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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] [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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Ukachukwu AEK, Still MEH, Seas A, von Isenburg M, Fieggen G, Malomo AO, Shokunbi MT, Egger JR, Haglund MM, Fuller AT. Fulfilling the specialist neurosurgical workforce needs in Africa: a systematic review and projection toward 2030. J Neurosurg 2022; 138:1102-1113. [PMID: 35962968 DOI: 10.3171/2022.2.jns211984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Africa contributes significantly to the global neurosurgical disease burden but has only 1% of the neurosurgery workforce. This study appraises the neurosurgical workforce and training capacity in Africa and projects the workforce capacity by 2030. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review of the online literature on neurosurgical workforce and training in Africa obtained from three journal databases (PubMed, Embase, and African Index Medicus), as well as from a gray literature search, between September and December 2020. Included literature passed a two-level screening conducted using a systematic review software by a team of two independent reviewers. Data were extracted from selected articles and documented and analyzed on spreadsheets. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-nine eligible articles were analyzed: 1974 neurosurgeons serve 1.3 billion people in Africa (density 0.15 per 100,000 persons, ratio 1:678,740), with uneven distribution between the regions. North Africa has 64.39% of the neurosurgical workforce (n = 1271), followed by Southern Africa (12.66%, n = 250), West Africa (11.60%, n = 229), East Africa (8.26%, n = 163), and Central Africa (3.09%, n = 61). At an exponential growth rate of 7.03% (95% CI 5.83%-8.23%) per annum, Africa will have 3418 (95% CI 1811-6080) neurosurgeons by 2030, with a deficit of 5191 neurosurgeons, based on population workforce targets. In terms of training, there are 106 neurosurgery training institutions in 26 African countries. North Africa has 52 training centers (49.05%), West Africa 23 (21.70%), East Africa 15 (14.15%), Southern Africa 14 (13.21%), and Central Africa 2 (1.89%). The major regional training programs are those of the West African College of Surgeons (24 sites in 7 countries) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (17 sites in 8 countries). CONCLUSIONS The study is limited as it is based on the online literature, some of which includes modeled estimates with questionable reliability. However, the results indicate that while countries in North Africa are expected to surpass their population workforce requirements, sub-Saharan African countries are likely to have significant workforce deficits accentuated by the paucity of neurosurgery training programs. To meet the 2030 population workforce requirements, the continent's exponential growth rate should be scaled up to 15.87% per annum. Scaling up neurosurgical training would help to meet this target and requires collaborative efforts from continental, regional, and national agencies and international organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvan-Emeka K Ukachukwu
- 1Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham.,2Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina.,3Neurosurgery Unit, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
| | - Megan E H Still
- 4Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Andreas Seas
- 1Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham
| | - Megan von Isenburg
- 5Duke University Medical Center Library and Archives, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Graham Fieggen
- 6Division of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adefolarin O Malomo
- 7Department of Neurological Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and
| | - Matthew T Shokunbi
- 7Department of Neurological Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and
| | - Joseph R Egger
- 8Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael M Haglund
- 1Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham.,2Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina.,8Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anthony T Fuller
- 1Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Duke University, Durham.,2Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina.,8Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Enslin JMN, Thango NS, Figaji A, Fieggen GA. Hydrocephalus in Low and Middle-Income Countries - Progress and Challenges. Neurol India 2021; 69:S292-S297. [PMID: 35102979 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.332285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Hydrocephalus remains one of the most commonly treated neurosurgical conditions worldwide. Caring for patients with hydrocephalus requires infrastructure and political support and initiative; these are often difficult to obtain in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Some innovations that have arisen in LMICs have traveled up the financial gradient to high-income countries, such as the combination of endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus coagulation to manage hydrocephalus. The development of neuro-endoscopy has played a major role in managing hydrocephalus worldwide; however, LMICs still face specific challenges, such as limited access to shunt hardware, a disproportionately high incidence of post-infectious hydrocephalus, unique microbiological spectra, and often poor access to follow-up care and neuroimaging. This has received increased attention since the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery. The goal of improving access to quality neurosurgical care through various initiatives in LMICs will be discussed in this manuscript. The need for neurosurgeons continues to grow in LMICs, where better access to neurosurgical care, adequate neurosurgical training and political support, and patient education are needed to improve the quality of life for patients with common neurosurgical conditions. Despite these challenges, treating hydrocephalus remains a worthwhile endeavor for many patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes M N Enslin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nqobile S Thango
