World Neurosurg
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Review
Imaging of Adult Malignant Soft Tissue Tumors of the Spinal Canal: A Guide for Spine Surgeons.
Malignant soft tissue spinal canal tumors compromise 20% of all spinal neoplasms. They may be primary or metastatic lesions, originating from a diverse range of tissues within and surrounding the spinal canal. These masses can present as diverse emergencies such as secondary cauda equina syndrome, vascular compromise, or syringomyelia. Interpretation of malignant soft tissue spinal canal tumors imaging is an essential for non-radiologists in the setting of emergencies. This task is intricate due to a great radiologic pattern overlap among entities. ⋯ In this review, diagnostic strategies for several spinal cord tumors were presented, including anaplastic ependymoma, metastatic spinal cord tumors, anaplastic and malignant astrocytoma, lymphoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors , and primary central nervous system melanoma. Although the characterization of spinal cord tumors can be challenging, comprehensive knowledge of imaging features can help overcome these challenges and ensure optimal management of spinal canal lesions.
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Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have been introduced to neurosurgery with the goal of improving the experience of human visualization. In recent years, the application of remote AR and VR has opened new horizons for neurosurgical collaboration across diverse domains of education and patient treatment. Herein, we aimed to systematically review the literature about the feasibility of this technology and discuss the technical aspects, current limitations, and future perspectives. ⋯ The results from this systematic review suggest that AR and VR technologies are dynamically advancing to offer remote collaboration in neurosurgery. Although still incipient in development and with an imperative need for technical improvement, remote AR and VR hold a frontierless potential for patient monitoring, neurosurgical education, and long-distance surgical assistance.
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Bipedalism was a significant milestone in the evolutionary development of Homo sapiens sapiens, influencing neocortical evolution and subsequent behavioral changes. Coordinated visual and sensory inputs are crucial for posture, environmental interaction, and surgical planning, with horizontal gaze being a pivotal parameter. This narrative review aims to explore various geometric measures used to assess horizontal gaze in patients, highlighting their applications in surgical planning. ⋯ This review highlights the need for further research into horizontal gaze measurement methods. Developing novel approaches to determine horizontal gaze can significantly enhance surgical planning and, consequently, improve patient outcomes. The ongoing exploration of these geometric measures offers promising prospects for advancing the field and optimizing patient care.
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To evaluate the current state of neurosurgical care in Central Asia, identify the challenges and advancements, and propose recommendations to improve neurosurgical capabilities and access in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. ⋯ To enhance neurosurgical care in Central Asia, a multipronged approach involving targeted investments, policy reforms, international collaborations, and knowledge sharing is recommended. This includes establishing specialized neurosurgical training programs and fellowships, investing in infrastructure and technology, fostering international collaborations for training and research, introducing early neurosurgery education in medical schools, improving access to online education resources, and promoting telemedicine for consultations and follow-up care. These measures are necessary to expand access to essential neurosurgical care and improve outcomes in the regions.
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Climate change is a significant challenge that the medical community must address. Hospitals are large facilities with high water and energy consumption, as well as high levels of waste generation, which makes it important to pursue green hospital initiatives. Neurosurgery requires substantial energy for surgeries and tests. ⋯ The advent of 'green hospitals' in Japan is imminent. The active participation of neurosurgeons can play a crucial role in diminishing the environmental footprint of health care while simultaneously enhancing medical standards. Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, there is a critical need for an overhaul of medical practices. It is imperative for neurosurgeons to pioneer the adoption of new, sustainable medical methodologies.