Neurosurgery practice最新文献

Background and objectives: Although the anterior approach to the spine for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has been shown to be an effective procedure, there are different surgical risks compared with conventional posterior fusion. ALIF patients could potentially receive more personalized care plans that minimize the risk of negative outcomes by forecasting short-term postoperative results before the surgical procedure. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting short-term unfavorable postoperative outcomes after ALIF and to develop an easy-to-use and readily available instrument for this purpose.

Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified ALIF patients and used 6 ML algorithms to build models predicting postoperative outcomes. These models were then incorporated into an open-access web application.

Results: The analysis included 8304 ALIF patients. The LightGBM models achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic scores of 0.735 for prolonged length of stay and 0.814 for nonhome discharges. The random forest models achieved area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.707 for 30-day readmissions and 0.701 for major complications. These top-performing models were integrated into a web application for individualized patient predictions.

Conclusion: ML techniques show promise in predicting postoperative outcomes for ALIF surgeries. As data in spinal surgery expand, these predictive models could significantly improve risk assessment and prognosis. We present an accessible predictive tool for ALIF surgeries to achieve the goals mentioned above.

Background and objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have gained increasing popularity since the approval of semaglutide by the United States Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management. Significant benefits have been noted in glycemic control and cardiovascular health. However, as increasing numbers of patients are started on these medications, it is important for neurosurgeons to have knowledge of any perioperative considerations and side effects related to this class of drugs.

Methods: We performed a qualitative literature review using the PubMed and Embase databases, using the following key words: GLP-1 RAs adverse events; GLP-1 RAs and anesthesia; substance use disorders; and addiction, functional neurosurgery, nervous system rehabilitation, and spinal cord injury. Articles of relevance to perioperative management of these medications and specific benefits in the neurosurgical field were discussed.

Results: Recent guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists demonstrates the importance of tailored management of GLP-RA drugs for surgical patients. In addition, certain positive effects have been noted with relation to substance use disorders, neural protection and rehabilitation, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion: In this article, we review what the neurosurgeon needs to know about the perioperative management of GLP-1 RAs and discuss existing literature in clinical and preclinical studies for potential indications and benefits of these medications, which can influence the management of conditions treated by neurosurgeons.

Background and objectives: Whether unintended durotomy in metastatic spine surgery seeds tumor in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unknown. Our objectives were to (1) determine the rate of unintended durotomy, (2) identify the preoperative and perioperative factors that increase the risk of unintended durotomy, and (3) determine whether unintended durotomy affected local recurrence (LR), any spinal recurrence, and overall survival.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing metastatic spine surgery between January 2010 to January 2021 was undertaken. The primary exposure variable was the occurrence of unintended durotomy. Multivariable logistic/linear regression were performed controlling for age, body mass index, tumor size, other organ metastases, and preoperative radiotherapy/chemotherapy.

Results: Of 354 patients undergoing surgery for extradural spinal metastasis, 19 patients (5.4%) had an unintended durotomy. Preoperatively: No difference was found between patients with and without unintended durotomy regarding basic demographics, comorbidities (P = .645), or tumor histology (P = .642). Preoperative chemotherapy/radiotherapy were similar between the 2 groups. Perioperatively: Although patients with unintended durotomy had more costotransversectomies (36.8% vs 12.8%, P = .010), no difference was found in tumor characteristics, operative time (337.4 vs 310.6 minutes, P = .150), blood loss (1012.8 vs 883.8 mL, P = .157), length of stay (6.4 vs 6.9 days, P = .452), or overall reoperation/readmission. Long-term: No difference was seen in CNS spread between those with unintended durotomy and no durotomy (10.5% vs 3.0%, P = .077). LR (5.3% vs 12.2%, P = .712), time to LR (388.0 vs 213.3 ± 359.8 days, log-rank; P = .709), any spinal recurrence (26.3% vs 34.0%, P = .489), overall survival (21.05% vs 34.3%, P = .233), and time to death (466.9 ± 634.7 vs 465.8 ± 665.4 days, log-rank; P = .394) were similar on multivariable Cox regressions.

Conclusion: In patients undergoing surgery for extradural spinal metastases, 5% had an unintended durotomy, and costotransversectomies were associated with increased risk of an unintended durotomy. Unintended durotomies did not lead to increased LR or shorter survival. Taken together, shortened survival due to seeding tumor into the CNS after an unintended durotomy was not observed.

Background and importance: The evolution of endoscopic techniques in spine has allowed novel approaches to various pathologies. We describe the use of endoscopy for repair of refractory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after lumbar puncture (LP).

