Nuevo nomenclátor estandarizado de Neurocirugía: criterios e indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos de baremación de actos médicos / A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures

Objetivos: Actualizar el nomenclátor de actos médicos de la especialidad de Neurocirugía, eliminando actos en desuso y añadiendo las nuevas técnicas quirúrgicas desarrolladas en los últimos años, para que se adapte fielmente a la práctica médica habitual de nuestra especialidad, así como establecer los principios generales y definir los criterios de baremación, indicadores cuantitativos y escalas de valoración. Material y método: La elaboración del nuevo nomenclátor se dividió en 3 fases: 1) identificación y selección de los actos médicos, 2) establecimiento del grado de dificultad de cada uno de ellos basado en la experiencia y el tiempo necesarios para su realización, así como el porcentaje y gravedad de las posibles complicaciones y 3) consenso con los miembros de la SENEC mediante su envío individualizado, realizando los retoques necesarios y posterior aprobación en asamblea de la especialidad. Resultados: El nuevo nomenclátor cuenta con 255 actos médicos agrupados en 4 grupos: consultas y visitas, actos terapéuticos, procedimientos diagnósticos e intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se han eliminado 42 procedimientos recogidos en el nomenclátor de la OMC por obsoletos, no ser propios de la especialidad o resultar demasiado vagos. Se han introducido nuevas técnicas y se han definido de forma más precisa los actos médicos. Conclusiones: Este nomenclátor proporciona una terminología actualizada y servirá para ofertar la cartera de servicios, medir y conocer el valor relativo de nuestra actividad y de los costes aproximados de los procedimientos, y adicionalmente, para realizar estudios comparativos longitudinales. Debe constituir una herramienta para mejorar la atención de los pacientes y minimizar la variabilidad geográfica en todos los ámbitos asistenciales.(AU)

Purpose: Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. Material and method: The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into three phases: (1) identification and selection of medical acts, (2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and (3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. Results: The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into four groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. Forty-two procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. Conclusions: This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimize geographic variability in all healthcare settings.(AU)

Memoria episódica verbal en pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de cirugía de la epilepsia del lóbulo temporal: un estudio de seguimiento al año / Verbal episodic memory in children undergoing temporal lobe epilepsy surgery: a one-year follow-up study

Introducción La memoria episódica verbal (MEV) no suele resultar alterada en niños con epilepsia focal sometidos a resecciones del lóbulo temporal izquierdo, a diferencia de lo que cabría esperar si se tratara de un cerebro adulto. Los últimos hallazgos sugieren que la actividad epileptógena en los primeros años de vida disrumpe la lateralización del sistema mnésico, lo que conduce al desarrollo de una representación bilateral de la memoria. El presente estudio pretende analizar si la lateralidad de la epilepsia es un predictor significativo de cara al pronóstico posquirúrgico de la MEV en la cirugía de la epilepsia del lóbulo temporal (ELT) en edad pediátrica. Esta investigación también pretende aportar evidencias sobre la relación de la MEV con otros factores demográficos y clínicos relevantes, como el sexo, la edad de inicio de las crisis, la edad quirúrgica y la duración de la epilepsia, así como estudiar el impacto del rendimiento prequirúrgico en la MEV sobre los resultados posquirúrgicos. Pacientes y métodos Se extrajeron de la base de datos del Hospital Sant Joan de Déu y se analizaron retrospectivamente las puntuaciones prequirúrgicas y al año de seguimiento postoperatorio de una tarea de recuerdo de lista de palabras correspondientes a 25 niños intervenidos de ELT (ELT izquierdo, n = 11; ELT derecho, n = 14). Resultados No se encontraron diferencias intergrupales prequirúrgicas significativas al comparar las puntuaciones en MEV sobre la base de la lateralidad de la epilepsia (p > 0,5). En cuanto al grupo de ELT izquierdo, se encontró una alta correlación negativa entre la edad de inicio y la puntuación prequirúrgica del recuerdo libre a largo plazo (rho = –0,72; p = 0,01). No se encontraron cambios intragrupo significativos entre el pre- y el postoperatorio en relación con el rendimiento en la MEV, independientemente de la lateralidad de la epilepsia (grupo de ELT izquierdo, p > 0,56; grupo de ELT derecho, p > 0,12). Conclusiones ... (AU)

INTRODUCTION Verbal episodic memory (VEM) is often unimpaired in children with focal epilepsy undergoing left temporal lobe resections, unlike what we might expect in the adult brain. The latter findings suggest that epileptiform activity in early life disrupts memory system lateralization, leading to the development of bilateral memory representation. The present study aims to analyze whether the laterality of epilepsy is a major predictor for post-operative VEM prognosis in pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) surgery. This research also pretends to provide evidence about the relationship of VEM performance with other relevant demographical and clinical factors such as sex, age at onset of seizures, age at surgery and duration of epilepsy, as well as to study the impact of presurgical VEM performance on postsurgical outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pre-operative and one-year follow-up post-operative word-list recall scores from 25 children who underwent TLE surgery (left-sided, n = 11; right-sided, n = 14) were extracted from the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu database and were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS No significant presurgical intergroup differences were found when comparing VEM scores by laterality of epilepsy (p > 0.5). Looking at the left TLE group, a high negative correlation was found between the onset age and the pre-operative long-term free recall score (rho = –0.72, p = 0.01). No significant pre- to post-operative intragroup changes were found regarding VEM performance, regardless of epilepsy laterality (left TLE group, p > 0.56; right TLE group, p > 0.12). CONCLUSIONS The laterality of epilepsy does not show to be a significant factor in and of itself (AU)