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anthony Figaji
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Graham A Fieggen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town and Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kanmounye US, Robertson FC, Thango NS, Doe AN, Bankole NDA, Ginette PA, Ondoma S, Balogun JA, Opoku I, Jokonya L, Mbaye T, Shabhay ZA, Ashour AM, Silva ACV, Cheserem B, Karekezi C, Hassani FD, Mentri N, Laeke T, Aklilu AT, Sanoussi S, Musara A, Ntalaja J, Ssenyonga P, Bakhti S, El Abbadi N, Mahmud MR, El-Ghandour NMF, Al-Habib A, Kolias AG, Servadei F, Fieggen G, Qureshi M, Esene I. Needs of Young African Neurosurgeons and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Surg 2021; 8:647279. [PMID: 34124134 PMCID: PMC8193351 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.647279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Africa has many untreated neurosurgical cases due to limited access to safe, affordable, and timely care. In this study, we surveyed young African neurosurgeons and trainees to identify challenges to training and practice. Methods: African trainees and residents were surveyed online by the Young Neurosurgeons Forum from April 25th to November 30th, 2018. The survey link was distributed via social media platforms and through professional society mailing lists. Univariate and bivariate data analyses were run and a P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: 112 respondents from 20 countries participated in this study. 98 (87.5%) were male, 63 (56.3%) were from sub-Saharan Africa, and 52 (46.4%) were residents. 39 (34.8%) had regular journal club sessions at their hospital, 100 (89.3%) did not have access to cadaver dissection labs, and 62 (55.4%) had never attended a WFNS-endorsed conference. 67.0% of respondents reported limited research opportunities and 58.9% reported limited education opportunities. Lack of mentorship (P = 0.023, Phi = 0.26), lack of access to journals (P = 0.002, Phi = 0.332), and limited access to conferences (P = 0.019, Phi = 0.369) were associated with the country income category. Conclusion: This survey identified barriers to education, research, and practice among African trainees and young neurosurgeons. The findings of this study should inform future initiatives aimed at reducing the barriers faced by this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrick S Kanmounye
- Research Department, Association of Future Africa Neurosurgeons, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Faith C Robertson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nqobile S Thango
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alvin Nah Doe
- Neurosurgery Sub-Unit, Department of Surgery, John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Nourou Dine Adeniran Bankole
- Neurosurgery Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Sina Rabat- Mohamed V University of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Pape Aicha Ginette
- Division of Neurosurgery, Felix Houphouet Boigny University of Abidjan, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Solomon Ondoma
- Mercy One Neurosurgery, Mercy One Hospital of North Iowa, Mason, IA, United States
| | - James A Balogun
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Isabella Opoku
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Luxwell Jokonya
- Division of Neurosurgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Thioub Mbaye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Zarina A Shabhay
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ahmed M Ashour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Beverly Cheserem
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Claire Karekezi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Fahd Derkaoui Hassani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheikh Zaid International Hospital, Abulcasis International University of Health Sciences, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Nesrine Mentri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bejaia University Hospital, Béjaïa, Algeria
| | - Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abenezer Tirsit Aklilu
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuila Sanoussi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Niamey National Hospital, Niamey, Niger
| | - Aaron Musara
- Division of Neurosurgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jeff Ntalaja
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Peter Ssenyonga
- Department of Neurosurgery, CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Souad Bakhti
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Division, Department of Neurosurgery, Academic Hospital Mustapha Pacha, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Najia El Abbadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheikh Zaid International Hospital, Abulcasis International University of Health Sciences, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Muhammad Raji Mahmud
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Amro Al-Habib
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Angelos G Kolias
- NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Franco Servadei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Humanitas University and Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Graham Fieggen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Neurosciences Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mahmood Qureshi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ignatius Esene
- Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