Clinical presentation: A 31-year-old female presented with refractory postural headaches after undergoing LP. The patient underwent 4 total epidural blood patches (EBPs) with minimal symptomatic relief. The LP opening pressure was found to be 18 cm of water, inconsistent with underlying pseudotumor cerebri. A myelogram demonstrated persistent CSF leak and contrast accumulation within the dorsal epidural space at L2-3. Endoscopic exploration was ultimately performed, which demonstrated well-placed EBPs; however, continuous CSF egressed from a pinhole site. This was repaired with coagulation using a radiofrequency probe, DuraSeal (Integra LifeSciences) and DuraGen (Integra LifeSciences). Postoperatively, the patient noted resolution of debilitating intracranial hypotension symptoms and was able to return to work.

Conclusion: Postdural puncture headaches occur in about 1/3 of patients after LP. Symptoms are often debilitating and can include nausea, neck pain, dizziness, tinnitus, visual changes, and hearing loss. Multiple pharmacological and invasive treatments, such as EBP, have been used historically with success, but Postdural puncture headaches refractory to these interventions can put patients at risk for serious complications including seizures and subdural hematomas. We present the first reported case of an endoscopic approach to repair refractory CSF leak in the lumbar spine. Our approach highlights the potential of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques in the repair of refractory CSF leak from the puncture site after LP.

Background and importance: Neurosurgical literature rarely explores cases of osteoid osteomas of the atlas. Traditionally, neurosurgeons performed en bloc surgical resection for refractory osteoid osteomas in the subaxial and lumbar spine, but minimally invasive ablation therapies have gained favor. Complete lesioning of the nidus, either by surgical or minimally invasive therapies, produces curative results with recurrence only developing after partial lesioning.

Clinical presentation: We discuss the case of a 16-year-old adolescent boy who presented with neck and occipital pain refractory to multimodal pain management. Prolonged workup demonstrated a subtle radiographic lesion of the left C1 lateral mass. Interventional radiologists attempted a posterior approach percutaneous computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation but aborted due to proximity of the vertebral artery. Surgeons then pursued an open transoral approach to provide a corridor for cyclical cryoablation therapy, which proceeded without complication. The patient was discharged on postoperative day one with remission of occipital pain at the 10-month follow-up. No clinical or radiographic evidence of instability appeared on postoperative cervical films.

Conclusion: No reports exist in the literature of an osteoid osteoma of C1 treated by an open anterior approach and with cryoablation. The transoral approach is a safe, effective method to access ventral pathologies of C1. The transoral approach may minimize blood loss and reduce the risk of craniocervical instability, allowing for preserved cervical mobility and improved patient outcomes. Surgeons may especially consider cryoablation when the nidus is within proximity to critical neural structures.

Background and objectives: Pediatric spine surgery has evolved considerably over the past century. No previous study conducted a bibliometric analysis of the corpus of pediatric spine surgery. We used big data and advanced bibliometric analyses to evaluate trends in the progression of pediatric spine surgery as a distinct field since the beginning of the 20th century.

Methods: A Web of Science query was designed to capture the representative corpus of pediatric spine literature. Statistical and bibliometric analyses were performed using various Python packages and the Bibliometrix R package.

Results: The collection, published from 1902 to 2023, comprised a total of 11 861 articles from 61 journals and 32 715 unique authors. The overall growth rate annually for publications was 5.08%. An upsurge in publications was seen in the 1980s, after the advent of specialty and subspecialty journals. Illustratively, over 90% of all articles pertaining to pediatric spine surgery were published in the past 3 decades. International and domestic collaboration also increased exponentially over this time period. Reference publication year spectroscopy allowed us to identify 75 articles that comprise the historical roots of modern pediatric spine surgery. There was a recent lexical evolution of topics and terms toward alignment, outcomes, and patient-centric terms. Coauthorship among under-represented groups increased since 1990, but remains low, with disparities persisting across journals.

Conclusion: This comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the corpus of pediatric spine surgery offers insight into the evolving landscape of research, authorship, and publication trends over the past century. Advancements in the understanding of the natural history and technology have led the field to become increasingly outcomes focused, all of which have been fueled by pioneering authors. While diversity among authors improves, under-representation of various groups continues to persist, indicating a critical role for further outreach and promotion.

Background and objectives: The advent of advanced technologies has brought unprecedented precision and efficacy to neurosurgical procedures for brain tumor resection. Despite the remarkable progress, disparities in technology access across different nations persist, creating significant challenges in providing equitable neurosurgical care. The purpose of the following work was to comprehensively analyze the existing disparities in access to innovative neurosurgical technologies and the impact of such disparities on patient outcomes and research. We seek to shed light on the extent of the problem, the underlying causes, and propose strategies for mitigating these disparities.

