World Neurosurg
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Large disparities in access to neurosurgical care are known, but there are limited data on whether geographic distribution of the neurosurgery workforce potentially plays a role in these disparities. The goal of this study was to identify the geographic distribution of neurosurgeons in the United States and to study the association of the per capita workforce distribution with socioeconomic characteristics of the population. ⋯ Regions characterized by low socioeconomic status have fewer neurosurgeons per capita in the United States. Low income, low number of college graduates, and high unemployment rate are associated with fewer numbers of neurosurgeons per capita. Further research is needed to determine if these geographic workforce disparities contribute to poor access to quality neurosurgical care.
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Low-grade gliomas are a heterogeneous group with significant changes in their management during the last decade. ⋯ More radical surgery was associated with increased survival, less need for postoperative adjuvant therapy and better seizure control, without significant morbidity. Molecular markers are useful tools for stratification of benefits after such surgery.
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Surgical site infection (SSI) is a well-documented complication in patients who undergo posterior spine instrumentation with most studies reporting an incidence of 1%-12%. Some studies have documented that a diluted sterile povidone-iodine (PVI) solution can be safely used in posterior spinal fusion surgeries as an antiseptic; in this study, we analyzed its effectiveness in reducing SSI. ⋯ Wound irrigation with PVI solution significantly reduced SSI in elective posterior lumbar instrumentation cases. Subgroup analysis provided significant results to recommend use of PVI solution for SSI prevention, particularly in overweight and obese patients. We also recommend its use in patients with risk factors for SSI, such as longer operative time and unintended durotomy.
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Neurosurgeons are frequently consulted for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) resulting in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). After inpatient confirmation of hemorrhage stability, outpatient head computed tomography (CT) is often performed to assess for hemorrhage resolution. Our objective was to assess the practice patterns and clinical utility of routine outpatient head CT scans for patients with mild TBI (mTBI). ⋯ Routine outpatient head CT scans before follow-up for low-risk mTBI patients without an SDH appears to have limited clinical utility. In low-risk mTBI patients with an SDH, obtaining an outpatient head CT is reasonable to monitor for resolution.