Exploring arteriovenous malformations patient sentiments through 1401 social media posts.

INTRODUCTION: Social media has allowed patients with rare diseases to connect and discuss their experiences with others online. This study analyzed various social media platforms to better understand the patient's perception of arteriovenous malformation. METHODS: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok were searched to find posts about patients' experiences with arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Posts unrelated to the patient's experience were excluded. Posts were coded for the relevant themes related to their experience with the disease, as well as engagement, and gender. RESULTS: The most common theme was raising awareness about the condition (87.0%). Recounting symptoms (50.2%), spreading positivity (17.5%), and survival (8.3%) were other common themes. Other prevalent themes were pain (5.2%) and fear of a rare disease (3.5%). Approximately half of AVM-related Instagram (47.93%) and TikTok (52.94%) posts raised awareness about the condition. Most Instagram (67.75%) and TikTok (89.71%) posts focused on recovery and rehabilitation. Most TikTok posts discussed "survival" or "death" (57.35%), while the majority focused on spreading positivity (79.41%). Most posts were made by women (69.6%). Females were more likely than males to post about the scientific explanation of AVMs (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Social media allows patients across the country and the globe to discuss their experiences with uncommon diseases and connect with others. It also allows AVM patients to share their experiences with other patients and the public.

Advancing endovascular neurosurgery training with extended reality: opportunities and obstacles for the next decade.

Background: Extended reality (XR) includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Endovascular neurosurgery is uniquely positioned to benefit from XR due to the complexity of cerebrovascular imaging. Given the different XR modalities available, as well as unclear clinical utility and technical capabilities, we clarify opportunities and obstacles for XR in training vascular neurosurgeons. Methods: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. Studies were critically appraised using ROBINS-I. Results: 19 studies were identified. 13 studies used VR, while 3 studies used MR, and 3 studies used AR. Regarding specific educational applications, VR was used for simulation in 10 studies and anatomical modeling in 3 studies. AR was only used for live intra-operative guidance (n = 3 studies). MR was only used for modeling and intra-operative teaching. Considering disease-specific uses, XR enhanced trainee understanding of intracranial aneurysms (n = 12 studies) and stroke (n = 7). XR trained surgeons in diverse neurosurgical procedures, including aneurysm coiling (n = 5 studies), diagnostic angiography (n = 5), and thrombectomy (n = 5). Conclusions: Anatomical modeling with VR and MR enhances neurovascular anatomy education with patient-specific, 3-D models from imaging data. AR and MR enable live intra-operative guidance, allowing experienced surgeons to remotely instruct novices, potentially improving patient care and reducing geographic disparities. AR overlays enhance instruction by allowing the surgeon to highlight key procedural aspects during training. Inaccurate tracking of surgical tools is an XR technological barrier for modeling and intra-operative training. Importantly, the most reported application of XR is VR for simulation-using platforms like the Mentice VIST and Angio Mentor. 10 studies examine VR for simulation, showing enhanced procedural performance and reduced fluoroscopy use after short training, although long-term outcomes have not been reported. Early-stage trainees benefited the most. Simulation improved collaboration between neurosurgeons and the rest of the surgical team, a promising role in interprofessional teamwork. Given the strength of VR for simulation, MR for simulation is an important gap in the literature for future studies. In conclusion, XR holds promise for transforming neurosurgical education and practice for simulation, but technological research is needed in modeling and intra-procedural training.

Transcirculation Approaches to Endovascular Flow Diversion of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review With Technical Considerations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Flow diversion (FD) of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is an increasingly used and efficacious treatment modality. Transcirculation approaches, or approaches that cross the contralateral or anteroposterior arterial supply before reaching a target vessel, have been used to treat cerebrovascular pathologies when traditional approaches are unsuitable or require intraoperative complication management. This study sought to review IAs treated with FD using a transcirculation approach to determine the technique's safety and efficacy. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases was completed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies were included if they described transcirculation approaches in adult patients with IAs undergoing FD. Outcomes of interest included intraoperative complications and aneurysm occlusion rates. RESULTS: Twelve studies with 19 patients (N = 19, mean age = 54.1 y, 89.5% female) were identified. Wide-necked (N = 5, 26.3%) and saccular (N = 5, 26.3%) aneurysms were most represented, while 57.9% (N = 11) of aneurysms were unruptured and 15.8% (N = 3) of aneurysms were ruptured. The mean aneurysm sac and neck size were 16.9 mm and 11.9 mm, respectively. The most commonly deployed flow diverter was the Pipeline Embolization Device (N = 14, 73.9%). Successful FD (complete occlusion and/or good wall apposition) was recorded in 84.6% of qualifying patients with follow-up data, while 2 patients (15.4%) developed an intraoperative carotid-cavernous fistula. CONCLUSION: Transcirculation approaches to FD offer neurointerventionalists a safe and efficacious method for device deployment, rescue scenarios, and challenging anatomy. Prospective studies may determine the most appropriate indications for transcirculation approaches to FD, while novel, lower profile devices may improve its technical feasibility and safety.