Methods: A systematic review of published articles, including clinical studies, reports, and healthcare infrastructure assessments, was conducted to gather data on the availability and utilization of advanced neurosurgical technologies in various countries.

Results: Disparities in technology access in neurosurgery are evident, with high-income countries benefiting from widespread implementation, while low- and middle-income countries face significant challenges in technology adoption. These disparities contribute to variations in surgical outcomes and patient experiences. The root causes of these disparities encompass financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient training and expertise.

Conclusion: Disparities in access to advanced neurosurgical technology remain a critical concern in global neurosurgery. Bridging this gap is essential to ensure that all patients, regardless of their geographic location, can benefit from the advancements in neurosurgical care. A concerted effort involving governments, healthcare institutions, and the international community is required to achieve this goal, advancing the quality of care for patients with brain tumors worldwide.

Background and objectives: The management of hydrocephalus has significantly changed over the past decade. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy has become more prevalent, and shunt surgery has become more protocolized through research efforts by the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network. In 2014, the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Guidelines were first published, providing a cohesive source for clinical guidance. We planned to investigate national trends in the management of pediatric hydrocephalus after the publication of the 2014 Pediatric Hydrocephalus Guidelines as guidelines act as a compilation of historic and recent literature in a scientific field.

Methods: A multipronged approach was used to evaluate changes in the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus since 2014. First, we queried the Pediatric Health Information System between 2013 and 2018 to identify national trends in shunt procedures for hydrocephalus. To assess the recommendation in the guidelines to use antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AICs) in shunts, national sales records of AICs were obtained from 2 large neurosurgical device companies.

Results: A total of 11,179 shunt procedures were performed within the Pediatric Health Information System database in the study period. In the preguideline publication period (2013-2014), there was a shunt revision-to-placement ratio of 1.63 while in the postguideline publication period (2015-2018), there was a ratio of 0.84 (P < .0001). National sales data revealed that antibiotic-impregnated drain sales increased from 2% to 77% since publication.

Conclusion: Findings from this investigation suggest progress in pediatric hydrocephalus management since 2014. The shunt revision-to-placement ratio improved, and the use of AICs increased over this period. Improved outcomes are likely associative findings rather than causative with the guidelines representing a culmination of widespread changes in hydrocephalus care such as increased use of endoscopic third ventriculostomies, protocolized care, and image-guided shunt placement. Further research into the impact of clinical practice guidelines is needed to better understand the impact of this tool on surgeons and patient care.

Background and importance: Pure arterial malformations (PAMs) are rare vascular lesions with unknown natural history. Described in 2013 and initially considered benign, recent evidence of ruptured cases and progressive angioarchitectural changes may support the need for interventional treatment for selected patients. We present the first case of an accessory middle cerebral artery PAM successfully treated using a hybrid approach, including microsurgical revascularization and endovascular occlusion using Glubran2/Lipiodol.

Clinical presentation: A 58-year-old woman with a history of spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage 2 years before presented to our clinic with a dilated, multilobulated, and overlapping lesion located at a dominant left accessory middle cerebral artery, compatible with the diagnostic criteria of a PAM. The lesion was near the previous bleeding site, and since perforating and cortical vessels arose from its distal lobule, a safeguarding superficial temporal artery-MCA bypass was considered necessary before the successful endovascular embolization of the malformation using nBCA (Glubran2/Lipiodol).

Conclusion: PAMs can be associated with intracranial bleeding; thus, active treatment is warranted for selected patients. A hybrid microsurgical-endovascular approach is feasible and can be considered the optimal treatment for specific complex anatomies.

Background and objectives: There are still major global differences in the treatment of acute traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients without neurological deficits and without posterior column injury. Treatment strategies range from conservative treatment with orthosis or early functional mobilization to various surgical stabilization techniques. The study's objectives are to evaluate the clinical (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]) and radiographical outcomes (restoration and maintenance of spinal alignment; injury of the affected intervertebral disk) and determine the prevalence of complications until 24 months of follow-up.

Methods: The study is designed as a randomized, controlled, noninferiority clinical trial. All patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen spine type A3 or A4) age 18 to 70 years without neurological deficit and without posterior ligament injury can be enrolled. We will randomly assign 52 patients for either surgical or nonsurgical treatment. The surgical group will receive combined anterior-posterior (360°) spinal stabilization therapy. Participants in the nonsurgical group will be treated with a 3-point hyperextension orthosis for 6 weeks. The primary outcome is the difference in ODI at 2 years after injury.

Expected outcomes: We expect to find that conservative treatment of burst fractures in the thoracolumbar spine will be noninferior to the surgical treatment.

Discussion: This study will provide high-quality data comparing a modern surgical treatment regime with a standardized conservative treatment in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures.