The prognostic utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in spinal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is reportedly an effective prognostic tool across various medical and surgical fields, but its value in spinal surgery is unestablished. We aim to investigate the relationship between elevated baseline/postoperative NLR and patient outcomes in spinal surgery.

Materials And Methods: We performed a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases for studies investigating the prognostic value of NLR in spine patients.

The Landscape of Neurosurgical Oncology Adjunct Usage in Africa: A Scoping Review.

Background: Intraoperative neurosurgical adjuncts improve extent of resection whilst mitigating patient morbidity. The delivery of neurosurgical care via these adjuncts is the norm in high-income countries, but there is yet to be a study highlighting the usage of neurosurgical oncology adjuncts in Africa. This paper aims to provide awareness of the use of these adjuncts in Africa, reasons for limited procurement, and possible solutions to the problem.

The Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Cancer and Advanced Illness: A Meta-Analysis.

Context: Constipation is a common problem among patients with cancer. By some accounts, about 60% of cancer patients experience constipation. There is limited empirical evidence of the clinical effectiveness of pharmacologic agents in opioid-induced constipation in advanced diseases.

Overcoming developing-world challenges in cochlear implantation: A Nigerian perspective.

The emergence of cochlear implantation (CI) in the mid-20th century was a transformation to the field of restorative otology. The advance in this field has not been felt in lower-income countries where a huge burden of profound hearing loss lies. The authors sought to review the literature on the practice of cochlea implantation in Nigeria.

Burden of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: With a varying annual incidence across populations, traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains a public health concern of utmost importance, especially in developing countries with an incidence rate ranging from 12.7 to 29.7 per million people and a postulated increase in the number of patients living with undesirable complications of this condition.

Gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the prevalence, management practices, and associated outcomes.

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall characterized by a periumbilical abdominal wall defect with associated bowel protrusion. Limitations in the diagnosis and management of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan African countries contribute to the high mortality rate. Few studies have been published despite its significant contribution to neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Improvised intracranial pressure monitoring devices for traumatic brain injury management in a low-income environment: A single-centre randomised study demonstrating feasibility.

Background: The high cost and non-availability of standard ICP monitoring devices limit their use in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. This study aims to demonstrate the use of an improvised intraventricular ICP monitoring device as a feasible alternative.

Research Question: Are improvised ICP Monitoring devices feasible and effective in resource-constrained settings?

Materials And Methods: The study was a prospective single-institution investigation involving 54 adult patients that presented with severe TBI (GCS of 3-8) within 72 ​h of injury and required operative intervention.

The World Neurosurgery Global Champions Program: First-Year Experience of a Model Initiative for Reducing Disparities in Global Neurosurgical Literature.

Objective: Most surgical journals are published in English, representing a challenge for researchers from non-Anglophone countries. We describe the implementation, workflow, outcomes, and lessons learned from the WORLD NEUROSURGERY Global Champions Program (GCP), a novel journal-specific English language editing program for articles rejected because of poor English grammar or usage.

Methods: The GCP was advertised via the journal website and social media.

A Scoping Review of Kidney Transplantation in Africa: How Far have We Come?

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. However, access to this treatment in Africa lags behind other regions, leading to significant disparities in care. We aimed to analyse the indications, demographics, and outcomes of kidney transplantation in Africa.

A Scoping Review of the Management of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Africa.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant prostate gland enlargement of unknown cause that affects more than 50% of men over 60 and is the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction and voiding symptoms. BPH is treated primarily with watchful waiting, phytotherapy (herbs), and medical or surgical options. In this study, we sought to examine the different management practices in African urological centers, outcomes of management, and complications.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion for the management of pediatric hydrocephalus in African centers - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are common surgical procedures used to treat pediatric hydrocephalus. There have been numerous studies comparing ETV and VPS, but none from an African perspective. In this study, we sought to compare outcomes from African neurosurgical centers and review the associated complications.

Antenatal-care knowledge among women of reproductive age group in Ido Ekiti, Nigeria.

Background: Maternal mortality plagues much of the low- and low-middle-income countries. There were 303,000 maternal deaths in 2015, representing an overall global maternal mortality ratio of 216 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries.

Role of Intermittent Fasting in the Management of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease in the modern society. It can be defined as a group of metabolic diseases marked by chronic hyperglycemia arising from defects in insulin secretion or resistance to insulin action, or both. Its predecessor, prediabetes, is also an important entity, and its management is essential to prevent its progression to DM.

Decompressive Craniectomy and Shunt-Amenable Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Prior studies have shown that decompressive craniectomy may be an independent risk factor for the development of post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH). It is upon this background that we chose to conduct our single-center retrospective study to establish the possibility of an association between decompressive craniectomy and PTH.

Methods: A retrospective review involving a database of all patients with traumatic brain injury was undertaken.

A Scoping Review of the Use of Improvised External Ventricular Drains in Africa.

Poor access to neurosurgical equipment is one of the problems limiting service delivery in Africa. Improvised surgical devices have long been used in Africa as replacements for high-cost standard versions. In this study, we aimed to see if improvised external ventricular drains (EVD) are being used, how these devices are made, and what their outcomes are.

Furuncular myiasis affecting the glans penis of a young boy caused by the larvae of (the tumbu fly): a case report.

Cutaneous myiasis is endemic in West Africa, and it is most commonly caused by the larvae of Cordylobia anthropophaga. In English literature, recorded cases of this cutaneous myiasis affecting the glans penis are rare. This rarity calls for a need to consider this as a differential when looking at furuncular lesions of the glans penis.

Simultaneous occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A systematic review of cases.

Although the leading causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are aneurysm rupture and arteriovenous malformations, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) can, in rare cases, be associated with SAH. This phenomenon is an uncommon presentation, with less than a hundred cases reported based on our review of the literature. The purpose of this review is to highlight what is known regarding these cases, how they are managed and to highlight the need for further studies that will serve as a basis for the development of a standard management guideline across board.

The Challenges Experienced By Female Surgeons in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Background: There are many challenges faced by female surgeons in Africa. These challenges, when brought to the forefront, can be tackled by the necessary stakeholders to increase the participation of women in surgery. This paper will review the existing literature, across the African continent, to bring to light the challenges experienced by women currently practicing as surgeons.

Becoming a neurosurgeon in the United Kingdom: A road map for medical students and early career doctors.

Neurosurgery is one of the most sought-after specialties worldwide. It is one of the most competitive specialties in the United Kingdom. The entire process takes 8 years and the recruitment process aims to select the best of candidates.