Neurosurgery
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Neurological surgery practice is based on the science of balancing probabilities. A variety of clinical guidance documents have influenced how we collectively practice our art since the early 20th century. The quality of the science within these guidelines varies widely, as does their utility in positively shaping our practice. ⋯ The guidelines development process identifies areas, issues, and strategies for which little medical evidence exists, as well as topics that need focused scientific investigation and future study. The production of evidence-based practice recommendations is a vital part of furthering our specialty. Guidelines development advances our science, augments the resident education process, and protects our practice from undue external influence.
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Recommendations on the management of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) with respect to pregnancy are based upon conflicting literature. ⋯ There is no conclusive evidence of an increased risk of first hemorrhage during pregnancy from bAVM. Because advice to women with bAVM may influence the management of pregnancy or bAVM with significant consequences, we believe that a retrospective multicenter, case crossover study is urgently required.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Analysis of Wide-Neck Aneurysms in the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial.
Ruptured wide-neck aneurysms (WNAs) are difficult to treat and few publications have compared clipping to coiling. ⋯ Wide-neck status significantly impacted treatment strategy in the BRAT, favoring clipping. Clipping and coiling of ruptured WNAs resulted in statistically similar long-term clinical outcomes. 10.1093/neuros/nyy439 Video Abstract 10.1093.neuros.nyy439 5850292551001.
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Transitional care programs (TCPs) coordinate care to improve safety and efficiency surrounding hospital discharge. While TCPs have the potential to reduce hospital length of stay and readmissions, their financial implications are less well understood. ⋯ This neurosurgical TCP was associated with decreased costs of initial admissions, 30-d readmissions, and total costs of hospitalization alongside previously published decreased length of stay and reduced 30-d readmission rates. These results underscore the clinical and financial feasibility and impact of transitional care in a surgical setting.
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Preoperative duration of symptoms may significantly impact outcomes in patients treated surgically for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). ⋯ Patients who are operated on within 4 mo of symptom presentation have better mJOA outcomes than those treated after 4 mo. It is recommended that patients with DCM are diagnosed in a timely fashion and managed appropriately.