Letter to editor : optimizing surgical approaches for anterior communicating artery aneurysms: development and internal validation of a novel surgical scoring system.

The recent publication titled "Optimizing Surgical Approaches for Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms: Development and Internal Validation of a Novel Surgical Scoring System" presents a groundbreaking study in neurosurgery. This critique examines both the positive and negative impacts of the research. Positive aspects include the potential to improve patient outcomes through personalized surgical approaches guided by a standardized scoring system. Internal validation enhances the credibility of the scoring system. However, challenges such as the need for external validation and additional surgeon training are acknowledged. Overall, while the study offers promising advancements, further research and validation are essential for widespread implementation in clinical practice.

Eficacia de las infiltraciones epidurales en el abordaje del dolor y la discapacidad por radiculopatía lumbosacra aguda y subaguda / Efficacy of epidural infiltration in the management of pain and disability due to acute and subacute lumbosacral radiculopathy

Antecedentes y objetivos: Las infiltraciones epidurales (IEE) constituyen una alternativa en el tratamiento del síndrome de radiculopatía lumbosacro (SRL). El objetivo de estudio es evaluar la eficacia de las IEE en la intensidad del dolor, mejora de la recuperación funcional y retorno a la actividad laboral. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en una cohorte de 100 pacientes consecutivos remitidos a la unidad del dolor por SRL de más de 3 meses de duración. Se analizó la eficacia de las inyecciones de corticoides y anestésicos locales por diferentes vías (interlaminar, caudal y transforaminal) a los 15 días, un mes y 3 meses de la infiltración, en cuanto a la intensidad del dolor mediante la escala analógica visual (EAV), evolución del grado de discapacidad y la reincorporación laboral. Resultados: Noventa y nueve pacientes se incluyeron en el estudio. El 46,5% fueron varones y el 53,5% mujeres. La edad media fue de 57,47±11,1 años. En la mayoría (58,6%) de los casos se optó por la vía caudal, seguida de la transforaminal (23,2%), e interlaminar (18,2%). Las IEE produjeron una reducción significativa del dolor en todos los periodos estudiados (EAV: 7,78±1,5 basal; 6,2±0,9 a los 15 días; 6,3±1,2 al mes; 6,15±1,3 a los 3 meses; p<0,05). La vía de acceso más eficaz fue la transforaminal. El 70% de los pacientes en situación de incapacidad laboral retornaron a su trabajo tras el tratamiento. Discusión y conclusiones: El tratamiento mediante las IEE redujo la intensidad del dolor por SRL, mejoró la situación funcional y la reincorporación a la actividad laboral.(AU)

Backgrund and objective: Epidural infiltrations are used for treatment of low back pain and sciatica. linked to lumbar radiculopathy (lumbosacral radicular syndrome). This study evaluates the efficacy of epidural infiltration by different routes to reduce pain intensity, disability and return to work. Methods: Is a prospective observational study in one hundred consecutive patients sent to pain unit for severe lumbo-sacral radiculopaty. We analyze the efficacy on pain relief (Visual Analogue Scale) and funcional status at two weeks, one month, and three months after epidural injection of local anesthetics and esteroids with differents approachs (interlaminar, caudal and transforaminal). Results: Ninety nine patients (46.5% men, 53.5 women) were finally enrrolled in the study. Mean age was 57.47±11.1 years. The caudal approach was used in 58.6% patients, 23.2% transforaminal approach, and 18.2% interlaminar approach. A significant pain relief was found in all times studied (EAV 7.48±1.5 basal; 6.2±0,9 at 15 days; 6.3±1.2 at one month; 6.15±1.3 at 3 months, P<.05). Transforaminal approach was superior to caudal or interlaminal. Seventy percent in time off work patients returned to work after epidural inyections. Conclusions: Epidural local anesthetics with esteroids injections for lumbo-sacral radiculopathy were effective for low back pain, improved functional status and promoted return to work. Transforaminal approach is superior to others.(AU)

Intracerebral hemorrhage after deep brain stimulation surgery guided with microelectrode recording: analysis of 297 procedures / Hemorragia intracerebral después de cirugía de estimulación cerebral profunda guiada por microrregistro: un análisis de 297 procedimientos

Objectives: Report the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients submitted to deep brain stimulation (DBS) guided with microelectrode recording (MER) with further analysis of potential risk factors, both inherent to the patient and related to the pathology and surgical technique. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study. 297 DBS procedures were concluded in 277 patients in a single hospital centre between January 2010 and December 2020. All surgeries were guided with MER. We analysed the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic ICH and its correlation to age, sex, diagnosis, hypertension and perioperative hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, antiplatelet drugs, anatomic target, and number of MER trajectories. Results: There were a total of 585 electrodes implanted in 277 patients. 16 ICH were observed, of which 6 were symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic, none of which incurred in permanent neurological deficit. The location of the hemorrhage varied between cortical and subcortical plans, always in relation with the trajectory or the final position of the electrode. The incidence of symptomatic ICH per lead-implantation was 1%, and the CT-scan demonstrated asymptomatic ICH in 1.7% more patients. Male patients or with hypertension are 2.7 and 2.2 times more likely to develop ICH, respectively. However, none of these characteristics has been shown to have a statistically significant association with the occurrence of ICH, as well as age, diagnosis, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, antiplatelet drugs, anatomic target, number of MER trajectories and perioperative hypertension. Conclusions: MER-guided DBS is a safe technique, with low incidence of ICH and no permanent deficits in our study. Hypertension and male sex seem to be risk factors for the development of ICH in this surgery. Nevertheless, no statistically significant factors were found for the occurrence of this complication.(AU)

Objetivos: Reportar la incidencia de hemorragia intracerebral (HIC) sintomática y asintomática en pacientes sometidos a estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP) guiada por microrregistro (MER), con el consecuente análisis de posibles factores de riesgo, tanto inherentes al paciente como relacionados con la patología y técnica quirúrgica. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se analizaron un total de 297 procedimientos de ECP realizados en 277 pacientes en un centro hospitalario entre enero de 2010 y diciembre de 2020. Todas las cirugías fueron guiadas con MER. Analizamos la incidencia de HIC, tanto sintomática como asintomática, y la correlación con edad, sexo, diagnóstico, hipertensión arterial e intraoperatoria, diabetes, dislipemia, medicación antiplaquetaria previa, diana anatómica y número de vías. Resultados: El número total de electrodos implantados fue de 585 en 277 pacientes. Se observaron 16 HIC, de las cuales 10 fueron asintomáticas y 6 sintomáticas y ninguna incurrió en déficit neurológico permanente. La localización de la hemorragia varió entre planos corticales y subcorticales, siempre en relación con el trayecto o posición final del electrodo. La incidencia de hemorragia sintomática fue de alrededor del 1 %, y la TC posoperatoria demostró hemorragia asintomática en un 1,7 % adicional de los pacientes. Los pacientes varones o los pacientes con hipertensión tienen 2,7 y 2,2 veces más probabilidades de desarrollar sangrado, respectivamente. Sin embargo, ninguna de estas características demostró una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la ocurrencia de hemorragia intracerebral, como la edad, el diagnóstico, la diabetes, la dislipidemia, la ingesta previa de medicamentos antiplaquetarios, el objetivo anatómico, el número de MER y las vías de HTA intraoperatorias. Conclusión: La ECP con MER es una técnica segura, con baja incidencia de HIC y sin déficits permanentes en nuestro estudio...(AU)

Ependimomas de fosa posterior de tipo lateral en la edad pediátrica / Lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas in pediatric population

