World Neurosurg
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Health care in developing countries often lacks adequate bookkeeping and national cancer registries, means of information that have proven to impact disease research and care. The true burden of brain tumors therefore remains unchecked and so does the extent of the problem. Therefore, this study aims to explore the challenges and potential strategies related to information management of brain tumors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ⋯ In LMICs, improving patient outcomes and quality of life postneurosurgical intervention for brain tumors requires coordinated efforts to enhance information systems. The support of the government and public health professionals is vital in implementing strategies to achieve this goal.
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Detecting increased intracranial pressure early in pediatric patients is essential, as early initiation of therapy prevents morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured via ultrasound for the prediction of increased intracranial pressure. ⋯ Optic nerve ultrasonography stands out as a precise and valuable diagnostic tool applicable across diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios. We recommend routine ocular ultrasound for optic nerve sheath diameter measurement in pediatric patients to increase the accuracy of diagnosing increased intracranial pressure.
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Review Historical Article
Cranial surgery in antiquity: the size of trepanations during the Neolithic period in France.
The trepanation, a surgical procedure performed on the skull, finds its roots in prehistoric times. This investigation delves into the analysis of the trepanned skulls housed at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris, focusing on those found in France, a region abundant in archaeological evidence of early neurosurgical techniques. With the opportunity to scrutinize these human remains, our study aimed to analyze the dimensions of Neolithic trepanations across 41 skulls. ⋯ Additionally, we successfully applied a straightforward protocol to determine the perforation area in ten Neolithic trepanations. These findings shed light on the medical practices of ancient civilizations, particularly in France during the Neolithic era. Moreover, this study underscores the significance of museum collections as valuable resources for scientific inquiry and the historical understanding of medicine.
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Review Historical Article
The History of the Development and Use of Suction Devices in Neurosurgery.
This article reviews the major devices, individuals, and other historical landmarks in the development of suction in the field of neurosurgery, where the operating fields are characteristically deep and narrow. Our review spans the 159 years since the first use of aspiration in surgery to modern applications. This report exemplifies a comprehensive history of suction, the minute iteration of devices, and the massive impact this technological development has had on medicine and neurosurgery.
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There is a need for refined methods to detect and quantify brain injuries that may be undetectable by magnetic resonance imaging and neurologic examination. This review evaluates the potential efficacy of circulating brain injury biomarkers for predicting outcomes following elective neurosurgical procedures. ⋯ Circulating brain injury biomarkers show promise for providing objective insights into the extent of perioperative brain injury and improving prognostication of postsurgical outcomes. However, the heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes along with the lack of standardized biomarker thresholds underscore the need for further research.