World Neurosurg
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Adequate brain swelling resolution prior to cranioplasty (CP) is an important yet loosely defined issue. Despite efforts to balance timely CP and patient safety, heterogeneous study methodologies have led to conflicting results. This study aims to standardize this issue through quantifying degree of brain swelling resolution using a proposed Visual CP Scale. ⋯ The timing of CP should be determined by the degree of brain swelling resolution, not vice versa. The proposed Visual CP Scale offers an objective method for assessing brain swelling resolution, making it an adjuvant tool for clinical decision-making and future research related to CP.
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Thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) is a rare disorder with unique characteristics that can result in undesirable surgical outcomes after traditional discectomy. In view of the widespread use of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lower lumbar disc herniation, we investigated treatment of TLDH by this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for treating TLDH and share our technical experience. ⋯ Operation time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and surgical outcomes were favorable. Transforaminal endoscopic discectomy is an ideal surgical procedure for treating TLDH.
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The role of self-citation has not been discussed in the neurosurgery literature, although citations, citation indices, and impact of research may enhance funding opportunities, academic positions, fellowship opportunities, employment, and professional identity development. We sought to assess the magnitude and role of self-citation in academic neurosurgery. ⋯ Academic neurosurgeons must understand the ecosystem around self-citation. In our study, we found overall low levels of self-citations in neurosurgery journals with a few outliers. We have, however, noticed an increasing trend in self-citation rates. Self-citation rates should be considered while evaluating the impact of an author and research productivity. Contrary to popular belief, self-citation is not always unethical and must be understood within its circumstances.
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Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) has been widely used in minimally invasive treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) but is difficult to perform because of the narrow interlaminar window and painful for the patient. Therefore, further research is needed to find a safe and effective method to facilitate the development of PEID. ⋯ PEID via a laminotomy technique with stepwise local anesthesia is safe and effective for L4-5 and L5-S1 LDH.
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This study aimed to compare the postoperative alignment of static and expandable cages in lateral single-position (LSP) for indirect decompression in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). ⋯ In LSP-LLIF without facet joint resection or other posterior techniques, static and expandable cages showed comparable effectiveness in achieving increased DH, SL, FA, and indirect decompression.