Minimally invasive keyhole craniotomies for microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms: comparative meta-analysis of the mini-pterional and supraorbital keyhole approaches.

OBJECTIVE: Axel Perneczky is responsible for conceptualizing the "keyhole" philosophy as a new paradigm of minimal invasiveness within cranial neurosurgery. Keyhole neurosurgery aims to limit approach-related traumatization and minimize brain retraction while still enabling the neurosurgeon to achieve operative goals. The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy (SOKC) and minipterional (pterional keyhole, PKC) approaches have become mainstays for clipping intracranial aneurysms. While studies have compared these approaches to the traditional pterional craniotomy for clipping cerebral aneurysms, head-to-head comparisons of these workhorse keyhole approaches remain limited. METHODS: The authors queried three databases per PRISMA guidelines to identify all studies comparing the SOKC to the PKC for microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms. Of 148 unique studies returned on initial query, a total of 5 studies published between 2013 and 2019 met inclusion criteria. Where applicable, quantitative meta-analysis was performed via the Mantel-Haenszel method using Review Manager v5.4 (Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using the Cochrane ROBINS-I tool, and all studies were assigned a Level of Evidence (I-V). RESULTS: Across all five studies, the mean age ranged from 53.0 to 57.5 years old, and the cohort consisted of more females (n = 403, 60.6%) than males. The proportion of patients presenting with ruptured aneurysmal SAH was comparable between the SOKC and PKC cohorts (p = 0.43). Clipping rate [defined as the rate of successful aneurysm clip deployment with successful intraoperative occlusion] (OR 1.52 [0.49, 4.71], I2 = 0%, p = 0.47), final occlusion rates (OR 1.27 [0.37, 4.32], p = 0.70), and operative durations (SMD 0.33 [-0.83. 1.49], I2 = 97%, p = 0.58) were comparable regardless of approach used. Furthermore, rates of intraoperative rupture (OR 1.51 [0.64, 3.55], I2 = 0, p = 0.34), postoperative hemorrhage (OR 1.49 [0.74, 3.01], I2 = 0, p = 0.26), postoperative vasospasm (OR 0.94 [0.49, 1.80], I2 = 63, p = 0.86), and postoperative infection (OR 0.70 [0.16, 2.99], I2 = 0%, p = 0.63) were equivocal across SOKC and PKC cohorts. CONCLUSION: The PKC and SOKC approaches appear to afford comparable outcomes when used for open microsurgical clipping of cerebral aneurysms in select patients with both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Both are associated with excellent clipping and occlusion rates, minimal perioperative complication profiles, and favorable postoperative neurologic outcomes. Further investigations are merited so clinicians can further parse out the indications and contraindications for each keyhole approach.

Spinal Robotics in Single-Position Lateral Surgery: A Narrative Review of Key Concepts and Considerations.

Anterior column realignment via anterior, oblique, or lateral lumbar interbody fusion is increasingly recognized as a powerful mechanism for indirect decompression and sagittal realignment in flexible deformity. Single-position lateral surgery is a popular variation that places patients in the lateral decubitus position, allowing concomitant placement of lateral interbodies and posterior segmental instrumentation without the need for repositioning the patient. The addition of robotics to this technique can help to overcome ergonomic limitations of the placement of pedicle screws in the lateral decubitus position; however, its description in the literature is relatively lacking. In this review we aim to discuss the indications, advantages, and pitfalls of this approach.