Antecedentes y objetivos: Los ependimomas de fosa posterior de tipo lateral son un subtipo clínico e histológico característico, con un pronóstico poco favorable. Su incidencia es baja y su manejo quirúrgico es particularmente complejo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar nuestra serie de ependimomas de fosa posterior de tipo lateral y contrastar nuestros resultados con la literatura disponible. Materiales y métodos: Sobre una muestra de 30 ependimomas intervenidos en neurocirugía pediátrica en los últimos 10 años, se identifican 7 casos de ependimomas de tipo lateral de la fosa posterior. Sobre esta serie de casos se realiza un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Resultados: La edad media de nuestros pacientes al diagnóstico fue de 3,75 años. Seis se presentaron con hidrocefalia. El volumen tumoral medio al diagnóstico fue de 61cm3. En 6 casos se llevó a cabo una resección completa y en un caso una resección casi completa. Cinco pacientes precisaron de forma transitoria una traqueostomía y una gastrostomía. La media de seguimiento fue de 58 meses. Durante este tiempo se produjo un caso de recidiva que posteriormente evolucionó a muerte. Cuatro casos de hidrocefalia posquirúrgica precisaron una derivación ventriculoperitoneal de LCR y 2 casos fueron manejados con ventriculostomía endoscópica. En la última revisión en consulta 4 pacientes llevaban una vida normal y 2 mostraban una restricción leve de la actividad de acuerdo con la escala de Lansky. Conclusiones: El objetivo del tratamiento quirúrgico de los ependimomas de tipo lateral de fosa posterior es la resección completa. Los déficits asociados a la disfunción de los pares bajos en nuestra serie fueron muy frecuentes pero transitorios. La progresiva caracterización molecular de estos tumores puede identificar diferentes grupos de riesgo sobre los que dirigir de forma adecuada la intensidad de los tratamientos adyuvantes.(AU)

Background and aims: Lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas are a well-defined subtype of tumors both clinically and pathologically, with a poor prognosis. Their incidence is low and surgical management is challenging. The objective of the present work is to review our series of lateral-tye posterior fossa ependymomas and compare our results with those of previous series. Materials and methods: Among 30 cases of ependymoma operated in our pediatric department in the last 10 years, we identified seven cases of lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas. We then performed a retrospective, descriptive study. Results: Mean age of our patients was 3.75 years. Six cases presented with hydrocephalus. Mean tumor volume at diagnosis was 61cc. A complete resection was achieved in six cases and a near-total resection in one patient. Five patients transiently required a gastrostomy and a tracheostomy. Mean follow-up was 58 months. One case progressed along this period and eventually died. Four cases of hydrocephalus required a ventriculoperitoneal CSF shunt and two were managed with a third ventriculostomy. At last follow-up four patients carried a normal life and two displayed a mild restriction according to Lansky's scale. Conclusions: The aim of surgical treatment in lateral-type posterior fossa ependymomas is complete resection. Neurological deficits associated to lower cranial nerve dysfunction are common but transient. Deeper genetic characterization of these tumors may identify risk factors that guide stratification of adjuvant therapies.(AU)

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)

Successful adaptation of twinning concept for global neurosurgery collaborations-a validation study.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, many regions have an urgent, unmet need of neurosurgical care. A multi-step neurosurgical twinning technique, International Neurosurgical Twinning Modeled for Africa (INTIMA), was proved to be successful during a previous mission to Neurosurgical Unit, Enugu, Nigeria. The Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC) performed a developmental mission together with the local neurosurgical unit in The Gambia, adopting the INTIMA model. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team visited for a 2-week collaborative mission at the Neurosurgical Department of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia. The mission followed the data of neurosurgical operations during and after the mission as well as about the operations 3 months prior to and after the mission was collected. RESULTS: During the mission, a total of 22 operations was carried out, the most common being degenerative spinal conditions (n = 9). In the 3 months following the mission, 43 operations were performed compared to 24 during the 3 months leading up to the mission. The complexity of the performed procedures increased after the mission. An operating microscope (Möller-Wedel) was donated and installed and the neurosurgeons on site underwent training in microneurosurgery. The surgical nurses, nurses at the postoperative ward, and the physiotherapists underwent training. A biomedical engineer serviced multiple appliances and devices improving the patient care on site while training local technicians. CONCLUSION: This study validated the use of the INTIMA model previously described in a mission by Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC). The model is sustainable and produces notable results. The core strength of the model is in the multidisciplinary team securing all the aspects and steps of the neurosurgical care. Installation of an operating microscope opened for further microsurgical possibilities, improving the neurosurgical care in The Gambia.

