World Neurosurg
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Review Meta Analysis
Treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage with external ventricular drainage and fibrinolysis. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of complications and outcome.
External ventricular drainage (EVD) is a key factor in the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) but associated with risks and complications. Intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) has been proposed to improve clinical outcome and reduce complications of EVD treatment. The following review and metaanalysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of IVH treatment with external ventricular drainage (EVD) and intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) with regards to complications and clinical outcomes. ⋯ We present evidence and best practice recommendations for the treatment of IVH with EVD and intraventricular fibrinolysis. Our analysis further provides a comprehensive quantitative reference of the most relevant clinical endpoints for future studies on novel IVH technologies and treatments.
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Review Meta Analysis
Structural versus Nonstructural Bone Grafting Via the Posterior Approach in the Treatment of Thoracic and Lumbar Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Bone grafting is necessary in spinal tuberculosis surgery. Structural bone grafting is considered the gold standard treatment for spinal tuberculosis bone defects; however, nonstructural bone grafting via the posterior approach has recently gained attention. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of structural versus nonstructural bone grafting via the posterior approach in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis. ⋯ Both techniques can achieve a satisfactory bony fusion rate for spinal tuberculosis. Nonstructural bone grafting has the advantages of less operative trauma, shorter fusion time, and shorter hospital stay, making it an attractive option for short-segment spinal tuberculosis. Nevertheless, structural bone grafting is superior for maintaining corrected kyphotic deformities.
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Review
Resident Training in Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of Simulation-Based Educational Models.
With the increasing prevalence of spine surgery, ensuring effective resident training is becoming of increasing importance. Training safe, competent surgeons relies heavily on effective teaching of surgical indications and adequate practice to achieve a minimum level of technical proficiency before independent practice. American Council of Graduate Medical Education work-hour restrictions have complicated the latter, forcing programs to identify novel methods of surgical resident training. Simulation-based training is one such method that can be used to complement traditional training. The present review aims to evaluate the educational success of simulation-based models in the spine surgical training of residents. ⋯ While simulation-based educational models are one potential means of training residents to perform spine surgery, traditional in-person operating room training remains pivotal. To establish the efficacy of simulators, future research should focus on improving study quality by leveraging longitudinal study designs and correlating simulation-based training with clinical outcome measures.
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Review Case Reports
Giant Cavernous Malformation Mimicking an Infiltrative Intracranial Neoplasm in Children - Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature.
Giant cavernous malformations (GCMs) are rare and poorly characterized neurovascular lesions in adults or children and often misclassified. In this study, we provide a review of pediatric GCM cases to highlight this rare entity as an important differential diagnosis in preoperative assessment. ⋯ GCMs show variable clinical and radiologic features, representing a diagnostic challenge for treating surgeons. Imaging may show various tumorlike features such as cystic or infiltrative patterns with contrast enhancement. The existence of GCM should be considered preoperatively. Gross total resection should be attempted whenever possible, because it correlates with a good recovery and long-term outcomes. Also, a clear definition criteria of when a cerebral cavernous malformation is termed giant should be established.