World Neurosurg
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Clinically significant intratumoral hemorrhage historically has been reported in only a small fraction of vestibular schwannomas (VS). Patients with hemorrhagic VS are more likely to present with neurologic deficits and have worse outcomes than patients with nonhemorrhagic VS. The purpose of this study is to analyze characteristics that may predispose VS to hemorrhage and that may prove helpful in the management and treatment of VS. ⋯ Understanding the origins and clinical implications of intratumoral hemorrhage in VS could potentially assist in clinical decision making and patient counseling.
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To adapt a study exploring the needs of neurosurgery patients in a tertiary care hospital in Canada to examine, for the first time, the perspectives of neurosurgery patients in a low-income country with limited health care resources. ⋯ Qualitative research methodology in neurosurgery can be successfully adapted from resource-abundant to resource-poor contexts. In low-income countries, patients are faced with limited options for self-education and self-empowerment, and fatalistic and paternalistic attitudes may be prevalent. Local cultural values and expectations can influence practice differently than they do in resource-rich countries.
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Flow diversion has emerged as a promising strategy for management of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment of large and giant aneurysms with the pipeline embolization device (PED) is more economical than traditional embolization strategies. ⋯ The cost of initial treatment of large and giant aneurysms with PED is economically favorable compared to traditional embolization techniques. However, any potential cost benefit depends on aneurysm volume, coil type, and number of PEDs used. Accordingly, PED therapy is more expensive than coiling in aneurysms <0.9 cm(3) or when multiple devices are used.
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Multicenter Study
Delayed cerebral ischemia predicts neurocognitive impairment following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Prior studies have shown that the incidence of neuropsychological deficits (NPDs) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is high despite excellent outcome according to neurologic grading scales. Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurs in 30% of patients after aSAH and significantly contributes to the mortality and morbidity of aSAH. We tested the hypothesis that DCI is associated with neuropsychological outcome. ⋯ Patients with evidence of DCI during their hospital course have a 5-fold increased risk of experiencing moderate to severe NPD compared with patients who do not develop DCI after aSAH. Secondary events occurring during acute hospitalization (DCI, hydrocephalus) may be more important to the overall neuropsychological outcome than hemorrhage (Fisher) and clinical severity (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grading System) scores at admission.
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The role of laboratory dissection training in neurosurgical residency: results of a national survey.
Work hour restrictions and current quality, financial, and legal concerns have reduced resident operative volume and autonomy. Although laboratory (cadaveric or animal) dissection has a rich history in neurosurgery, its current role in resident training is unclear. Recent literature suggests educators have looked to simulation to accelerate the learning curve of acquiring neurosurgical technical skills. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and extent of laboratory dissection in neurosurgical residency programs in the United States. ⋯ In neurosurgical resident education, laboratory dissection is widely used; however, significant variation exists. Nonetheless, program directors believe laboratory dissection plays an integral role in neurosurgical training and is currently associated with greater educational benefit than simulation.