Intrasaccular Flow Disruption: Examining Global Access and Research Trends.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) and other intrasaccular flow disruptors show promise in treating intracranial aneurysms. We performed a bibliometric analysis to provide novel insights into the trends and trajectory of these devices. We systematically assessed bibliometric data such as citations, journals, study designs, open access status, and multi-institutional involvement for the top-cited articles on WEB and other disruptors. The top 100 cited studies on the WEB had citations from 7 to 144 (mean ± standard deviation 35.6 ± 29.5), while only 33 studies were published for other intrasaccular flow disruptors (4.24 ± 8.45). Of the other devices, the Contour has the most publications (n = 21). Retrospective reviews were the most common study design for both WEB and other intrasaccular devices. France published the most studies in the top 100 WEB papers (n = 35), while Germany led for other flow disruptors (n = 10). In all studies analyzed, no senior authors from Africa are present. The top 100 WEB publications had a higher mean citation count (35.6 vs. 4.24, P<0.001), higher mean citations per year (5.24 vs. 1.03, P<0.01), and a higher proportion of multi-institutional collaborations (44.0% vs. 12.1%, P<0.01) than other intrasaccular flow disruptors. In conclusion, countries with the most publications on WEB are not necessarily the ones leading the way with newer intrasaccular devices, while study designs remain similar. There is a limited contribution to the literature outside of Europe and North America. Our findings identify notable collaborators and trends, providing a snapshot of the field and a roadmap for future research.

Concurrent Middle Cerebral Artery and Basilar Artery Occlusions Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy in a Patient With Active COVID-19 Infection.

We report a rare case of acute ischemic stroke from concurrent large vessel occlusions (LVOs) and subsequent successful mechanical thrombectomy revascularization in a patient with active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. A 59-year-old woman presented to the emergency department after one week of intermittent chest pain, dyspnea, and diarrhea found to have COVID-19 pneumonia. On hospital day three, the patient developed acute altered mental status and hemiparesis with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 22. CT with angiography demonstrated concurrent occlusions of the basilar artery and the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) without intracranial hemorrhage. The patient was taken for urgent mechanical thrombectomy of the basilar artery, followed by the MCA, both of which were successful (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 3 and 2B) and timely. Despite early revascularization, the patient did not improve clinically with absent brainstem reflexes and a full MCA territorial infarct on imaging. This case describes a rare stroke syndrome of concurrent LVOs with rapid infarct progression despite timely revascularization. This example illustrates a severe cerebrovascular complication of active COVID-19 infection and the importance of vigilance regarding stroke prevention and neurological examination monitoring.

Comprehensive neurosurgical treatment of right occipital arteriovenous malformation with advanced angiographic techniques.

/Summary. A 39-year-old female with a notable medical history of smoking and a familial predisposition to unruptured aneurysms presented with clinical symptoms of intermittent right-sided headaches, flashes of light, and pulsatile tinnitus in the right ear. Diagnostic evaluations, including advanced angiographic techniques, identified a right occipital arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The angiogram revealed significant venous flow voids, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive treatment approach. The Spetzler-Martin grading system classified the AVM as Grade 2, indicating a moderate risk profile. A strategic decision was made to undergo partial embolization of two primary arterial feeders from the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Subsequent post-embolization angiograms confirmed a marked reduction in arteriovenous shunting, validating the efficacy of the intervention. The surgical approach encompassed an occipital craniotomy, meticulous subarachnoid dissection, and intraoperative angiography to ensure complete resection. Post-operative assessments showcased a successful and complete AVM resection. The patient experienced a brief, transient headache post-surgery, which resolved on its own. She was discharged on the third post-operative day and has since reintegrated into her professional life. However, she reported a minor visual field deficit, which, while noticeable, did not impede her daily activities. This case underscores the importance of a holistic, patient-centric approach in managing AVMs [1-3]. It challenges the conventional wisdom from the ARUBA trial, advocating for a more nuanced, individualized treatment paradigm, especially for young patients with low-grade AVMs [4].

A Systematic Review of the State of Neurosurgical Disparities Research: Past, Present, and Future.

