World Neurosurg
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Wound complications are a prevalent concern for neuromodulation procedures. While removal of the device was recommended, attempts to salvage expensive hardware have become commonplace. We examine our management in wound issues to aid in providing guidance for these situations. ⋯ Our results demonstrate a higher rate of washout failure in those who underwent partial device removal and in the presence of purulence at the surgical site. Further investigation must be conducted to determine the instances in which hardware removal is indicated to prevent failure or removal due to infection. Identification of these parameters will optimize therapeutic benefit and long-term financial impact.
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Neurosurgical subspecialty fellowship training has become increasingly popular in recent decades. However, few studies have evaluated recent trends in postgraduate subspecialty education. This study aims to provide a detailed cross-sectional analysis of subspecialty fellowship training completion trends and demographics among U.S. academic neurosurgeons. ⋯ There is an emerging proclivity for additional fellowship training among young neurosurgeons, often in multiple subspecialties. These findings are intended to help guide professional decision-making and optimize the delivery of postgraduate education.
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A patient in his 50s presented with postcoital severe headache. Computed tomography revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage but also a subdural hematoma at the left convexity. Computed tomography angiography revealed a large irregular anterior communicating artery aneurysm but also cortical serpiginous vessels suggestive of a vascular malformation adjacent to the subdural hematoma in the left convexity. ⋯ The ruptured fistula was treated in the same session with transarterial Onyx embolization. The patient had a favorable outcome. Our case is an important reminder for all clinicians treating patients with intracranial hemorrhages on the necessity of fully reviewing all available preoperative imaging.
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Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (iCEUS) is a relatively new technique for visualizing brain gliomas and can help achieve maximum resection, but its potential in evaluation of spinal cord gliomas has not been well defined. The aim of this study was to describe the iCEUS characterization of and evaluate its role in visualizing intramedullary gliomas. ⋯ ICEUS adds valuable information in highlighting spinal cord gliomas in real time. It allows the neurosurgeon to assess the anatomical location of the glioma and delineate the tumor margins. iCEUS could play a potentially important role in guiding spinal cord glioma resection. Further study with more cases is needed to better understand the microbubble distribution dynamics in intramedullary gliomas.
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Recently, more neurosurgical residency programs have transitioned from a postgraduate year (PGY)-7 to a PGY-6 chief year. There has not been a national analysis of resident and program director perceptions regarding the timing of chief year conductance and its influence on overall program satisfaction. ⋯ Program directors and residents at PGY-6 chief year programs report a high level of satisfaction with close to half of those at PGY-7 programs desiring to make this transition. Most PGY-6 chief year respondents report that this model allows for greater subspecialty focus and career planning during the PGY-7 year.