World Neurosurg
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The study of quality of life (QOL) in patients with asymptomatic diseases receiving interventional treatment provides an essential metric for the assessment of procedural benefits in the surgical patient population. In this study, we analyzed QOL data collected from patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) before and after endovascular coiling in the HEAT Trial, alongside a systematic review on QOL in unruptured brain aneurysms. ⋯ Our analysis has revealed that patients with 3- to 14-mm UIAs had improvements in some physical and emotional components of QOL at 18-24 months following aneurysm coiling in the HEAT study. The literature remains indeterminate on this issue. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of the diagnosis of UIAs and their treatment on QOL.
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Lumbar spine fusion surgery is traditionally performed with rigid fixation. Because the rigidity is often supraphysiologic, semirigid rods were developed. To the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive evaluation of rod material type on surgical outcomes has yet to be conducted. ⋯ There is a moderate level of evidence supporting that surgical intervention results in high fusion rates regardless of rod material type. Surgical intervention improves back pain, leg pain, and function, with neither material type showing clear superiority. There are comparable rates of reoperation, development of adjacent segment disease, development of mechanical complications, and incidence of infection in both rigid and semirigid rods. Further studies regarding rod material type are warranted.
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Endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) provide improved access and operative visualization for resection of pituitary adenomas. Although the technique has gained wide acceptance, there is a paucity of data regarding late recurrence. ⋯ Recurrence rate of NFPA remains high despite the better visualization offered by EEA, especially in those tumors involving the cavernous sinus and/or previously operated on. Repeat surgery is adequate for tumor debulking and decompression of the optic apparatus but is unlikely to achieve gross total resection if a successful previous EEA has been performed. Radiation therapy is an effective option for management of recurrent tumors.
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The World Health Organization predicts a striking rise in the burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) burden in the next decades. A disproportionately large increase is predicted in low- and middle-income countries, which have brain injury rates 3 times higher than high-income countries. The aim of this study was to identify current TBI practices and treatment capacity in 3 low- and middle-income countries: Republic of Armenia, Georgia, and Republic of Moldova. ⋯ Particular gaps were found in pre-hospital and rehabilitative care, as well as national leadership and data collection. Surveillance and standardized data collection are important measures to fill treatment gaps and reduce the burden of TBI.
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COVID-19 has affected the global provision of neurosurgical services. We sought to review the impact of COVID-19 on the neurosurgical services in Africa. ⋯ Most African countries have a national COVID-19 policy response plan that is not always fully suited to the local neurosurgery services. There is an ongoing need for PPE and training for COVID-19 preparedness. There has been a reduction in clinical activities both in clinic and surgeries undertaken.