BACKGROUND: The social determinants of health, which influence healthcare access, patient outcomes, and population-level burden of disease, contribute to health disparities experienced by marginalized patient populations. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the landscape of health disparities research within neurosurgery. METHODS: Embase, Ovid-MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations databases were queried for original research on health disparities regarding access to, outcomes of, and/or postoperative management after neurosurgical procedures in the United States. RESULTS: Of 883 studies screened, 196 were included, of which 144 had a neurosurgery-affiliated author. We found a significant increase in the number of neurosurgical disparities reports beginning in 2010, with only 10 studies reported before 2010. Of the included studies, 3.1% used prospective methods and 63.8% used data from national registries. The disparities analyzed were racial/ethnic (79.6%), economic/socioeconomic (53.6%), gender (18.9%), and disabled populations (0.5%), with 40.1% analyzing multiple or intersecting disparities. Of the included reports, 96.9% were in phase 1 (detecting phase of disparities research), with a few studies in phase 2 (understanding phase), and none in phase 3 (reducing phase). The spine was the most prevalent subspecialty evaluated (34.2%), followed by neuro-oncology (19.9%), cerebrovascular (16.3%), pediatrics (10.7%), functional (9.2%), general neurosurgery (5.1%), and trauma (4.1%). Senior authors with a neurosurgical affiliation accounted for 79.2% of the reports, 93% of whom were academically affiliated. CONCLUSIONS: Although a recent increase has occurred in neurosurgical disparities research within the past decade, most studies were limited to the detection of disparities without understanding or evaluating any interventions for a reduction in disparities. Future research in neurosurgical disparities should incorporate the latter 2 factors to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for all patients.

Methodological Assessment of the 100 Most-Cited Articles in Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Last Decade Compared to the All-Time List.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been driven by a growing focus on evidence-based medicine. This transition is reflected in the critical appraisal of both, the quality of work and the potential impact on the orthopedic community. The purpose of our study was to (1) identify the top 100 most-cited articles in TKA in the last decade and from all-time, and (2) compare methodological rigor of the most-cited articles in TKA in the last decade to articles all-time by level of evidence. METHODS: The top 100 cited articles were recorded for manuscripts from the last decade, January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2022, and manuscripts from all-time for TKA. We collected authors, year of publication, journal of the article, country of origin of authors, article type (basic science article, clinical research article), level of evidence, methodological index for non-randomized studies score, physiotherapy evidence database scale, and citation density (total citations/years published). RESULTS: The largest number of studies for all-time TKA (53.0%) and decade TKA (42.0%) were Level III. The average methodological index for non-randomized studies score for comparative studies was 18.7 for all-time TKA and 20.7 for decade TKA (P < .001). The average physiotherapy evidence database score was 6.1 for all-time TKA and 8.1 for decade TKA (P > .05). The highest citation density for all-time TKA was 111 and for past decade was 63. The number of level II studies in TKA increased from 19.0% from all time to 38.0% from the last decade (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of improved methodologies over time reflect positive steps toward evidence-based practice in TKA. A continued focus on producing methodologically sound studies may guide evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Polyethylene exchange versus full component revision for arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort analysis.

Introduction: Arthrofibrosis occurs in up to 10% of patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). For cases that are not amenable to manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), there is little consensus on how many components should be revised. We compared outcomes of polyethylene exchanges, when doing lysis of adhesions (LOA) versus full component revision. Specifically, we assessed: (1) re-operation rates at one and two years; (2) rates of surgical complications at one year; and (3) associated risk factors for requiring a LOA. Methods: A database queried all patients who underwent revision TKA for arthrofibrosis. A total of 2410 patients were identified, 1120 (46.5%) of which underwent all-component knee revision, while the remaining 1290 (53.5%) underwent polyethylene spacer revision. Multivariate logistic regressions assessed re-operation rates and risk factors for requiring LOA. Results: The incidence and odds of re-operation within one year following polyethylene exchange was not significantly different than full component revision (10.9 versus 12.9%, odds ratio (OR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.64-1.06], p = 0.145). However, the adjusted models for re-operation within one- and two-years following LOA in the form of polyethylene exchange revision was significantly higher than the full component revision cohort (OR 1.52 CI [1.07-2.17], p = 0.022 and OR 1.44 CI [1.06-1.97] p = 0.022). Risk factors associated with the need for lysis of adhesions included age less than 60 years, depression, fibromyalgia, and anxiety. Conclusions: Full component revision TKA for arthrofibrosis was associated with lower two-year re-operation rate than polyethylene exchange. Risk factors for LOA include younger age and fibromyalgia.