La mujer en neurocirugía en el Perú: situación y representación en la actualidad / Women in neurosurgery in Peru: Current situation and representation

La participación de las mujeres en neurocirugía en el Perú inició en el año 1974, con la primera neurocirujana peruana, quien fue aceptada en un programa de residencia con la condición de no casarse durante su formación. Hoy en día las condiciones son más justas y hay mayor igualdad de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres; sin embargo, las cifras nos dejan entrever que aún no se ha logrado equiparar las diferencias. Como prueba de ello, se observó que solo el 17% de las vacantes ofrecidas para realizar la residencia en el 2022, fueron ocupadas por mujeres, así también se evidenció una reducida participación de las neurocirujanas en la Sociedad Peruana de Neurocirugía. El presente artículo busca discutir la importancia del seguimiento y la promoción de historias de neurocirujanas peruanas, y constituye un llamado para la investigación en el área de mujeres en Neurocirugía en países latinos, como Perú. (AU)

The participation of women in neurosurgery in Peru began in 1974 with the first Peruvian female neurosurgeon, who was accepted into a residency program with the condition of not getting married during her training. Nowadays, the conditions are more just, and there is greater equality of opportunities between men and women, but the numbers show that the differences have not yet been fully equalized. As evidence of this, it has been observed that only 17% of the residency positions offered in 2022 were filled by women, and there has been reduced participation of female neurosurgeons in the Peruvian Society of Neurosurgery. This article discusses the importance of tracking and promoting stories of Peruvian female neurosurgeons and calls for research in the area of women in neurosurgery in Latin countries, like Peru. (AU)

Evaluation of the last 2 decades in the characteristics of presentation, management and prognosis of serious spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in a third level hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the change in the characteristics of presentation, evolution and treatment in the ICU, as well as the functional evolution at 12 months of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs) treated in an ICU reference center. PATIENT AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective study in a Neurocritical Reference Hospital. All admissions of patients with HICE during three periods are studied: 1999-2001 (I), 2015-2016 (II) and 2020-2021 (III). Evolution in the three periods of demographic variables, baseline characteristics of the patients, clinical variables and characteristics of bleeding, evolutionary data in the ICU are studied. At one year we assessed the GOS scale (Glasgow Outcome Score) according to whether they had a poor (GOS 1-3) or good (GOS 4-5) prognosis. RESULTS: 300 admitted patients, distributed in periods: I: 28.7%, II: 36.3% and III: 35%. 56.7% were males aged 66 (55.5-74) years; ICH score 2 (1-3). The ICU stay was 5 (2-14) days with a mortality of 36.8%. GOS 1-3 a year in 67.3% and GOS 4-5 in 32.7%. Comparing the three periods, we observed a higher prevalence in women, and the presence of cardiovascular factors; no changes in etiology; in relation to the location, it increases cerebellar hemorrhage and in the brainstem. Although the severity was greater, the stay in the ICU, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy were lower. Open surgery has decreased its use by 50%. Mortality continues to be high, stagnating in the ICU at 35% and entails a high degree of disability one year after assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Severe ICH is a complex pathology that has changed some characteristics in the last two decades, with more severe patients, with more cardiovascular history and a greater predominance of brainstem and cerebellar hemorrhage. Despite the increase in severity, better parameters during the ICU stay, with open surgery used 50% less. Mortality remains stagnant at 35% with high disability per year.

A new standardized nomenclature in neurosurgery: Criteria and quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicators of medical procedures.

PURPOSE: Update the list of medical acts in the specialty of Neurosurgery, eliminating obsolete acts and adding the new surgical techniques developed in recent years, so that they are faithfully adapted to the usual medical practice of our specialty, as well as establishing the general principles and defining the grading criteria, quantitative indicators and assessment scales. METHODS: The elaboration of the new nomenclator was divided into 3 phases: 1) identification and selection of medical acts, 2) establishment of the degree of difficulty of each of them based on the experience and the time necessary for their completion, as well as the percentage and severity of the possible complications and 3) consensus with the members of the SENEC through their individualized submission, making the necessary adjustments and subsequent approval in the general assembly of SENEC. RESULTS: The new nomenclator has 255 medical acts grouped into 4 groups: consultations and visits, therapeutic acts, diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions. 42 procedures included in the OMC nomenclator have been eliminated due to being obsolete, not related to the specialty or being too vague. New techniques have been included and medical acts have been more precisely defined. CONCLUSIONS: This nomenclator provides up-to-date terminology and will serve to offer the portfolio of services, measure and know the relative value of our activity and the approximate costs of the procedures, and additionally, to carry out longitudinal comparative studies. It should be a tool to improve patient care and minimise geographic variability in all healthcare settings.