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Boever J, Mesfin F. A Comparison of Reported Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Spinal Surgery Among Neurosurgeons in Africa and North America. World Neurosurg 2020; 146:e1097-e1102. [PMID: 33248307 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.11.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosurgical practice in some African countries has significant differences in patient load and resource availability compared with North America. We designed a survey to determine reported differences in outcome of anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery, including blood loss, length of stay, and follow-up time, among physicians on different continents. We expected outcomes in all categories to be pronounced between respondents in Africa compared with North America due to a multitude of factors. METHODS The survey consisted of 7 questions and was sent to 352 neurosurgeons practicing on the continents of North America, Africa, or Other. RESULTS A total of 62 surgeons responded, 44 from Africa, 15 from North America, and 3 from Other. A greater percentage of respondents in Africa reported an average follow-up time within 2 weeks compared with respondents practicing in North America (63.6% and 40%, respectively). On blood loss, 56% of surgeons in Africa reported >50 mL of intraoperative blood loss compared with 6.67% for respondents in North America. Over 90% reported length of stay of 2 or more days in Africa, compared with 6.67% in North America. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate greater advances in reported surgical outcomes for patients in Africa than we expected, but still highlight key areas for improvement, almost certainly due to lack of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Boever
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
| | - Fassil Mesfin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Onyia CU, Ojo OA. Collaborative International Neurosurgery Education for Africa–The Journey So Far and the Way Forward. World Neurosurg 2020; 141:e566-e575. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Madison, Wisconsin
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8
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Karekezi C, El Khamlichi A, El Ouahabi A, El Abbadi N, Ahokpossi SA, Ahanogbe KMH, Berete I, Bouya SM, Coulibaly O, Dao I, Djoubairou BO, Doleagbenou AAK, Egu KP, Ekouele Mbaki HB, Kinata-Bambino SB, Habibou LM, Mousse AN, Ngamasata T, Ntalaja J, Onen J, Quenum K, Seylan D, Sogoba Y, Servadei F, Germano IM. The impact of African-trained neurosurgeons on sub-Saharan Africa. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 48:E4. [DOI: 10.3171/2019.12.focus19853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVESub-Saharan Africa (SSA) represents 17% of the world’s land, 14% of the population, and 1% of the gross domestic product. Previous reports have indicated that 81/500 African neurosurgeons (16.2%) worked in SSA—i.e., 1 neurosurgeon per 6 million inhabitants. Over the past decades, efforts have been made to improve neurosurgery availability in SSA. In this study, the authors provide an update by means of the polling of neurosurgeons who trained in North Africa and went back to practice in SSA.METHODSNeurosurgeons who had full training at the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Rabat Training Center (RTC) over the past 16 years were polled with an 18-question survey focused on demographics, practice/case types, and operating room equipment availability.RESULTSData collected from all 21 (100%) WFNS RTC graduates showed that all neurosurgeons returned to work to SSA in 12 different countries, 90% working in low-income and 10% in lower-middle-income countries, defined by the World Bank as a Gross National Income per capita of ≤ US$995 and US$996–$3895, respectively. The cumulative population in the geographical areas in which they practice is 267 million, with a total of 102 neurosurgeons reported, resulting in 1 neurosurgeon per 2.62 million inhabitants. Upon return to SSA, WFNS RTC graduates were employed in public/private hospitals (62%), military hospitals (14.3%), academic centers (14.3%), and private practice (9.5%). The majority reported an even split between spine and cranial and between trauma and elective; 71% performed between 50 and more than 100 neurosurgical procedures/year. Equipment available varied across the cohort. A CT scanner was available to 86%, MRI to 38%, surgical microscope to 33%, endoscope to 19.1%, and neuronavigation to 0%. Three (14.3%) neurosurgeons had access to none of the above.CONCLUSIONSNeurosurgery availability in SSA has significantly improved over the past decade thanks to the dedication of senior African neurosurgeons, organizations, and volunteers who believed in forming the new neurosurgery generation in the same continent where they practice. Challenges include limited resources and the need to continue expanding efforts in local neurosurgery training and continuing medical education. Focus on affordable and low-maintenance technology is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Karekezi
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Abdeslam El Khamlichi
- 2National Center for Rehabilitation and Neurosciences, Hôpital des Spécialités de Rabat
| | | | - Najia El Abbadi
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Cheikh Zaid International Hospital, Abulcasis International University of Health Sciences, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | | | - Ibrahima Berete
- 7Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School at University Gamal Abdel Nasser of Conakry, Guinea
| | | | | | - Ibrahim Dao
- 10Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Yalgafo Ouedraogo and Military Camp General Sangoule Lamizana, University Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Hugues Brieux Ekouele Mbaki
- 13Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Sinclair Brice Kinata-Bambino
- 13Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | | | | | | - Jeff Ntalaja
- 17Hopital Ngaliema, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Justin Onen
- 18CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Kisito Quenum
- 19Neurosurgery Department of Parakou University, Parakou, Benin Republic
| | - Diawara Seylan
- 7Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School at University Gamal Abdel Nasser of Conakry, Guinea
| | | | - Franco Servadei
- 21Department of Neurosurgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital and Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Isabelle M. Germano
- 22Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York
