World Neurosurg
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exerted a significant impact on health care workers. Recent studies have reported the detrimental effects of the pandemic on neurosurgery residents in North America, Asia, and Italy. However, the impact of the pandemic on neurosurgical training in Latin America and Spain has not yet been reported. In the present report, we describe effects of COVID-19 on training and working conditions of neurosurgery residents in these countries. ⋯ Our results offer a first glimpse of the changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgical work and training in Latin America and Spain, where health systems rely strongly on a resident workforce.
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The role of surgery is not well defined in locally advanced sinonasal cancers with intracranial involvement after all medical options have been exhausted. We hypothesize that patients whose tumors are deemed unresectable and referred to palliative care may benefit from radical salvage surgery. ⋯ Salvage surgery for locally advanced sinonasal cancers with intracranial invasion that is recalcitrant to all other therapies should be considered for patients who otherwise have no other treatment options.
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Case Reports
Tailor-made Endoscopic Surgical Strategy for Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage with Obstructive Hydrocephalus.
Severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is associated with a high mortality rate and poor functional outcome, even with recent neurosurgical developments. IVH requires emergent surgery to save the patient's life, but the optimal surgical strategy remains controversial. We assessed the results obtained with our tailor-made endoscopic surgical strategy for severe IVH with obstructive hydrocephalus. ⋯ This study showed that our tailor-made endoscopic surgical strategy for severe IVH with obstructive hydrocephalus may be beneficial.
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We sought to clarify the effects of the preoperative K-line tilt on cervical sagittal balance and patient outcomes after laminoplasty for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). ⋯ The results of the present study have shown that the parameter K-line tilt is an ideal radiological parameter for predicting the outcomes and determining the need for laminoplasty for cervical ossification of the OPLL. Patients with a higher K-line tilt preoperatively experienced more kyphotic alignment changes and neck pain after laminoplasty.
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The global burden of neurosurgical disease is substantial, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Medical conferences are important in connecting those from LMICs to those from high-income countries for support and serve as an educational and networking tool. In this study, we sought to quantitatively assess the incorporation of global neurosurgery topics in international conferences related to the neurosurgical specialty. ⋯ The preponderance of conferences in North America and Europe can pose barriers for those from LMICs including travel time, expenses, and visa problems. As global neurosurgery becomes an increasing part of the global health movement, we hope that these barriers are addressed. Conferences may become an even stronger tool to promote equity in neurosurgical education and practice.