Women in neurosurgery in Peru: current situation and representation.

The participation of women in neurosurgery in Peru began in 1974 with the first Peruvian female neurosurgeon, who was accepted into a residency program with the condition of not getting married during her training. Nowadays, the conditions are more just, and there is greater equality of opportunities between men and women, but the numbers show that the differences have not yet been fully equalized. As evidence of this, it has been observed that only 17% of the residency positions offered in 2022 were filled by women, and there has been reduced participation of female neurosurgeons in the Peruvian Society of Neurosurgery. This article discusses the importance of tracking and promoting stories of Peruvian female neurosurgeons and calls for research in the area of women in neurosurgery in latin countries, like Peru.

Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: Targeting differences between the first and second side / Estimulación cerebral profunda bilateral del núcleo subtalámico: diferencias de posicionamiento entre el primer y el segundo lado

Introduction and objectives Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a recognized treatment for drug-refractory Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the therapeutic success depends on the accuracy of targeting. This study aimed to evaluate potential accuracy differences in the placement of the first and second electrodes implanted, by comparing chosen electrode trajectories, STN activity detected during microelectrode recording (MER), and the mismatch between the initially planned and final electrode positions on each side. Materials and methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 30 patients who underwent one-stage bilateral DBS. For most patients, three arrays of microelectrodes were used to determine the physiological location of the STN. Final target location depended also on the results of intraoperative stimulation. The choice of central versus non-central channels was compared. The Euclidean vector deviation was calculated using the initially planned coordinates and the final position of the tip of the electrode according to a CT scan taken at least a month after the surgery. Results The central channel was chosen in 70% of cases on the first side and 40% of cases on the second side. The mean length of high-quality STN activity recorded in the central channel was longer on the first side than the second (3.07±1.85mm vs. 2.75±1.94mm), while in the anterior channel there were better MER recordings on the second side (1.59±2.07mm on the first side vs. 2.78±2.14mm on the second). Regarding the mismatch between planned versus final electrode position, electrodes on the first side were placed on average 0.178±0.917mm lateral, 0.126±1.10mm posterior and 1.48±1.64mm inferior to the planned target (AU)

Introducción y objetivos La estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP) del núcleo subtalámico (NST) es reconocida como un tratamiento para la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico. Sin embargo, el éxito de esta intervención depende de la precisión de la colocación de los electrodos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las posibles diferencias de precisión entre la colocación del primer y segundo electrodo, comparando las trayectorias elegidas para cada lado, la actividad del NST detectada durante el microrregistro (MER) y la discrepancia entre las posiciones inicialmente planeadas y las finales. Materiales y métodos En este estudio retrospectivo analizamos datos de 30 pacientes sometidos a ECP bilateral. En la mayoría de los casos se usaron tres conjuntos de microelectrodos para determinar la ubicación fisiológica del NST. El posicionamiento final del electrodo estuvo asimismo condicionado por los resultados de la estimulación intraoperatoria. Se comparó la elección de canales centrales vs. no centrales. El vector euclidiano del desvío se calculó a partir de las coordenadas planeadas inicialmente y la posición final de la punta del electrodo, según una tomografía computarizada realizada al menos un mes después de la cirugía. Resultados La trayectoria central se eligió en 70% de los casos en el primer lado y en el 40% de los casos en el segundo lado. La duración media de la actividad de alta calidad del NST registrada en el canal central fue mayor en el primer lado que en el segundo (3,07±1,85mm vs. 2,75±1,94mm), mientras que en el canal anterior hubo mejores registros de MER en el segundo lado (1,59±2,07mm en el primer lado vs. 2,78±2,14mm en el segundo) (AU)

La autoría científica en Neurocirugía / Scientific authorship in neurosurgery

Introducción La evaluación de la producción científica bibliográfica es un tema complejo que fundamentalmente se basa en el factor de impacto (FI) de la revista en la que se publica y en el índice h, que cuantifica las citas que recibe el autor. Para estimar la producción bibliográfica y el grado e impacto de la coautoría en los artículos científicos publicados por neurocirujanos españoles, se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed de todos los artículos publicados por una muestra de neurocirujanos. Material y métodos Estudio observacional y transversal de ámbito regional. Se identificó una muestra de 183 autores neurocirujanos de las Comunidades de Madrid y de Castilla y León. La información bibliométrica se obtuvo durante el mes de marzo de 2022 de la base de datos PubMed de acceso libre en internet. Para cada autor se registraron el tipo de revista, el número total de artículos publicados, el orden de autoría, el FI total de sus publicaciones, el porcentaje de trabajos firmados como primer o segundo autor (cociente de autoría personal [CAP]) y el porcentaje del FI achacable a dichos trabajos (cociente de impacto personal [CIP]). Resultados Los 183 autores publicaron un total de 3.592 artículos en 412 revistas diferentes, de las cuales solo el 9,9% eran revistas puramente neuroquirúrgicas. Únicamente 17 autores publicaron algún trabajo en solitario (9,3%) (AU)