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Deora H, Garg K, Tripathi M, Mishra S, Chaurasia B. Residency perception survey among neurosurgery residents in lower-middle-income countries: grassroots evaluation of neurosurgery education. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 48:E11. [DOI: 10.3171/2019.12.focus19852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe evolution of the neurosurgical specialty in lower-middle-income countries is uniformly a narrative of continuous struggle for recognition and resource allocation. Therefore, it is not surprising that neurosurgical education and residency training in these countries is relatively nascent. Dr. Harvey Cushing in 1901 declared that he would specialize in neurosurgery and gave his greatest contribution to the advancement of neurosurgical education by laying the foundations of a structured residency training program. Similar efforts in lower-middle-income countries have been impeded by economic instability and the lack of well-established medical education paradigms. The authors sought to evaluate the residency programs in these nations by conducting a survey among the biggest stakeholders in these educational programs: the neurosurgical residents.METHODSA questionnaire addressing various aspects of the residency program from a resident’s perspective was prepared with Google Forms and circulated among neurosurgery residents through social media and email groups. Where applicable, a 5-point Likert scale was used to grade the responses to the questions. Responses were collected from May to October 2019 and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Complete anonymity of the respondents was ensured to keep the responses unbiased.RESULTSA total of 195 responses were received, with 189 of them from lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). The majority of these were from India (75%), followed by Brazil and Pakistan. An abiding concern among residents was lack of work hour regulations, inadequate exposure to emerging subspecialties, and the need for better hands-on training (> 60% each). Of the training institutions represented, 89% were offering more than 500 major neurosurgical surgeries per year, and 40% of the respondents never got exposure to any subspecialty. The popularity of electronic learning resources was discernible and most residents seemed to be satisfied with the existent system of evaluation. Significant differences (p < 0.05) among responses from India compared with those from other countries were found in terms of work hour regulations and subspecialty exposure.CONCLUSIONSIt is prudent that concerned authorities in LMICs recognize and address the deficiencies perceived by neurosurgery residents in their training programs. A determined effort in this direction would be endorsed and assisted by a host of international neurosurgical societies when it is felt that domestic resources may not be adequate. Quality control and close scrutiny of training programs should ensure that the interests of neurosurgical trainees are best served.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Deora
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Kanwaljeet Garg
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manjul Tripathi
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India; and
| | - Shashwat Mishra
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bipin Chaurasia
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Bangladesh State Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Dempsey RJ, Buckley NA. Education-based Solutions to the Global Burden of Neurosurgical Disease. World Neurosurg 2020; 140:e1-e6. [PMID: 31954913 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low- and middle-income countries continue to suffer from a lack of access to basic neurosurgical care. The 2015 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery estimated essential surgical care was lacking to 5 billion people and that 143 million essential surgeries were not performed annually. A significant part of this need is neurosurgical care. Countries lacking basic neurosurgical services cannot have a true trauma system, or complete care for tumor, stroke, pain, and congenital defects in children. Episodic service missions from developed countries cannot fill these large gaps. To maximize the impact of global neurosurgery, the framework through which humanitarian neurosurgeons respond to international need should incorporate sustainable practices that empower the recipient population. METHODS A historical and anecdotal review of global neurosurgery. RESULTS The success of sustainable, locally championed neurosurgery educational programs will be dependent on the simultaneous, parallel development of anesthesia, critical care, nursing, and biomedical services. Each of these disciplines will reciprocally benefit from these neurosurgical programs. These programs cannot exist in a vacuum. They will require the thoughtful collaboration of all major neurosurgical societies with a humanitarian emphasis while championing the local surgeons in the area of need who must assume leadership to achieve a self-sustaining program. CONCLUSIONS To meet the global need for neurosurgical care, self-sustaining neurosurgical programs must be locally developed in the countries of need. International support must be built on "Service through Education" rather the service alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Dempsey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Niall A Buckley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Dempsey RJ. Editorial. Global neurosurgery: the role of the individual neurosurgeon, the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery, and "service through education" to address worldwide need. Neurosurg Focus 2019; 45:E19. [PMID: 30269589 DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Fieggen AG. ISPN presidential address 2018. Paediatric neurosurgery: Africa is our future. Childs Nerv Syst 2019; 35:1637-1647. [PMID: 31432223 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Graham Fieggen
- Neuroscience Institute, Division of Neurosurgery & Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, H53 Old Main Building, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7925, South Africa.
