Neurosurgery
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Interest in machine learning (ML)-based predictive modeling has led to the development of models predicting outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), including the Nijmegen acute subarachnoid hemorrhage calculator (Nutshell). Generalizability of such models to external data remains unclear. ⋯ The Nutshell tool demonstrated limited performance on external validation in comparison with the SAHIT models. External validation and the dissemination of testing platforms for ML models must be emphasized.
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Local management for vestibular schwannoma (VS) is associated with excellent local control with focus on preserving long-term serviceable hearing. Fractionated proton radiation therapy (FPRT) may be associated with greater hearing preservation because of unique dosimetric properties of proton radiotherapy. ⋯ FPRT for VS did not meet the goal of serviceable hearing preservation. Higher cochlea doses trended to worsening hearing preservation, suggesting that dose to cochlea correlates with hearing preservation independent of treatment modality.
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The anterior communicating artery (AcoA) is the most common location for intracranial aneurysms. ⋯ Coiling with and without stent/balloon assistance is a relatively safe and effective modality for the treatment of AcoA aneurysms; however, in the setting of recurrence, microsurgical reconstruction leads to improved outcomes regarding durable occlusion, thus avoiding the potential for multiple interventions in the future.
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Neuromodulation has taken a foothold in the landscape of surgical treatment for medically refractory epilepsies and offers additional surgical treatment options for patients who are not candidates for resective/ablative surgery. Approximately one third of patients with epilepsy suffer with medication-refractory epilepsy. A persistent underuse of epilepsy surgery exists. ⋯ DBS of the bilateral anterior nucleus of the thalamus is an Food and Drug Administration-approved, safe, and efficacious treatment option for patients with refractory focal epilepsy. The purpose of this consensus position statement is to summarize evidence, provide recommendations, and identify indications and populations for future investigation in DBS for epilepsy. The recommendations of the American Society of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgeons are based on several randomized and blinded clinical trials with high-quality data to support the use of DBS to the anterior nucleus of the thalamus for the treatment of refractory focal-onset seizures.
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Numerous catastrophic events in the 21st century have motivated renewed discussion regarding whether the traditional definition of standard of care appropriately applies to clinical decision-making in crisis scenarios. Some authorities have proposed the adoption of a crisis standard of care, which refines physician responsibilities during a crisis event in accordance with population health principles. ⋯ To clarify these points and provide practicing neurosurgeons with guidance, we provide a review of current literature on the evolving definitions of crisis standard of care. Additionally, we provide an assessment of the implications of a crisis standard of care, as it relates to legal liability, clinical ethics, and neurosurgical practice.