World Neurosurg
-
Research output on global neurosurgery (GNS) has exponentially increased in recent years. As research efforts increase, we must first analyze how the current body of GNS literature fits into the macroscopic schema of systems-based policies. The aim of this study was to identify and categorize GNS research based on health system domains. ⋯ This review highlighted the pressing need for more research into information management in the context of GNS. In addition, health system-focused GNS literature represented only 20% of all LMICs (30/143). The trends in authorship should be noted, because many ethical (and practical) issues may arise if there is a disconnect in the objectives of the authors and the neurosurgeons in LMICs.
-
Review Comparative Study
Intracranial Tubular Retractor Systems: A Comparison and Review of the Literature of the BrainPath™, Vycor™, and METRx™ Tubular Retractors in the Management of Deep Brain Lesions.
In neurosurgery, parenchymal injury resulting from focal exertion of pressure on retracted tissue is a common complication associated with the use of plate and self-sustaining retractors to access deep intraparenchymal lesions. Tubular retractors, including Vycor, BrainPath, and METRx, were developed to reduce retraction injuries via radial dispersion of force. Our study seeks to compare these retraction systems and assess their respective indications, benefits, and associated complications. ⋯ This report is the first formal comparison of the BrainPath, Vycor, and METRx tubular retraction systems. We found that all 3 retractors were effective in accessing intraparenchymal lesions. Although we found that the retractor systems were used more commonly in different locations and for different diseases, there was no significant difference in complications or mortality among the 3 retractors.
-
Review Case Reports
Diagnosis, management, and clinical outcomes of tandem thoracic and lumbar stenosis: a systematic literature review and case series.
A scarcity of data has been reported on tandem thoracic lumbar stenosis, which might be related to either the rarity or underdiagnosis of the condition. We have presented a systematic review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment patterns for patients with symptomatic tandem thoracic and lumbar stenosis. ⋯ Ossification of the ligamentum flavum might play a key role in the pathogenesis of the condition. Most patients with tandem thoracic and lumbar stenosis will show improvement after surgical decompression. Although the limited evidence available has raised concerns regarding neurologic deterioration after initial lumbar decompression in patients with coexisting thoracic stenosis, the data are insufficient to definitively determine an optimal surgical strategy. Further research is needed to identify the optimal diagnostic and management criteria for patients with symptomatic tandem thoracic and lumbar stenosis.
-
Review Case Reports
Primary intracranial angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: Two case reports and literature review.
Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare, fibrohistiocytic, soft-tissue neoplasm. Intracranial AFH is extremely rare. Here we present 2 pediatric cases of intracranial AFH and perform a literature review on this disease entity. ⋯ Twenty-two cases of intracranial AFH have been previously documented, with the majority of lesions located in the frontal lobe. Most cases occurred in adolescents and young adults, with a slight female predilection. Headaches and seizures constituted the most common clinical presentation. Complete surgical resection remains the standard of care in the management of this pathology.
-
Observational Study
One-year outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in elderly patients.
The number of elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) has increased. We aimed to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of such patients in a tertiary university hospital during a 5-year period. ⋯ Half of elderly patients with aSAH admitted to a neuro-ICU were able to live at home after 12 months. Mortality was significant, but the number of severely disabled patients was low. Clinical status at admission was the strongest predictor of outcome, whereas intraventricular hemorrhage increased the risk of poor outcome as well. GCS motor score 3 days after admission seemed to predict mortality and outcome.