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Karekezi C, El Khamlichi A. Takeoff of African Neurosurgery and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Rabat Training Center Alumni. World Neurosurg 2019; 126:576-580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Leidinger A, Extremera P, Kim EE, Qureshi MM, Young PH, Piquer J. The challenges and opportunities of global neurosurgery in East Africa: the Neurosurgery Education and Development model. Neurosurg Focus 2018; 45:E8. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to describe the experience of a volunteering neurosurgeon during an 18-week stay at the Neurosurgery Education and Development (NED) Institute and to report the general situation regarding the development of neurosurgery in Zanzibar, identifying the challenges and opportunities and explaining the NED Foundation’s model for safe practice and sustainability.METHODSThe NED Foundation deployed the volunteer neurosurgeon coordinator (NC) for an 18-week stay at the NED Institute at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Stonetown, Zanzibar. The main roles of the NC were as follows: management of patients, reinforcement of weekly academic activities, coordination of international surgical camps, and identification of opportunities for improvement. The improvement opportunities were categorized as clinical, administrative, and sociocultural and were based on observations made by the NC as well as on interviews with local doctors, administrators, and government officials.RESULTSDuring the 18-week period, the NC visited 460 patients and performed 85 surgical procedures. Four surgical camps were coordinated on-site. Academic activities were conducted weekly. The most significant challenges encountered were an intense workload, deficient infrastructure, lack of self-confidence among local physicians, deficiencies in technical support and repairs of broken equipment, and lack of guidelines. Through a series of interviews, the sociocultural factors influencing the NED Foundation’s intervention were determined. Factors identified for success were the activity of neurosurgical societies in East Africa; structured pan-African neurosurgical training; the support of the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA); motivated personnel; and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s willingness to collaborate with the NED Foundation.CONCLUSIONSInternational collaboration programs should balance local challenges and opportunities in order to effectively promote the development of neurosurgery in East Africa. Support and endorsement should be sought to harness shared resources and experience. Determining the caregiving and educational objectives within the logistic, administrative, social, and cultural framework of the target hospital is paramount to success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Leidinger
- 1Neurosurgery Education and Development Foundation, Valencia, Spain
- 2Neurosurgery Education and Development Institute, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Stonetown, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | | | - Eliana E. Kim
- 2Neurosurgery Education and Development Institute, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Stonetown, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | | | - Paul H. Young
- 5Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - José Piquer
- 1Neurosurgery Education and Development Foundation, Valencia, Spain
- 6Hospital Universitario de la Ribera, Alzira, Valencia, Spain
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Carr C, Kahn L, Mathkour M, Biro E, Bui CJ, Dumont AS. The shifting burden of neurosurgical disease: Vietnam and the middle-income nations. Neurosurg Focus 2018; 45:E12. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe Global Burden of Disease (GBD) is an international collaboration and the largest comprehensive investigation of global health disease burden ever conducted. It has been particularly insightful for understanding disease demographics in middle-income nations undergoing rapid development, such as Vietnam, where 6 of the top 10 causes of death are relevant to the neurosurgeon. The burden of stroke—the number one cause of death in Vietnam—is particularly impressive. Likewise, road injuries, with a disproportionate rate of traumatic brain injury, continue to increase in Vietnam following economic development. Low-back and neck pain is the number one cause of disability. Simultaneously, more patients have access to care, and healthcare spending is increased.METHODSIt is imperative that neurosurgical capital and infrastructure keep pace with Vietnam’s growth. The authors searched the existing literature for assessments of neurosurgical infrastructure or initiatives to address neurosurgical disease burden. Using GBD data, the authors also abstracted data for death by cause and prevalence of years of life lost due to disability (YLD) for common neurosurgical pathologies for Vietnam and comparison nations.RESULTSInterventions aimed at primary prevention of risk factors for neurosurgical disease and focused on the transference of self-sustainable technical skills were