Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2025
Evaluation of diversity, equity, and inclusion information on US neurosurgery residency program websites.
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) information on neurosurgery residency program websites and examine the association between program size, ranking, and DEI information presence. ⋯ Most US neurosurgery residency programs lack DEI information on their websites. Larger programs and those with higher rankings are more likely to include DEI content, particularly standalone statements. Programs meeting DEI criteria tend to have a higher representation of female and Black residents. These findings highlight the need for greater transparency and commitment to DEI in neurosurgery residency programs, ensuring prospective applicants have access to comprehensive DEI information.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2025
The effect of delayed-release antibiotics on the rate of postoperative wound infection for implanted neuromodulatory devices.
Implanted neuromodulatory devices are important for the surgical management of pain, epilepsy, movement disorders, and spasticity. These devices are surgically implanted, but many must be periodically explanted and replaced as batteries deplete or devices fail. Replacement surgery risks further infections that require device explantation, incur large financial costs, and reduce patient quality of life. To reduce infection rates, a single surgeon began using vancomycin-impregnated absorbable calcium sulfate delayed-response beads with neuromodulatory device and intrathecal pump primary implantations and replacements. The infection rates when using vancomycin-impregnated beads were compared with previously published rates from the same surgeon. ⋯ The use of vancomycin-impregnated absorbable calcium sulfate beads was associated with a reduced rate of postoperative infection rates with implantable devices, and specifically for DBS primary implantation and replacement surgeries.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2025
Impact of smoking on recurrence rates among wide-neck intracranial aneurysms treated with Woven EndoBridge: a multicenter retrospective study.
Tobacco smoking is among the factors known to significantly augment the risk of untreated intracranial aneurysm (IA) growth and rupture. Smoking appears to have a variable effect on different endovascular treatment modalities. The impact of smoking on the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device use for wide-neck IAs has not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of WEB devices by smoking status. ⋯ This large-scale study suggests no significant correlation between smoking and the recurrence of IAs treated with the WEB device. Biological studies are warranted to better understand the biological impact of smoking on the growth and rupture of treated IAs.
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Continued advancement of the neurological surgery specialty depends on health policy engagement aimed at advocating for and protecting neurosurgeons and their patients. Dr. Ann R. ⋯ This brief historical vignette highlights the qualities of a pioneer advocate in neurosurgery who rose to be a successful leader while overcoming the challenges of practicing in a rural setting and within a historically male-dominated profession. Dr. Stroink's legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that through perseverance and advocacy we can pave the way for a brighter future in neurosurgery and beyond.