Introduction Assessment of scientific bibliographic production is a complex issue, mainly based on the impact factor (IF) of the journals and the h index, that quantifies the number of cites an author receives. In order to estimate the bibliographic production and the influence of co-authorship among Spanish neurosurgeons, we performed a PubMed search aimed to identify all papers published by a sample of neurosurgeons. Material and methods Cross-sectional observational and regional study. We identified a sample of 183 neurosurgeons from Madrid and Castilla y León Autonomous Communities. The bibliometric information was gathered in March 2022 via PubMed free access website. For each author we registered the type of journal, total number of articles, order of appearance in the authors’ list, total IF, the proportion of articles signed as first or second author (personal authorship quotient [PAQ]) and the percentage of IF attributable to those articles (personal impact quotient [PIQ]). Results A total of 3592 articles from 183 authors were published in 412 different journals, of which only 9.9% were pure neurosurgical journals. Only 17 neurosurgeons (9.3%) had published at least one article as unique author. The average number of articles per neurosurgeon was 20 (median 9) of which 57.7% were published in neurosurgical journals, and 22.2% in Neurocirugía (official publication of the SENEC) (AU)

Descompresión microvascular endoscópica versus microscópica en neuralgia trigeminal en un centro Argentino / Endoscopic vs. microscopic techniques for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Our experience at an Argentine care center

Resumen Introducción: La descompresión microvascular (DMV) en la neuralgia trigeminal es una técnica quirúrgica cuyo objetivo es revertir la compresión a la que se ve someti do un nervio por una estructura vascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una comparación directa entre la descompresión microvascular endoscópica (DMV-E) y la misma a través del uso del microscopio (DMV-M) en el tratamiento de la neuralgia del trigémino. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospec tivo de pacientes operados de neuralgia de trigémino, por un mismo cirujano, entre 2015 y 2021 en nuestra institución, tanto por técnica microquirúrgica como endoscópica. Resultados: Se obtuvieron un total de 31 pacientes divididos en dos grupos: Grupo M correspondiente a 15 (49%) pacientes abordados con técnica microscópica y Grupo E, con 16 (51%) pacientes intervenidos con técnica endoscópica. Se identificaron diferencias en el tamaño de la cra niectomía, más pequeña en el grupo E (2.50 cm vs 3.70 cm grupo M); y en el tiempo de internación, de 2.43 días en el grupo E vs. 4.46 días en el grupo M. El tiempo de cirugía fue similar para ambas técnicas quirúrgicas La principal compresión fue dada por la arteria ce rebelosa superior (ACS) en ambos grupos. Todos los pacientes presentaron mejoría del Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score (BNI) en el postoperatorio en ambos grupos. Discusión: La DMV-E constituye una alternativa qui rúrgica interesante a la ya conocida DMV-M para el tratamiento de la neuralgia trigeminal, por requerir menores dimensiones en la incisión cutánea y tamaño de la craniectomía, acortando el tiempo de internación, lo cual no solo implica un beneficio para el paciente, sino que también representa menor costo de internación.

Abstract Introduction: Trigeminal neuralgia is a highly invali dating pathology, whose natural course has been modi fied thanks to decompressive microvascular surgery. The intervention can be carried out either with a microscope or via an endoscopic technique. Our goal was to compare these two techniques for the treatment of this complex pathology. Methods: Retrospective, analytical study of a cohort of patients treated by a single surgeon at our institution, in the period between 2015 and 2021. Results: We identified 31 patients and divided them into two groups: 15 (49%) treated using the microscopic technique (group M), and 16 (51%) exclusively via an endoscopic one (group E). Differences were observed between the means of the size of the craniectomy in group M (3.7 cm) compared to group E (2.5 cm); The mean length of hospital stay for patients in group E was shorter (4.46 days compared to that of patients in group M, whose hospital stay averaged 2.43 days). There were no differences between the two groups regarding the length of the procedure. In both groups, the predomi nant compression was due to the superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Pain outcomes were equivalent, with every patient in both groups having an improved postoperative Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score (BNI). Discussion: Endoscopic microvascular decompression is an attractive option for the resolution of neurovas cular conflict as it provides functional results similar to the microscope technique, without requiring an exten sive craniectomy and associated to shorter in-hospital stay, which is beneficial for both the patient and the institution.

Assessment of cerebral blood flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by ultrasound in patients undergoing elective craniotomy: A prospective observational feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Brain ultrasound allows measuring the cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter. Literature is scarce in determining the feasibility to perioperatively perform these measurements altogether and the cerebrovascular behavior in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy. METHODS: We assessed bilateral cerebral flow velocities, composite index, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by cerebral ultrasound in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy before anesthetic induction, at extubation, and at 6 and 24 h after. The aim was to assess the feasibility of brain ultrasound in patients for elective craniotomy and to describe the changes in cerebral flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter from baseline values at different times in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included, of these two were excluded from analysis due to an inadequate sonographic window. There were no changes throughout the study regarding cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift nor optic nerve sheath diameter assessments. All parameters were maintained in the physiological range without significant variations during the procedure. No perioperative complications were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show the feasibility to perform a perioperative assessment of cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift or optic nerve sheath diameter jointly and successfully to obtain additional information of baseline cerebral hemodynamics in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy and their postoperative changes during the first 24 h. Future studies with lager samples are needed to address the efficacy of cerebral ultrasound as a monitoring tool.