found to be analogous to those that have been successful in other regions. Efforts toward stroke prevention have been focused on causal risk factors. Multiple investigators have found that interventions aimed at increasing helmet use were successful in preventing traumatic brain injury. Government-led reforms and equipment donation programs have improved technical capacity. Nevertheless, Vietnam lags behind other nations in neurosurgeons per capita; cause-attributable death and YLD attributable to neurosurgical disease are considerably higher in Vietnam and middle-income nations compared to both lower-income nations and upper-income nations.CONCLUSIONSMore than two-thirds of deaths attributable to neurosurgical pathologies in Vietnam and other middle-income nations were due to stroke, and one-fifth of both cause-attributable death and YLD was associated with neurosurgical pathologies. Vietnam and other middle-income nations continue to assume a global burden of disease profile that ever more closely resembles that of developed nations, with particular cerebrovascular, neurotrauma, and spinal disease burdens, leading to exponentially increased demand for neurosurgeons that threatens to outpace the training of neurosurgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carr
- 1Tulane University-Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University Medical Center
| | - Lora Kahn
- 1Tulane University-Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University Medical Center
| | - Mansour Mathkour
- 1Tulane University-Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University Medical Center
| | - Erin Biro
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Ochsner Health System; and
| | - Cuong J. Bui
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Ochsner Health System; and
| | - Aaron S. Dumont
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Dewan MC, Baticulon RE, Rattani A, Johnston JM, Warf BC, Harkness W. Pediatric neurosurgical workforce, access to care, equipment and training needs worldwide. Neurosurg Focus 2018; 45:E13. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe presence and capability of existing pediatric neurosurgical care worldwide is unknown. The objective of this study was to solicit the expertise of specialists to quantify the geographic representation of pediatric neurosurgeons, access to specialist care, and equipment and training needs globally.METHODSA mixed-question survey was sent to surgeon members of several international neurosurgical and general pediatric surgical societies via a web-based platform. Respondents answered questions on 5 categories: surgeon demographics and training, hospital and practice details, surgical workforce and access to neurosurgical care, training and equipment needs, and desire for international collaboration. Responses were anonymized and analyzed using Stata software.RESULTSA total of 459 surgeons from 76 countries responded. Pediatric neurosurgeons in high-income and upper-middle-income countries underwent formal pediatric training at a greater rate than surgeons in low- and lower-middle-income countries (89.5% vs 54.4%). There are an estimated 2297 pediatric neurosurgeons in practice globally, with 85.6% operating in high-income and upper-middle-income countries. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, roughly 330 pediatric neurosurgeons care for a total child population of 1.2 billion. In low-income countries in Africa, the density of pediatric neurosurgeons is roughly 1 per 30 million children. A higher proportion of patients in low- and lower-middle-income countries must travel > 2 hours to seek emergency neurosurgical care, relative to high-income countries (75.6% vs 33.6%, p < 0.001). Vast basic and essential training and equipment needs exist, particularly low- and lower-middle-income countries within Africa, South America, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia. Eighty-nine percent of respondents demonstrated an interest in international collaboration for the purposes of pediatric neurosurgical capacity building.CONCLUSIONSWide disparity in the access to pediatric neurosurgical care exists globally. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, wherein there exists the greatest burden of pediatric neurosurgical disease, there is a grossly insufficient presence of capable providers and equipped facilities. Neurosurgeons across income groups and geographic regions share a desire for collaboration and partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Dewan
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ronnie E. Baticulon
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Mabani, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
| | - Abbas Rattani
- 3Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - James M. Johnston
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Benjamin C. Warf
- 5Department of Neurological Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - William Harkness
