Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2016
Neurosurgical patients' perceptions of the "surgeon+": a qualitative study.
Neurosurgical patients bear a varying degree of anxiety when confronted with having to undergo surgery or even visit with a neurosurgeon in consultation. Previous studies have suggested that patient perceptions can heavily influence the patient-physician encounter. Accordingly, a better understanding of these perceptions can marshal our knowledge regarding strategies for improving patient-physician interactions during such an apprehensive time. The aim of the present study was to qualitatively examine patient values and preferences for a neurosurgeon who participates in extraclinical activities (i.e., a "neurosurgeon+") and understand the factors that influence these perceptions. ⋯ This study details the first comprehensive clinical qualitative study of patient perceptions of neurosurgeons and provides a descriptive framework for understanding patient values in this clinical domain.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2016
Case Reports Comparative StudyComparison of endoscope- versus microscope-assisted resection of deep-seated intracranial lesions using a minimally invasive port retractor system.
Tubular brain retractors may improve access to deep-seated brain lesions while potentially reducing the risks of collateral neurological injury associated with standard microsurgical approaches. Here, microscope-assisted resection of lesions using tubular retractors is assessed to determine if it is superior to endoscope-assisted surgery due to the technological advancements associated with modern tubular ports and surgical microscopes. ⋯ Initial experience with tubular retractors favors use of the microscope rather than the endoscope due to a wider and 3D field of view. Improved microscope optics and tubular retractor design allows for binocular vision with improved lighting for the resection of deep-seated brain lesions.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2016
Patient factors associated with 30-day morbidity, mortality, and length of stay after surgery for subdural hematoma: a study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
Surgery for subdural hematoma (SDH) is a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure. This study identifies patient characteristics associated with adverse outcomes and prolonged length of stay (LOS) in patients who underwent surgical treatment for SDH. ⋯ Adverse outcomes are common after surgery for SDH. In this study, 18% of the patients died within 30 days of surgery. Factors associated with adverse outcomes were identified. Patients and families should be counseled about the serious risks of morbidity and death associated with acute traumatic SDH requiring surgery.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2016
Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: is there a rationale for an initial artificial bone-substitute implant? A single-center experience after 631 procedures.
The complication rate for cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy is higher than that after other neurosurgical procedures; aseptic bone resorption is the major long-term problem. Patients frequently need additional operations to remove necrotic bone and replace it with an artificial bone substitute. Initial implantation of a bone substitute may be an option for selected patients who are at risk for bone resorption, but this cohort has not yet been clearly defined. The authors' goals were to identify risk factors for aseptic bone flap necrosis and define which patients may benefit more from an initial bone-substitute implant than from autograft after craniectomy. ⋯ Development of bone flap necrosis is the main concern in long-term follow-up after cranioplasty with autograft. Patients younger than 30 years old and older patients with a fragmented flap may be candidates for an initial artificial bone substitute rather than autograft.