Medición de las velocidades de flujo sanguíneo cerebral, desviación de la línea media y diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico mediante ecografía en pacientes sometidos a craneotomía electiva: Estudio observacional prospectivo / Assessment of cerebral blood flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by ultrasound in patients undergoing elective craniotomy: A prospective observational feasibility study

Introducción: La ecografía cerebral permite valorar las velocidades del flujo sanguíneo cerebral (VFSC), la desviación de la línea media (DLM) y el diámetro de la vaina del nervio óptico (DVNO). La literatura es escasa en determinar la viabilidad de realizar dichas medidas, de forma conjunta en el perioperatorio, en pacientes programados para craneotomía electiva. Métodos: Evaluamos las VFSC de forma bilateral con sus índices compuestos, la DLM y el DVNO por medio de ultrasonido cerebral en pacientes programados para craneotomía electiva antes de la inducción anestésica, en la extubación inmediata, a las seis y 24 horas posoperatorias. El objetivo fue evaluar la viabilidad del uso de la ecografía cerebral en pacientes sometidos a craneotomía electiva y describir los cambios de estas mediciones en diferentes momentos con respecto a los valores basales. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 16 pacientes en el estudio, de los cuales dos se excluyeron del análisis debido a una mala ventana ecográfica. No hubo cambios a lo largo del estudio con respecto a las VFSC, tampoco en la DLM o en el DVNO. Todos los parámetros se mantuvieron dentro de los rangos fisiológicos sin variaciones significativas durante el procedimiento. No hubo complicaciones perioperatorias. Conclusiones: Los resultados de nuestro trabajo muestran la factibilidad de realizar una valoración perioperatoria de las VFSC, DLM y DVNO de forma conjunta y exitosa para obtener información de la hemodinámica cerebral basal en pacientes programados para craneotomía electiva y valorar sus cambios durante las primeras 24 horas del posoperatorio. Son necesarios estudios con mayor número de pacientes para evaluar la eficacia del ultrasonido cerebral como herramienta de monitorización neurológica perioperatoria.(AU)

Background: Brain ultrasound allows measuring the cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter. Literature is scarce in determining the feasibility to perioperatively perform these measurements altogether and the cerebrovascular behavior in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy. Methods: We assessed bilateral cerebral flow velocities, composite index, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter by cerebral ultrasound in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy before anesthetic induction, at extubation, and at 6 and 24 hours after. The aim was to assess the feasibility of brain ultrasound in patients for elective craniotomy and to describe the changes in cerebral flow velocities, brain midline shift and optic nerve sheath diameter from baseline values at different times in the postoperative period. Results: Sixteen patients were included, of these two were excluded from analysis due to an inadequate sonographic window. There were no changes throughout the study regarding cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift nor optic nerve sheath diameter assessments. All parameters were maintained in the physiological range without significant variations during the procedure. No perioperative complications were detected. Conclusions: The results of our study show the feasibility to perform a perioperative assessment of cerebral flow velocity, brain midline shift or optic nerve sheath diameter jointly and successfully to obtain additional information of baseline cerebral hemodynamics in patients scheduled for elective craniotomy and their postoperative changes during the first 24 hours. Future studies with lager samples are needed to address the efficacy of cerebral ultrasound as a monitoring tool.(AU)

Brain abscesses caused by anaerobic microorganisms: a systematic review

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the characteristics, causative microorganisms and outcome of brain abscesses caused by anaerobic bacteria over the past 25 years. We reviewed studies on brain abscesses which included infection due to anaerobic microorganisms published between 1998 and 2022. We excluded reports with polymicrobial infections (more than 2 anaerobic bacteria isolated) and those that do not provide enough information to make comparisons, the reports with only one case of brain abscess due to anaerobes, as well as those focused on an only anaerobic bacterium. Also, we have excluded the cases in pediatric population. We searched the scientific literature through the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed/MEDLINE databases for studies of this condition. We finally included 28 studies with 6,167 patients, of which 715 (11.5%) were cases caused by anaerobic bacteria. There was a male predominance (70%) and mean age of 40.3 years. Most infections were monomicrobial (59.4%). The most common anaerobic microorganisms isolated were Bacteroides spp (43.4%) and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (35.1%). Cases of brain abscesses caused by anaerobic bacteria were most frequent in Asia and Europe. The source of infection most frequent was otogenic in 84.6% followed by a neurosurgery procedure infection in 23% of patients. The main symptom observed was headache in 95.6% of patients followed by fever (69.5%). Surgical treatment was performed in 48 % of patients and the percentage of patients in whom antibiotic treatment was applied range 88.8% to 100%. The main limitation of this review is the non-inclusion of studies published before of 1998 in which MALDI-TOF MS system had not been introduced in the majority of laboratories for routine identification. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática de las características, los microorganismos causantes y evolución de los abscesos cerebrales causados por bacterias anaerobias en los últimos 25 años. Revisamos los estudios sobre abscesos cerebrales que incluyeron infección por microorganismos anaerobios publicados entre 1998 y 2022. Se excluyeron estudios con infecciones polimicrobianas (más de 2 bacterias anaerobias aisladas) y aquellos que no proporcionaban suficiente información para realizar comparaciones, los estudios con solo un caso de absceso por anaerobios así como aquellos focalizados solo en una bacteria anaerobia. También se excluyeron los casos en población pediátrica. Se realizó búsqueda de la literatura científica a través de la librería Cochrane y base de datos EMBASE y PubMed/MEDLINE para estudios con esas características. Se incluyeron finalmente 28 estudios con 6167 pacientes, de los cuales 715 (11,5%) fueron casos causados por bacterias anaerobias. Hubo predominio masculino (70%) y edad media de 40,3 años. La mayoría de las infecciones fueron monomicrobianas (59,4%). Los microorganismos anaerobios más comunes aislados fueron Bacteroides spp (43,4%) y cocos anaerobios grampositivos (35,1%). Los casos de abscesos cerebrales causados por bacterias anaerobias fueron más frecuentes en Asia y Europa. La fuente de infección más frecuente fue la otogénica en un 84,6% seguida de una infección por procedimiento de neurocirugía en un 23% de los pacientes. El principal síntoma observado fue la cefalea en el 95,6% de los pacientes seguido de fiebre (69,5%). Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico en el 48 % de los pacientes y el porcentaje de pacientes en los que se aplicó tratamiento antibiótico oscila entre el 88,8 % y el 100 %. La principal limitación de esta revisión fue la no inclusión de estudios anteriores a 1998 en los que todavía no se había introducido MALDI-TOF MS en la mayoría de los laboratorios para el diagnóstico rutinario. (AU)