Staged Open Cranial Surgery for Primary Intra-axial Neoplasms: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Staged surgery for skull base lesions has been utilized to facilitate maximal safe resection and optimize outcomes while minimizing morbidity and complications. Conversely, staged surgery for primary intraparenchymal neoplasms is less commonly performed and has not been reported as extensively within the literature. As such, we performed a systematic review to examine the unique surgical indications for staging, timing between stages, specific surgical approaches utilized, and postoperative complications of staged surgery for primary intra-axial neoplasms. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in August 2021 using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Titles and abstracts were evaluated independently by 2 authors, after which articles were selected for final analysis based on application of strict inclusion criteria during full text screen. Each included article was then qualitatively assessed and relevant variables-including operative approaches, timing, and outcomes-were extracted for synthesis. RESULTS: Of 115 results, 7 articles were included for final analysis and consisted of 17 pediatric and 4 adult patients. Staged approaches were more commonly utilized in the pediatric patient population for resection of astrocytoma and glioma. Pediatric patients had a timing of surgeries ranging from 5-10 days between operations, compared with 18 days to 4 months in adult patients. Complications in pediatric patients were most commonly hemiparesis, hydrocephalus, cranial nerve VI and VII palsies, truncal ataxia, and cerebellar mutism, while complications in adult patients included language and abstract thinking deficits, respiratory failure, and motor weakness. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first comprehensive review of staged surgical procedures for primary, intra-axial cranial neoplasms. There exists a large degree of heterogeneity in complications resulting from staged surgeries for intra-axial neoplasms, which are similar to complications associated with single-stage surgery for intraparenchymal lesions as well as multi-stage surgeries for skull base lesions.

Leveraging HFRS to assess how frailty affects healthcare resource utilization after elective ACDF for CSM.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Frailty is a common comorbidity associated with worsening outcomes in various medical and surgical fields. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) is a recently developed tool which assesses frailty using 109 International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) comorbidity codes to assess severity of frailty. However, there is a paucity of studies utilizing the HFRS with patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HFRS on health care resource utilization following ACDF for CSM. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016-2019. PATIENT SAMPLE: All adult (≥18 years old) patients undergoing primary, ACDF for CSM were identified using the ICD-10 CM codes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Weighted patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and total admission costs were assessed. METHODS: The 109 ICD-10 codes with pre-assigned values from 0.1 to 7.1 pertaining to frailty were queried in each patient, with a cumulative HFRS ≥5 indicating a frail patient. Patients were then categorized as either Low HFRS (HFRS<5) or Moderate to High HFRS (HFRS≥5). A multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio for risk-adjusted extended LOS, non-routine discharge disposition, and increased hospital cost. RESULTS: A total of 29,305 patients were identified, of which 3,135 (10.7%) had a Moderate to High HFRS. Patients with a Moderate to High HFRS had higher rates of 1 or more postoperative complications (Low HFRS: 9.5% vs. Moderate-High HFRS: 38.6%, p≤.001), significantly longer hospital stays (Low HFRS: 1.8±1.7 days vs. Moderate-High HFRS: 4.4 ± 6.0, p≤.001), higher rates of non-routine discharge (Low HFRS: 5.8% vs. Moderate-High HFRS: 28.2%, p≤.001), and increased total cost of admission (Low HFRS: $19,691±9,740 vs. Moderate-High HFRS: $26,935±22,824, p≤.001) than patients in the Low HFRS cohort. On multivariate analysis, Moderate to High HFRS was found to be a significant independent predictor for extended LOS [OR: 3.19, 95% CI: (2.60, 3.91), p≤.001] and non-routine discharge disposition [OR: 3.88, 95% CI: (3.05, 4.95), p≤.001] but not increased cost [OR: 1.10, 95% CI: (0.87, 1.40), p=.418]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with a higher HFRS have increased total hospital costs, a longer LOS, higher complication rates, and more frequent nonroutine discharge compared with patients with a low HFRS following elective ACDF for CSM. Although frail patients should not be precluded from surgical management of cervical spine pathology, these findings highlight the need for peri-operative protocols to medically optimize patients to improve health care quality and decrease costs.

Differences in Health Care Resource Utilization After Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Column Tumors in Patients with a Concurrent Affective Disorder in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Affective disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are exceedingly common among patients with metastatic cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between affective disorders and health care resource utilization in patients undergoing surgery for a spinal column metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample database. All adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing surgery for a metastatic spinal tumor were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification coding systems. Patients were categorized into 2 cohorts: no affective disorder (No-AD) and affective disorder (AD). Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative adverse events (AEs), length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and total cost of hospital admission were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of increased cost, nonroutine discharge, and prolonged LOS. RESULTS: Of the 8360 patients identified, 1710 (20.5%) had a diagnosis of AD. Although no difference was observed in the rates of postoperative AEs between the cohorts (P = 0.912), the AD cohort had a significantly longer mean LOS (No-AD, 10.1 ± 8.3 days vs. AD, 11.6 ± 9.8 days; P = 0.012) and greater total cost (No-AD, $53,165 ± 35,512 vs. AD, $59,282 ± 36,917; P = 0.011). No significant differences in nonroutine discharge were observed between the cohorts (P = 0.265). On multivariate regression analysis, having an affective disorder was a significant predictor of increased costs (odds ratio, 1.45; confidence interval, 1.03-2.05; P = 0.034) and nonroutine discharge (odds ratio, 1.40; confidence interval, 1.06-1.85; P = 0.017), but not prolonged LOS (P = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that affective disorders were significantly associated with greater hospital expenditures and nonroutine discharge, but not prolonged LOS, for patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases.

