Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2023
A standardized infection prevention bundle for reduction of CSF shunt infections in adult ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery performed without antibiotic-impregnated catheters.
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion and revision surgeries are some of the most common procedures that are performed by neurosurgeons. Shunt infections within the adult population are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and rates remain high. The objective of the current study was to use quality improvement (QI) methodology to create a standardized infection prevention bundle aimed at reducing the rate of shunt infections. ⋯ The implementation of a standardized shunt infection prevention bundle within the adult population, without the use of antibiotic-impregnated catheters, significantly reduced the rate of shunt infections which was sustained over many years. The use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol for preoperative antisepsis may have played a significant role. Multicenter studies should be completed to verify the effectiveness of the authors' protocol.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2023
Observational StudyAdjuvant oral tranexamic acid and reoperation after burr hole surgery in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: propensity score-matched analysis using a nationwide inpatient database.
Adjuvant medical treatment to reduce the recurrence rate after burr hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has not yet been established. This study aimed to investigate the association between tranexamic acid (TXA) use after burr hole surgery and the reoperation rate in patients with CSDH. ⋯ Findings of this study, using a nationwide inpatient database, suggest that adjuvant TXA use after burr hole surgery was associated with a reduced reoperation rate in patients with CSDH.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2023
ReviewIntratumoral hemorrhage in vestibular schwannomas after stereotactic radiosurgery.
Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are benign tumors of the cerebellopontine angle that are typically managed with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) of VSs is a rare occurrence that results in worsening vestibular and new cranial nerve deficits. Few reports have described the management and outcomes of this entity after SRS. To further delineate the incidence and impact of this event, the authors performed a retrospective review of their VS SRS patients at a single center. ⋯ ITH after VS radiosurgery is a rare phenomenon with a cumulative incidence rate of 0.26% in this series. Patient-tailored management in the form of observation or resection is based on patient presentation, acuity, and ITH size.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2023
Multicenter StudyQuality of life and surgical outcomes in incidental pituitary adenomas undergoing endoscopic endonasal resection.
Incidental, asymptomatic pituitary adenomas require nuanced, shared decision-making, which is limited by a poor understanding of their natural history and effects on quality of life (QOL). A greater understanding of the effects of surgery would inform evidence-based care. ⋯ Resection of pituitary adenomas via the EEA provided a tangible benefit for patients within 3 months. Surgery via the EEA is safe, effective, and beneficial for patients with pituitary incidentalomas meeting accepted criteria for intervention.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2023
Breaking boundaries through Doctors Reaching Minority Men Exploring Neuroscience: a mentorship model to foster a pipeline for underrepresented minorities.
In 2015, the Association of American Medical Colleges report titled "Altering the Course: Black Males in Medicine" showed a decline in the number of Black men matriculating into medical school. To alter this trend, the authors' hypothesis was that formally exposing Black men to the clinical neurosciences during high school would enhance their chances of entering the physician workforce. For this reason, in 2007, the Doctors Reaching Minority Men Exploring Neuroscience (DR. MMEN) program was established at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The program aimed to provide early exposure, mentorship, and inspiration to high school-age Black and Latinx men. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the DR. MMEN program in the context of the recent race and ethnicity trends among medical school matriculants (MSMs). ⋯ Over the past 6 years, the slight increase in Black and Latinx MSMs has not been significant enough to remedy ethnoracial disparities among MSMs. In particular, Black male matriculation to medical school has remained stagnant. The DR. MMEN program is a promising model to inspire young scholars and improve diversity within neuroscience and medicine at large.