Caracterización de pacientes operados de craneosinostosis no sindrómica. Villa Clara, 2018-2022

Fundamento la craneosinostosis es una de las patologías neuroquirúrgicas más frecuentes en la edad pediátrica. Los conocimientos sobre su manejo son de vital importancia para intervenir con el tratamiento de manera oportuna. Objetivo caracterizar los pacientes operados de craneosinostosis no sindrómica. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo y de corte transversal, en el período enero/2018- diciembre/2022, con la totalidad de pacientes intervenidos de craneosinostosis en el Hospital Pediátrico José Luis Miranda, de Villa Clara (N=28). Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, color de la piel, clasificación de la malformación según sutura afectada, síntomas y signos asociados a la malformación, edad al realizar la intervención quirúrgica, técnica quirúrgica y complicaciones. Resultados se observó predominio del sexo masculino y de pacientes con color blanco de la piel. La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la escafocefalia, y se asoció a síntomas como el retardo en el desarrollo psicomotor y estrabismo. Las técnicas quirúrgicas realizadas fueron de remodelado total de la bóveda craneal, que en la mayoría de los niños se realizó antes de los 23 meses. La complicación más frecuente fue la infección de la herida quirúrgica. Conclusiones la craneosinostosis es una patología neuroquirúrgica frecuente en el sexo masculino. La forma de presentación más frecuente es la escafocefalia y se puede asociar a síntomas y signos neurológicos. Las técnicas quirúrgicas realizadas para remodelado de la bóveda craneal se deben realizar antes del primer año de vida, con vistas a disminuir el índice de complicaciones.

Background craniosynostosis is one of the most frequent neurosurgical pathologies in the pediatric age. Knowledge about its management is of vital importance to intervene with treatment in a timely manner. Objective to characterize the patients operated on for non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Methods a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, from January/2018 to December/2022, with all the patients operated on for craniosynostosis at the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital, in Villa Clara (N=28). The analyzed variables were: sex, skin color, classification of the malformation according to the affected suture, symptoms and signs associated with the malformation, age at surgery, surgical technique, and complications. Results a predominance of the male sex and patients with white skin color was observed. The most frequent form of presentation was scaphocephaly, and it was associated with symptoms such as delayed psychomotor development and strabismus. The surgical techniques performed were total remodeling of the cranial vault, which in most children was performed before 23 months old. The most frequent complication was infection of the surgical wound. Conclusions craniosynostosis is a frequent neurosurgical pathology in the male sex. The most frequent form of presentation is scaphocephaly and it can be associated with neurological symptoms and signs. Surgical techniques performed for remodeling of the cranial vault must be performed before the first year of life, in order to reduce the complications rate.

Focused selection of open cerebrovascular cases for residents interested in cerebrovascular neurosurgery / Selección enfocada de casos cerebrovasculares abiertos para residentes interesados en neurocirugía cerebrovascular

Introduction National and international trends continue to show greater emphasis on endovascular techniques for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. The cerebrovascular neurosurgeon however must be adequately equipped to treat these patients via both open and endovascular techniques. Methods The decline in open cerebrovascular cases for aneurysm clipping has forced many trainees to pursue open cerebrovascular fellowships to increase case volume. An alternative strategy has been employed at our institution, which is early identification of subspecialty focus with resident driven self-selection of open cerebrovascular cases. Result This has allowed recent graduates to obtain enfolded endovascular training and a significant number of open cerebrovascular cases in order to obtain competence and exposure. Discussion We advocate for further self-selection paradigms supplemented with simulation training in order to obviate the need for extended post-residency fellowships (AU)

