World Neurosurg
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The role of self-citation has not been discussed in the neurosurgery literature, although citations, citation indices, and impact of research may enhance funding opportunities, academic positions, fellowship opportunities, employment, and professional identity development. We sought to assess the magnitude and role of self-citation in academic neurosurgery. ⋯ Academic neurosurgeons must understand the ecosystem around self-citation. In our study, we found overall low levels of self-citations in neurosurgery journals with a few outliers. We have, however, noticed an increasing trend in self-citation rates. Self-citation rates should be considered while evaluating the impact of an author and research productivity. Contrary to popular belief, self-citation is not always unethical and must be understood within its circumstances.
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This study aimed to compare the postoperative alignment of static and expandable cages in lateral single-position (LSP) for indirect decompression in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). ⋯ In LSP-LLIF without facet joint resection or other posterior techniques, static and expandable cages showed comparable effectiveness in achieving increased DH, SL, FA, and indirect decompression.
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Distal anterior cerebral aneurysm (DACA) represents 4% of intracranial aneurysms. Two treatment modalities are available: microsurgery and endovascular therapy (EVT). ⋯ In the specific subgroup of DACA, both treatment modalities are effective in ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, with a low rate of complications. Retreatment may be more frequent in EVT but it does not lead to more complications.
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To quantify self-esteem in patients with Hirayama disease (HD) and investigate the impact of this psychosocial factor on surgical outcomes in HD. ⋯ The self-esteem of HD patients may be below the population norms. Importantly, relatively low self-esteem in HD patients may cause/worsen postoperative depression and anxiety, thereby resulting in poor self-reported surgical prognosis and an inactive lifestyle after operation. Therefore, perioperative treatment and rehabilitation efforts in HD patients, especially those with low self-esteem, should account for both physiological and psychological symptoms.
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Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a frequent disease in elderly patients. The main symptoms are gait disturbance, urine incontinence, and cognitive decline. Fecal urgency and incontinence are described as rare additional symptoms; however, no exact numbers are known. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of fecal disturbances in NPH patients. ⋯ Fecal urgency and incontinence is a frequent finding in NPH (32%) and is essential for the quality of life. In the general population, fecal incontinence in elderly is found in up to 15%. The more than two-fold higher prevalence in NPH patients and the high percentage of postshunted improvement suggests that NPH causes often directly fecal disturbance.