A bibliometric review of the neurosurgical literature from Nigeria was performed. Variables extracted included year and journal of publication, article topic, article type, research type, study design, article focus area, and limitations. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were performed for all variables. Trends of research publications were described in three periods: pioneering (1962-1981), recession (1982-2001), and resurgent (2002-2021). RESULTS Of the 1023 included articles, 10.0% were published in the pioneering period, 9.2% in the recession period, and 80.8% in the resurgent period. Papers were predominantly published in World Neurosurgery (4.5%) and Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice (4.0%). A total of 79.9% of the 4618 authors were from Nigerian institutions; 86.3% of the articles covered clinical research and were mainly focused on service delivery and epidemiology (89.9%). The most prominent topics were traumatic brain injury (25.8%) and central nervous system malignancy (21.4%). Only 4.4% of the publications received funding, mostly from agencies in the United States (31.7%). Barriers to neurosurgical research included lack of clinical databases (18.0%), increasing burden of disease (12.5%), and diagnostic challenges (12.4%). CONCLUSIONS Neurosurgical research in Nigeria continues to grow due to increased training, workforce, and infrastructural improvements. Addressing the major challenges through establishment of research databases, development of evidence-based management guidelines, and increasing research training, funding and opportunities can increase research capacity in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvan-Emeka K Ukachukwu
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Olaniyi D Ogundeji
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nancy Abu-Bonsrah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan E H Still
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yesel Trillo-Ordonez
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ehita N Oboh
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Shiva A Nischal
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA; University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Di D Deng
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Chiazam Ugorji
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andreas Seas
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oluwakemi A Badejo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Toluyemi A Malomo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Ena Oboh
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Raphia Rahman
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Isaac Asemota
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ramya Reddy
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Megan von Isenburg
- Duke University Medical Center Library and Archives, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael M Haglund
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony T Fuller
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke University Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amos O Adeleye
- Department of Neurosurgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Tzerefos C, Tasiou A, Fountas KN. Greek reflections on global neurosurgery. BRAIN & SPINE 2023; 3:101721. [PMID: 37383445 PMCID: PMC10293271 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2023.101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Large populations in middle- and low-income countries in Africa, Asia, and Central and South Americas face a dramatic neurosurgical crisis. However, large social groups in high-income countries face similar limited access to neurosurgical services. Proper identification of such a problem, analysis of the underlying causes, and proposal of potential solutions may not only address the problem at a national level, but may also provide valuable reflections on the efficient management of global neurosurgical crisis. Research question To evaluate if special social groups face similar problems in Greece. Material and methods The structure of the Greek health system was examined. The national census along with the registry of practicing neurosurgeons of the Greek National Society, as well as the national health map were searched. Results A series of socio-economic factors, language barriers, cultural and religion differences, geographical barriers, the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, along with the inherent malfunctioning of the Greek health system have led to this national neurosurgical crisis. Discussion and conclusion An extensive redrawing of the Greek health map, reorganization of the national health system, along with adaptation of all recent advances in telemedicine may alleviate the health burden in these populations. The results of this local reformation may be applied to a global level for managing the ongoing health crisis. Moreover, the development of a European taskforce by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) may well facilitate the development of realistic and efficacious global solutions, and contribute to the global effort for providing high-quality neurosurgical services worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Tzerefos
- Corresponding author. Department of Neurosurgery, Building A, 3rd Floor, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, Larissa, 41110, Greece.
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Long AS, Almeida MN, Chong L, Prsic A. Live Virtual Surgery and Virtual Reality in Surgery: Potential Applications in Hand Surgery Education. J Hand Surg Am 2023; 48:499-505. [PMID: 36764847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Accelerated in part by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, medical education has increasingly moved into the virtual sphere in recent years. Virtual surgical education encompasses several domains, including live virtual surgery and virtual and augmented reality. These technologies range in complexity from streaming audio and video of surgeries in real-time to fully immersive virtual simulations of surgery. This article reviews the current use of virtual surgical education and its possible applications in hand surgery. Applications of virtual technologies for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance, as well as care in underresourced settings, are discussed. The authors describe their experience creating a virtual surgery subinternship with live virtual surgeries. There are many roles virtual technology can have in surgery, and this review explores potential value these technologies may have in hand surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron S Long
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Mariana N Almeida
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Lauren Chong
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Adnan Prsic
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
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Bocanegra-Becerra JE, Castillo-Huerta NM, Ludeña-Esquivel A, Torres-García ON, Vilca-Salas MI, Bermudez-Pelaez MF. The humanitarian aid of neurosurgical missions in Peru: A chronicle and future perspectives. Surg Neurol Int 2022; 13:545. [PMID: 36600741 PMCID: PMC9805600 DOI: 10.25259/sni_940_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The unmet neurosurgical need has remained patent in developing countries, including Peru. However, continuous efforts to overcome the lack of affordable care have been achieved, being neurosurgical missions one of the main strategies. We chronicle the humanitarian labor of organizations from high-income countries during their visit to Peru, the contributions to local trainees' education, and the treatment of underserved patients. Furthermore, we discuss the embedded challenges from these missions and the future perspective on long-term partnerships and sustainability. Methods This is a narrative review. We searched the literature in PubMed and Google Scholar about neurosurgical missions conducted in Peru. Results Since 1962, twelve organizations from high-income countries have delivered humanitarian help in Peru by training local neurosurgeons, treating low-income patients, and providing surgical instrumentation. Out of the three main regions of Peru, cities on the coast and highlands have hosted most of these missions, with no reported outreach in the amazon area. About 75% of the organizations are headquartered in the United States, followed by Canada, Luxembourg, and Spain. In addition, 50% of the organizations have an active partnership. The predominant focus of these missions has been pediatrics, neuro-oncology, and spine surgery. Conclusion Neurosurgical missions have represented a strategy to close the disparity in education and treatment in Peru. However, additional efforts must be conducted to improve long-term partnership and sustainability, such as adopting standardized indicators for progress tracking, incorporating remote technologies for continuous training and communication, and expanding partnerships in less attended areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole M. Castillo-Huerta
- Corresponding author: Nicole M. Castillo-Huerta School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru.
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