World Neurosurg
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Among the reconstructive methods for treating dissecting posterior circulation aneurysms, there are stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and sole stenting (SS) therapy. Despite SAC being widely employed when compared to SS, no study systematically analyzed the difference in their outcomes. ⋯ The findings suggest there is no substantial basis for favoring SAC over SS across all cases. Instead, an individualized approach should be considered, according to the patient's characteristics, surgeon skills, and the available material.
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This study assessed neurological outcomes and variables associated with favorable outcomes in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with low functional status (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score ≤8) on postbleed day 7 (PBD7). ⋯ This study yielded no significant physical examination findings that predict a favorable outcome in patients with a GCS score ≤8 on PBD7. This finding may inform the decision of whether to prolong hospital management or arrange for end-of-life care.
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There are critical disparities in the neurosurgical care provided around the globe due to challenges in resource allocation, training, and infrastructure. Global neurosurgical collaborations have replaced classical mission trips to address these disparities. However, the development of these collaborations and the impact of research funding on their growth has not yet been systematically studied. In this article, we use a graph theoretical approach to investigate trends in funding and co-authorship between and among authors from high-income countries (HICs) and authors from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ⋯ This work shows significant and rapid growth in international neurosurgical partnerships, especially in HIC-LMIC and LMIC-LMIC collaborations. Also, a significant positive relationship exists between research funding and LMIC-HIC co-authorship trends. This work encourages us as a community to continue to expand our translational collaborations with LMIC neurosurgeons and establish funding mechanisms independent of HIC authors.
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Postoperative delirium (POD) is frequently reported in the elderly after major surgery. Several risk factors have been identified, including age, surgical complexity, and comorbidities. ⋯ Nearly 0.5% of patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2010 and 2022 developed delirium, although incidence rates have decreased over time. POD was common in elderly patients with electrolyte disturbances who underwent multilevel fusions. Patients suffering from POD had higher rates of 90-day postoperative complications. Ongoing efforts to deliver interventions to mitigate the consequences of POD among spine surgery patients are warranted.
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Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are a rare type of spinal lesion that can cause severe clinical consequences.1 Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid severe complications such as radicular pain, weakness, sensory deficits, and loss of bowel and bladder control.2 Spinal dAVFs are commonly found in the lower thoracic or upper lumbar vertebrae. Spinal dAVFs are the most common spinal vascular malformations, of unknown cause, accounting for 70%-85 % of spinal shunts, with an annual incidence of 5-10 cases/1,000,000.3 Recently, they have been classified into extradural and intradural types, which may be further divided into dorsal and ventral lesions.4,5 Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most performed imaging study for suspected dAVF diagnosis.1 Catheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA) represents the gold-standard diagnosing technique. It provides critical information about the anatomy of the lesion, arterial inflow vessels, venous outflow, and endovascular treatment feasibility. ⋯ Endovascular embolization might be safe and efficient, with high success rates, for selected vascular lesions.7,8 This video presents a rare case of left L5-S1 dAVF, surgically occluded with the aid of a three-dimensional (3D) exoscope (Video 1). There is little evidence about the application of the 3D exoscope in spinal vascular microsurgery, whereas it has been widely used and described in cranial surgery and spinal, degenerative, tumor, and traumatic surgery.9 In our experience, the advantages of this operating tool are the sharp color vividness, which allows adequate discrimination of anatomic structures, the distinct depth perception, the educational value for operating room attendants, and the ergonomics for surgeons. Ergonomics for surgeons, especially, is optimally adapted to spinal surgery, given the contraposed placement of surgeons and the disposition of screens during the operating procedure.