Social Media as a Tool for Patient Education in Neurosurgery: An Overview.

BACKGROUND: Social media is becoming increasingly prominent in neurosurgery. However, the specifics of using social media as a tool for patient education have not yet been synthesized. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of opportunities, challenges, and best practices in the use of social media for patient education in neurosurgery. Our findings may guide neurosurgeons, departments, and institutions in developing effective patient education practices using social media. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review and provide our perspective on the use of social media for patient education. RESULTS: Social media is useful for patient education in neurosurgery due to its ability to increase knowledge, streamline patient-neurosurgeon communication in clinic, and empower patients and caregivers. However, challenges of usability, content accuracy, professionalism, privacy and confidentiality, and time must be addressed in order for social media to be used optimally. Social media may be incorporated into patient education as part of general or targeted multimodal educational interventions or as a medium to deliver electronic content. Best practices include creating content written at an appropriate reading level, including visual aids, having comprehensive and unbiased videos, incorporating interactive opportunities, and tailoring content based on purpose and target population. CONCLUSIONS: Social media can be a transformative force for patient education in neurosurgery.

Corpus Callosotomy in the Modern Era: Origins, Efficacy, Technical Variations, Complications, and Indications.

Corpus callosotomy is among the oldest surgeries performed for drug-resistant epilepsy. Since it was first performed in 1940, numerous studies have assessed its outcomes in various patient populations in addition to describing different extents of sectioning and emerging technologies (i.e., endoscopic, laser interstitial thermal therapy, and radiosurgery). To capture the current state and offer a reappraisal, we comprehensively review the origins of corpus callosotomy, efficacy for various seizure types, technical variations, complications, and indications and compare the procedure with vagus nerve stimulation therapy, which has similar indications. We consider corpus callosotomy to be a safe and efficacious procedure, which should be considered by clinicians when appropriate. Furthermore, it can play an important role in treating patients with drug-resistant epilepsy when appropriate in low-to-middle-income countries where resources are limited.

Completion Posterior Quadrant Disconnection After Failed Temporal Lobectomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder that affects about 1% of the global population.1 When seizure freedom cannot be obtained solely through antiseizure medicines (ASMs), the condition is termed medically refractory epilepsy (MRE).2,3 Though posterior quadrant disconnection (PQD) is underutilized in our experience, it is a highly effective surgical procedure for MRE restricted to the temporal, parietal, and/or occipital lobes.4-12 In this operative video, we demonstrate a right-sided completion PQD following failed temporal lobectomy in an 8-yr-old female with focal MRE. We review technical nuances, including (1) extension/revision of prior scalp incision, (2) placement of subdural strip for the identification of phase reversal and central sulcus, (3) disconnection of parietal and occipital lobes, (4) extension of the corticectomy to the pia overlying the falcotentorial junction and into the prior temporal lobectomy defect, and (5) posterior disconnection of the corpus callosum. Postoperatively, the patient experienced subtle left-arm weakness and central fever, both of which resolved. An external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed in the ventricle/operative cavity and left for 3 to 4 d until the draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cleared. As of 3-mo follow-up, she has been seizure-free without complications. In summary, PQD is a safe and effective treatment option for MRE that can be utilized not only as an initial operation but also after failed surgery. Appropriate patient consent was obtained to perform this procedure and present this clinical case and surgical video for academic purposes. Image at 4:00 licensed under CC BY-2.5, 2006, modified from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Lateral_head_skull.jpg (flipped and rotated). Image at 4:42, Public Domain: Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918. Bartleby.com, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lobes_of_the_brain_NL.svg; flipped, modified. Image at 6:42, Public Domain: House EL, Pansky B. A Functional Approach to Neuroanatomy. 1960. McGraw-Hill Book Company; https://upload.wikimedia.wikipedia.commons/5/52/Lawrence_1960_2.3.png; modified.