World Neurosurg
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Previous research has suggested that increases in length of stay and hospital cost in patients undergoing spine surgery can be due to comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus. To study how endocrine comorbidities impact spine surgery cost, we conducted the further analysis. ⋯ HbA1c elevation and hypothyroidism have an additive effect on hospital cost in lumbar decompression and fusion female patients. The finding of a surge in hospital cost parameters in elderly female hypothyroid patients undergoing surgery on their cervical spine needs more investigation.
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The aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of reconstructing a cranial bone defect after decompressive craniectomy using an autologous bone flap banked in a subcutaneous pocket in the patient's abdominal wall. ⋯ This preliminary and limited experience has led us to believe that the subcutaneous preservation of autologous bone flap is feasible. This method may be a very inexpensive option that preserves the viability of the bone flap, which can be ultimately responsible for the good cosmetic results and the very low infection rate.
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Molecular imaging is a field born out of the happy marriage of molecular biology and radiology. The first installment of this two-part series on molecular imaging demonstrated basic principles for practitioners in the field of the neurosciences. ⋯ The fields of functional neurosurgery including the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, novel treatments and imaging of tumors, neuroregenerative medicine, and nanotechnology in vascular disorders are covered. Finally, we give some parting thoughts on the future of molecular imaging, including advances in the imaging of neurodegenerative disorders.