World Neurosurg
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Spinal fusion surgery is known to be an expensive intervention. Although innovative technologies in the field aim at improving operative efficiency and outcomes, total costs must be considered. The authors hope to elucidate any differences between robot-assisted (RA) and computed tomography navigation (CT-nav) or freehand fluoroscopy-guided (FFG) pedicle screw placement in relation to patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness in lumbar fusion surgery (LFS). ⋯ This study shows that RA pedicle screw placement in LFS provides similar patient outcomes to CT-nav and FFG. Robot-assisted operations were found to give rise to cost savings via decreased length of stay when compared to both CT-nav and FFG techniques. Cost-savings of $4086-$4865/patient and $7317-$9654/patient could be achieved when utilizing RA over CT-nav and FFG, respectively. However, extra upfront and maintenance costs may impact full adoption of RA in LFS.
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Review Meta Analysis
Failure rates of Conservative Management of Minimally Symptomatic Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Conservative treatments for minimally symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) are debated, with surgery as the primary option. ⋯ The rate of rescue surgery in conservatively managed cSDH patients remains high. Corticosteroids or atorvastatin demonstrates some potential benefit in reducing the failure rate but collective effectiveness is unknown.