World Neurosurg
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Socioeconomic status has historically influenced traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes, yet pediatric TBI disparities remain understudied. We aimed to analyze the National Inpatient Sample database for socioeconomic disparities in the outcomes of pediatric TBI patients. ⋯ This study highlights significant differences based on race, sex, income, insurance type, and geographic location in pediatric TBI outcomes. Future research should focus on identifying factors contributing to inequalities and developing strategies to mitigate them.
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The dissection of the Sylvian fissure (SF) is a crucial technique requiring considerable expertise and skills traditionally acquired through years of experience. The continuous decline in surgical case-load necessitates the development of efficient alternative training opportunities. However, building a realistic and effective training simulator for the microsurgical dissection of the SF as an integral part of the neurosurgical curriculum remains a challenging endeavor. This work aims to develop and evaluate a high-fidelity phantom simulator for effective and transferable training of the SF dissection with a focus on middle cerebral artery aneurysm clipping. ⋯ The presented methodology demonstrates that the development and assessment of a high-fidelity hands-on simulator for the focused training of one of the most delicate neurosurgical procedures is achievable in a timely manner and without extensive investments.
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Surgical management of blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA) is challenging and contentious because of high morbidity and mortality. Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) is a well-established tool in intracranial aneurysm surgery, although its application in BBA surgery lacks reports. This study retrospectively analyzes the usefulness of IONM in BBA surgery between 2018 and 2023. ⋯ Our results show that IONM has low sensitivity (37.5%) and high specificity (100%) in detecting ischemic events during BBA surgery. The high rate of false-negative results in BBA-IONM suggests that its predictive value is limited particularly in complex maneuvers such as trapping and advanced vasoreconstruction, warranting cautious interpretation and further investigation of IONM modalities for BBA management.
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To evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of intraventricular medication administered via the reservoir of Ommaya or ventricular shunt system to control leptomeningeal metastases, with or without ventricular shunt based on intracranial pressure, in combination with postoperative systemic therapy. ⋯ For leptomeningeal metastases, ventricular shunt not only significantly alleviates symptoms caused by intracranial hypertension but also avoids sudden death for those with severe intracranial hypertension. However, ventricular shunt placement only does not improve overall survival. Intraventricular medications controls effectively leptomeningeal metastases, significantly prolongs survival, enhances quality of life.
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The dura mater, a fibrous membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord, is prone to lacerations during spinal surgery, often leading to complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Anatomical differences in the spinal dura mater, particularly in regions under high biomechanical stress, suggest that chronic inflammatory processes may compromise its structural integrity. This pilot study investigates the molecular and anatomical characteristics of the spinal dura mater, focusing on its response to inflammation and the challenges of surgical repair. ⋯ This pilot study aims to enhance our understanding of the inflammatory processes affecting the dura mater and their role in frequent lacerations during spinal surgery. Findings are expected to guide future clinical practices in dura repair strategies, potentially improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications related to CSF leakage.