Introducción Las tendencias nacionales e internacionales continúan mostrando un mayor énfasis en las técnicas endovasculares para el tratamiento de la enfermedad cerebrovascular. Sin embargo, el neurocirujano cerebrovascular debe estar adecuadamente equipado para tratar a estos pacientes mediante técnicas tanto abiertas como endovasculares. Métodos La disminución de los casos cerebrovasculares abiertos por clipaje de aneurismas ha obligado a muchos alumnos a buscar becas cerebrovasculares abiertas para aumentar el volumen de casos. Se ha empleado una estrategia alternativa en nuestra institución, que es la identificación temprana del enfoque de subespecialidad con la autoselección impulsada por el residente de casos cerebrovasculares abiertos. Resultados Esto ha permitido a los recién graduados obtener una formación endovascular completa y un número significativo de casos cerebrovasculares abiertos para obtener competencia y exposición Discusión Abogamos por nuevos paradigmas de autoselección complementados con capacitación en simulación para evitar la necesidad de becas extendidas posteriores a la residencia (AU)

Endovascular embolisation of the middle meningeal artery to treat chronic subdural haematomas: effectiveness, safety, and the current controversy. A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) represents a clinical challenge due to its high recurrence rate. Endovascular middle meningeal artery embolisation (eMMAE) has emerged as an alternative for those patients presenting health problems or multiple recurrences of CSDH. Despite several encouraging reports, the safety profile, indications, and limitations of the technique are not clearly established. DEVELOPMENT: This study aimed to evaluate the current evidence on eMMAE in patients with CSDH. We performed a systematic review of the literature, following the PRISMA guidelines. Our search yielded a total of 6 studies, in which a total of 164 patients with CSDH underwent eMMAE. The recurrence rate across all studies was 6.7%, and complications occurred in up to 6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: eMMAE is a feasible technique for treating CSDH, with a relatively low recurrence rate and an acceptable rate of complications. Further prospective and randomised studies are needed to formally establish a clear profile of the safety and effectiveness of the technique.

Embolización endovascular de la arteria meníngea media para el tratamiento de hematomas subdurales crónicos: efectividad, seguridad y controversia actual. Revisión sistemática / Endovascular embolisation of the middle meningeal artery to treat chronic subdural haematomas: Effectiveness, safety, and the current controversy. A systematic review

Introducción: Dadas las altas tasas de recurrencia, el hematoma subdural crónico (HSDC) es una condición que supone un reto para el clínico. La embolización endovascular de la arteria meníngea media (EeAMM) ha surgido como una alternativa para aquellos pacientes con problemas de salud o con varias recurrencias de su HSDC. A pesar de la publicación de algunos artículos prometedores referentes a esta técnica, el perfil de seguridad, las indicaciones y las limitaciones no están claramente establecidas.DesarrolloNuestro objetivo es evaluar la evidencia actual sobre la EeAMM en el HSDC. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura según las guías PRISMA. Nuestra búsqueda arrojó un total de 6 estudios, en los que 164 pacientes con HSDC se sometieron a EeAMM. La tasa de recurrencia entre todos los estudios fue del 6,7% y se produjeron complicaciones en hasta el 6% de los pacientes.ConclusiónLa EeAMM es una técnica factible en el tratamiento del HSDC con una tasa de recurrencia relativamente baja y tasas aceptables de complicaciones. Se necesitan más estudios prospectivos y aleatorizados para establecer formalmente un perfil de seguridad claro y su efectividad. (AU)

Introduction: Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) represents a clinical challenge due to its high recurrence rate. Endovascular middle meningeal artery embolisation (eMMAE) has emerged as an alternative for those patients presenting health problems or multiple recurrences of CSDH. Despite several encouraging reports, the safety profile, indications, and limitations of the technique are not clearly established.DevelopmentThis study aimed to evaluate the current evidence on eMMAE in patients with CSDH. We performed a systematic review of the literature, following the PRISMA guidelines. Our search yielded a total of 6 studies, in which a total of 164 patients with CSDH underwent eMMAE. The recurrence rate across all studies was 6.7%, and complications occurred in up to 6% of patients.ConclusionseMMAE is a feasible technique for treating CSDH, with a relatively low recurrence rate and an acceptable rate of complications. Further prospective and randomised studies are needed to formally establish a clear profile of the safety and effectiveness of the technique. (AU)

Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: Targeting differences between the first and second side.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a recognized treatment for drug-refractory Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the therapeutic success depends on the accuracy of targeting. This study aimed to evaluate potential accuracy differences in the placement of the first and second electrodes implanted, by comparing chosen electrode trajectories, STN activity detected during microelectrode recording (MER), and the mismatch between the initially planned and final electrode positions on each side. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 30 patients who underwent one-stage bilateral DBS. For most patients, three arrays of microelectrodes were used to determine the physiological location of the STN. Final target location depended also on the results of intraoperative stimulation. The choice of central versus non-central channels was compared. The Euclidean vector deviation was calculated using the initially planned coordinates and the final position of the tip of the electrode according to a CT scan taken at least a month after the surgery. RESULTS: The central channel was chosen in 70% of cases on the first side and 40% of cases on the second side. The mean length of high-quality STN activity recorded in the central channel was longer on the first side than the second (3.07±1.85mm vs. 2.75±1.94mm), while in the anterior channel there were better MER recordings on the second side (1.59±2.07mm on the first side vs. 2.78±2.14mm on the second). Regarding the mismatch between planned versus final electrode position, electrodes on the first side were placed on average 0.178±0.917mm lateral, 0.126±1.10mm posterior and 1.48±1.64mm inferior to the planned target, while the electrodes placed on the second side were 0.251±1.08mm medial, 0.355±1.29mm anterior and 2.26±1.47mm inferior to the planned target. CONCLUSION: There was a tendency for the anterior trajectory to be chosen more frequently than the central on the second side. There was also a statistically significant deviation of the second electrodes in the anterior and inferior directions, when compared to the electrodes on the first side, suggesting that another cause other than brain shift may be responsible. We should therefore factor this during planning for the second implanted side. It might be useful to plan the second side more anteriorly, possibly reducing the number of MER trajectories tested and the duration of surgery.

Focused selection of open cerebrovascular cases for residents interested in cerebrovascular neurosurgery.

INTRODUCTION: National and international trends continue to show greater emphasis on endovascular techniques for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. The cerebrovascular neurosurgeon however must be adequately equipped to treat these patients via both open and endovascular techniques. METHODS: The decline in open cerebrovascular cases for aneurysm clipping has forced many trainees to pursue open cerebrovascular fellowships to increase case volume. An alternative strategy has been employed at our institution, which is early identification of subspecialty focus with resident driven self-selection of open cerebrovascular cases. RESULTS: This has allowed recent graduates to obtain enfolded endovascular training and a significant number of open cerebrovascular cases in order to obtain competence and exposure. DISCUSSION: We advocate for further self-selection paradigms supplemented with simulation training in order to obviate the need for extended post-residency fellowships.

Scientific authorship in neurosurgery.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of scientific bibliographic production is a complex issue, mainly based on the impact factor (IF) of the journals and the h index, that quantifies the number of cites an author receives. In order to estimate the bibliographic production and the influence of co-authorship among Spanish neurosurgeons, we performed a PubMed search aimed to identify all papers published by a sample of neurosurgeons. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational and regional study. We identified a sample of 183 neurosurgeons from Madrid and Castilla y León Autonomous Communities. The bibliometric information was gathered in March 2022 via PubMed free access website. For each author we registered the type of journal, total number of articles, order of appearance in the authors' list, total IF, the proportion of articles signed as first or second author (Personal Authorship Quotient [PAQ]) and the percentage of IF attributable to those articles (Personal Impact Quotient [PIQ]). RESULTS: A total of 3,592 articles from 183 authors were published in 412 different journals, of which only 9.9% were pure neurosurgical journals. Only 17 neurosurgeons (9,3%) had published at least one article as unique author. The average number of articles per neurosurgeon was 20 (median 9) of which 57.7% were published in neurosurgical journals, and 22,2% in Neurocirugía (official publication of the SENEC). The average PAQ was 0.367 (median 0.364) and the average PIQ was 0.317 (median 0.251). Both proportions tended to decrease as the number of publications increased. CONCLUSIONS: On average, Spanish neurosurgeons publish half of their articles in neurosurgical journals, appear as first or second author in one third of the cases, and the IF attributable to these papers comprise 25% of the total IF. The PAQ and PIQ provide bibliometric information that minimizes the enlarging effect on curriculum of massive co-authorship and allow comparisons among authors and different scientific fields.

Protocolo de recuperación intensificada durante la cirugía del plexo braquial (RIPLEX) / ntensified Recovery Protocol during Brachial Plexus Surgery (RIPLEX)

La restauración de la función del miembro superior en los pacientes que sufren lesiones del plexo braquial para favorecer la mejoría en su calidad de vida. Así como su reinserción social y laboral, se puede optimizar mediante la implementación de programas de recuperación intensificada o mejorada, multimodales, multidisciplinarios, y de elevados estándares cualitativos, denominados protocolos ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), se recomienda la utilización de métodos fundamentados en la mejor evidencia científica disponible. El protocolo que se expone, aplicado en el Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional "Frank Paísˮ, derivado de una investigación institucional en curso. Objetivos: Contribuir en el desarrollo del conocimiento científico imprescindible para favorecer la introducción y sistematización de los cuidados perioperatorios multimodales durante las intervenciones quirúrgicas del plexo braquial.

Introduction: Restoration of upper limb function in patients suffering from brachial plexus injuries, in view of favoring improvement in their quality of life or their social and labor reinsertion, can be optimized by means of implementing multimodal, multidisciplinary, intensified or enhanced recovery programs with high qualitative standards, called ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols. The use of methods based on the best available scientific evidence is recommended. The protocol presented here is applied at Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional "Frank Paísˮ and derived from an ongoing institutional research. Objective: To contribute to the development of scientific knowledge essential to favor the introduction and systematization of multimodal perioperative care during brachial plexus surgical interventions.