Advances in Intraoperative Imaging for Vascular Neurosurgery.

Cerebrovascular surgery has many intraoperative imaging modalities available. Modern technologies include intraoperative digital subtraction angiogram, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, relative fluorescent measurement with ICG, and ultrasound. Each of these can be used effectively in the treatment of open aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation surgeries, in addition to arteriovenous fistula surgery, and cerebral bypass surgery.

Sanford Larson, MD, PhD: a pioneering neurosurgeon, scientist, and educator.

Dr. Sanford Larson, MD, PhD (1929-2012), was an influential figure in spinal neurosurgery. Dr. Larson played a pivotal role in establishing neurosurgery's foothold in spinal surgery by serving as the inaugural chair of the Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves and as a president of the Cervical Spine Research Society. He made many advances in spine care, most notably the modification and popularization of the lateral extracavitary approach to the thoracolumbar spine. Dr. Larson established the neurosurgery residency program at the Medical College of Wisconsin; he also instituted the program's spine fellowship, the first in the United States for neurological surgeons. His mentorship produced numerous leaders in organized neurosurgery and neurosurgical education, including Edward Benzel, MD, Dennis Maiman, MD, PhD, Joseph Cheng, MD, Shekar Kurpad, MD, PhD, and Christopher Wolfla, MD. Dr. Larson was a prominent leader in spinal neurosurgery and his legacy carries on today through his contributions to research, education, and surgical technique.

A survey of surveys: an evaluation of the quality of published surveys in neurosurgery.

PURPOSE: Surveys generate valuable data in epidemiologic and qualitative clinical research. The quality of a survey depends on its design, the number of responses it receives, and the reporting of the results. In this study, we aimed to assess the quality of surveys in neurosurgery. METHODS: Neurosurgical surveys published between 2000 and 2020 (inclusive) were identified from PubMed. Various datapoints regarding the surveys were collated. The number of citations received by the papers was determined from Google Scholar. A 6-dimensional quality assessment tool was applied to the surveys. Parameters from this tool were combined with the number of responses received to create the survey quality score (SQS). RESULTS: A total of 618 surveys were included for analysis. The target sample size correlated with the number of responses received. The response rate correlated positively with the target sample size and the number of reminders sent and negatively with the number of questions in the survey. The median number of authors on neurosurgery survey papers was 6. The number of authors correlated with the SQS and the number of citations received by published survey papers. The median normalized SQS for neurosurgical surveys was 65%. The nSQS independently predicted the citations received per year by surveys. CONCLUSIONS: The modifiable factors that correlated with improvements in survey design were optimizing the number of questions, maximizing the target sample size, and incorporating reminders in the survey design. Increasing the number of contributing authors led to improvements in survey quality. The SQS was validated and correlated well with the citations received by surveys.

Postoperative Herpes Viral Infections in Neurosurgery - An Experience and Arguments for and against the Plausible Hypotheses.

BACKGROUND: The literature contains several reports of herpes recrudescence after neurosurgery. We analyze our experience by vindicating or refuting the existing plausible hypotheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all neurosurgical cases that developed postoperative herpes infection between January 2016 and June 2020. RESULTS: Six patients developed herpes infection after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Other neurosurgical cases did not develop herpes infection. There were five females and one male, with a mean age of 44.1 years. Four out of six patients developed delayed facial palsy (DFP) and did not improve after antiviral treatment. Postoperative herpes infections were 0.2% among all operated patients, 3.07% among all cerebellopontine (CP) angle surgeries, and 5.6% among VS surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: To date, none of the plausible hypotheses satisfactorily addresses all aspects of viral recrudescence. The etiology may be multi-factorial, and in all cases of unexplained clinical deterioration, herpes infection needs consideration in the differential diagnosis.