- 6Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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Dewan MC, Onen J, Bow H, Ssenyonga P, Howard C, Warf BC. Subspecialty pediatric neurosurgery training: a skill-based training model for neurosurgeons in low-resourced health systems. Neurosurg Focus 2018; 45:E2. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is inadequate pediatric neurosurgical training to meet the growing burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Subspecialty expertise in the management of hydrocephalus and spina bifida—two of the most common pediatric neurosurgical conditions—offers a high-yield opportunity to mitigate morbidity and avoid unnecessary death. The CURE Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida (CHSB) fellowship offers an intensive subspecialty training program designed to equip surgeons from LMIC with the state-of-the-art surgical skills and equipment to most effectively manage common neurosurgical conditions of childhood. Prospective fellows and their home institution undergo a comprehensive evaluation before being accepted for the 8-week training period held at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CCHU) in Mbale, Uganda. The fellowship combines anatomy review, treatment paradigms, a flexible endoscopic simulation lab, daily ward and ICU rounds, radiology rounds, and clinic exposure. The cornerstone of the fellowship is the unique operative experience that includes a high volume of endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization, myelomeningocele closure, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting, among many other procedures performed at CCHU. Upon completion, fellows return to their home institution to establish or rejuvenate a robust pediatric practice as part of a worldwide network of CHSB trainees committed to the care of underserved children. To date, the fellowship has graduated 33 surgeons from 20 different LMIC who are independently performing thousands of hydrocephalus and spina bifida operations each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Dewan
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- 2Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin Onen
- 3CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda, Mbale, Uganda; and
| | - Hansen Bow
- 1Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Benjamin C. Warf
- 2Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- 4Department of Neurological Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Dempsey RJ. Neurosurgery in the Developing World: Specialty Service and Global Health. World Neurosurg 2018; 112:325-327. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.02.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Practical Challenges and Perspectives for the Development of Neurosurgery in a Peripheral East African Hospital During a One-Volunteer Midterm Mission. World Neurosurg 2017; 111:326-334. [PMID: 29294401 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.12.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several strategies have been proposed for developing and spreading surgical specialties in Sub-Saharan East Africa. Regarding neurosurgery, improvements are coming from the cooperation between Western and African institutes by means of the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons and independent organizations but, far from big cities and more equipped hospitals, shortcomings in the delivery of services persist. METHODS Through the application of 1 formally trained neurosurgeon volunteer, the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery and Neurocirugía, Educación y Desarrollo coordinated a 2-month neurosurgical project at Mathari Consolata Hospital in Nyeri (Kenya), designed to analyze critical points and to find suggestions for initiating and developing a neurosurgical service, providing in the meantime clinical and surgical care for patients. RESULTS During the mission, general and local issues limiting the neurosurgical activities at the hospital were studied. They were discussed with the hospital board and the project supervisors, thereby ensuring short-term and medium-term solutions and possible future cooperation with the hospital. The volunteer also carried out clinics and surgery for neuro cases and neurosurgical training for nurses and doctors. CONCLUSIONS The model proposed should be considered a preliminary and immersive survey to evaluate the eligibility of a decentralized East African hospital to interface with neurosurgical activities, through the support of experienced local institutes and Western organizations. Host hospitals would also have the chance to enhance clinical services currently lacking and to train its personnel at low cost. The program may represent a rewarding personal and professional opportunity for young trained neurosurgeons, which also addresses the contemporary shortage of local specialists.
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Bean JR. And Who Shall Heal the Afflicted? Neurosurgical Care in Sub-Saharan Africa. World Neurosurg 2017; 101:768-770. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Neurosurgery in Sub-Saharan Africa: Ask not for Whom the Bell Tolls. World Neurosurg 2017; 101:752-754. [PMID: 28300717 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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