World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Delayed Presentation of an Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm and Massive Epistaxis Secondary to a Nasal Foreign Body. Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Epistaxis is a very common medical condition and can often be controlled with conservative measures. Rarely, uncontrolled and life-threatening epistaxis can occur. ⋯ Massive epistaxis is a potentially lethal condition. Although the source uncommonly originates from the internal carotid artery, pseudoaneurysm rupture needs to be considered on the differential diagnosis in selected patients. This case illustrates the need for vigilance for the presence of foreign objects and/or vessel injuries in the setting of acute, massive epistaxis. Additionally, we describe treatment options and review the literature.
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China is a densely populated country faced with more than 1 million cases of traumatic brain injury annually. Since the late 1930s, there has been a great improvement in the field of neurosurgery in the treatment of neurotrauma. ⋯ We present a historical vignette of the development of neurotrauma in China over almost 80 years. It is valuable to have this documentation of the growth of neurosurgery in China by authors who are familiar with the subject matter.
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Review Historical Article
From Mystics to Modern Times: A History of Craniotomy & Religion.
Neurosurgical treatment of diseases dates back to prehistoric times and the trephination of skulls for various maladies. Throughout the evolution of trephination, surgery and religion have been intertwined to varying degrees, a relationship that has caused both stagnation and progress. From its mystical origins in prehistoric times to its scientific progress in ancient Egypt and its resurgence as a well-validated surgical technique in modern times, trephination has been a reflection of the cultural and religious times. Herein we present a brief history of trephination as it relates religion, culture, and the evolution of neurosurgery.
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Spine surgery relies heavily on imaging, with radiography-based devices being the major operating room imaging modality. Radiation exposure is an occupational risk historically recognized shortly after the discovery of radiation itself. Exposure of both patients and operating room staff is of increasing concern as the knowledge regarding the hazards of radiation is steadily accumulating. ⋯ We discuss the methods to reduce operating room staff exposure to the minimal amount, thus reducing occupational risks. We recognize that increasing awareness to radiation exposure hazards and promoting the knowledge of methods to reduce exposure of surgeons, nurses, and technicians could result in a reduction of exposure to radiation.
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To determine whether complications in lumbar fusion surgery could be estimated from patient factors and perioperative laboratory values. In addition, risk scores for detection of patients prone to complications were defined. ⋯ Patients with postoperative complications and extended LOS seem to show significant differences in various perioperative laboratory values and patient factors. Perioperative risk assessments using cut-off values and risk scores may help identify patients prone to complications and extended resource use.