World Neurosurg
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In the past, women in neurosurgery were deemed "less than a minority." Pioneering women entered neurosurgical residency programs alone, facing large obstacles to become surgical experts. Recent data suggest a stark increase in the number of women neurosurgical residents. As the field of neurosurgery attempts to increase numbers of women surgeons, it must also adjust workplace culture to embrace a new group of trainees. Here, we share an account of historical numbers, as well as evidence of a changing landscape within neurosurgery and suggestions of ways to modify workplace culture based on examples set in other career paths.
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Anterior lumbar interbody fusion and lateral lumbar interbody fusion are associated with approach-related disadvantages. Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is the proposed solution, especially for upper lumbar levels. We analyzed the size and regional anatomy of the corridor used in the OLIF technique between levels L1 and L5. ⋯ A left-sided OLIF approach is viable for both sexes. Oblique access to the L1/L2 and L2/L3 disc levels is feasible regardless of age, whereas the L3/L4 and L4/L5 levels may be more suitable in older patients, especially for male patients. The right-sided approach is less likely to be performed effectively.
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To present treatment strategies for spinal extradural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in relation to angioarchitecture. ⋯ Spinal extradural AVFs consist of 2 subtypes-type A with intradural drainage and type B without intradural drainage-characterized by regional differences at each spinal level in angioarchitecture, causes of myelopathy, and treatment goals.
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To evaluate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation of the thoracic medial branch of the dorsal ramus in patients with chronic thoracic facet joint (TFJ) pain who were refractory to medial branch block (MBB). ⋯ The author suggests that PRF on the thoracic medial branch is an effective and safe interventional technique for the control of chronic TFJ pain.
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An abdominal pseudocyst (APC) is a distal catheter site-specific failure in patients treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Few studies with more than 10 patients have been reported. The aim of this study was to analyze causes of peritoneal catheter revisions with special emphasis on revisions because of an APC. ⋯ An APC is a major long-term complication after ventriculoperitoneal shunt treatment. Although a sterile inflammatory response cannot be excluded completely, our results favor the hypothesis of low-level shunt infection. In both cases, the surgical consequences are the same. An infected APC should be treated as a shunt infection. Uninfected patients can be treated with shunt externalization and replacement of only the peritoneal catheter.