World Neurosurg
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Thoracic spinal tuberculosis (TST) is a dangerous disease. Besides antituberculosis chemotherapy, surgery is also necessary for treating TST. To date, no study has focused on the prognostic factors for recovery of patients after surgery for TST. ⋯ This study supports the previously published evidence that nonparalysis, shorter duration of symptoms, and fewer involved vertebrae are favorable prognostic factors for recovery after surgery for TST. For a better recovery effect, the key points for treating TST were timely diagnosis and treatment. It is urgent for government to arouse attention and popularize the knowledge of spinal tuberculosis.
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To provide detailed information about how to realize a self-training laboratory with cost-effective microsurgical instruments, especially pertinent for the novice trainee. ⋯ We have developed an inexpensive and efficient micro-anastomosis training system using a stereoscopic microscope and minimal micro-instruments. Especially useful for novice trainees, this system provides high accessibility for microsurgical training.
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Hydrocephalus develops in up to 90% of patients born with myelomeningocele. Although endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is currently considered the preferred treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus, its results have been inconsistent in patients with myelomeningocele. This study focuses on clinical and radiologic outcomes of ETV in children with hydrocephalus related to myelomeningocele. ⋯ ETV can be performed in patients with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus with success rates of almost 50%. Prior VPS or VPS malfunction or infection do not contraindicate ETV. If possible, the procedure should be delayed until the patient is at least 1 month old.
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Three-dimensional (3D) endoscopy has been recently introduced in endonasal skull base surgery. Only a relatively limited number of studies have compared it to 2-dimensional, high definition technology. The objective was to compare, in a preclinical setting for endonasal endoscopic surgery, the surgical maneuverability of 2-dimensional, high definition and 3D endoscopy. ⋯ In a preclinical setting for endonasal skull base surgery, 3D technology appears to confer an advantage in terms of time of execution and precision of surgical maneuvers.
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Reducing health care costs while improving quality of care has become imperative in neurosurgical care. The Value-Driven Outcome database at the University of Utah identifies cost drivers and tracks changes over time. ⋯ Our results highlight the importance of facility utilization and pharmaceutical, supply/implant, imaging, and laboratory costs as overall cost drivers during transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection. Facility utilization was a stronger cost driver than any other aspect of care. Strategies to mitigate cost include stratifying low-risk patients to an intermediate care unit and reducing length of stay.