Does gender diversity affect the number and impact of publications among major academic institutes in India? Barriers and opportunities.

Background: A glaring gender inequality persists in global neurosurgery, influenced by various factors, including the notion that female neurosurgeons have lower academic output. This study aims to compare the research output of female and male neurosurgeons at the leading academic institutions in India.

Methods: The pertinent details regarding female neurosurgeons were collected from the Neurological Society of India (NSI) and Women In Neurosurgery (India) database.

"Now What Do I Do?" - Practical Challenges Faced By Young Neurosurgeons in their Career Management.

Neurosurgical residency is tough. Grueling hours and tough decisions require a mental makeup unlike many other specialties. But the real examination begins after the residency is over.

Intentional Insertion of Air to Predict the Diagnostic Accuracy of Stereotactic Biopsy and a Uniform Grading System for Reporting.

Background And Objectives: Stereotactic biopsies are a relatively safe and reliable way of tissue diagnosis and characterization of eloquent area lesions/neoplasm. However, predicting the accuracy of the site of biopsy with the desired/planned site is not always possible. We describe a technique to identify the precise location of the biopsy site in the post-operative computed tomography (CT) scan using the injection of a low volume of air into the biopsy cannula.

Decompressive craniectomy in children: indications and outcome from a tertiary centre.

Introduction: The role of decompressive craniectomy (DC) is as a rescue therapy for the treatment of intracranial hypertension. The indications for the DC are variable.

Methods: The clinical details, imaging, operative findings and follow-up data of children less than or equal to 18 years of age were reviewed for more information on the children who underwent DC in the last 5 years.

Huge hydrocephalus: a rare case series with insights into management and outcomes of this neglected cohort.

Purpose: This study aims to discuss the management challenges of huge hydrocephalus (HH), a severe subset of hydrocephalus, presenting predominantly in underprivileged backgrounds. Insights into the condition's characteristics, factors affecting outcomes, and associated morbidity are discussed.

Methods: A retrospective review of all operated cases of hydrocephalus with head circumference greater than body length (HC>L) was conducted (January 2019-January 2023).

Surgical Management of Large (≥3 cm) Trigeminal Schwannomas: Functional Outcomes and Approach Selection in Multicompartmental Schwannomas.

 Trigeminal schwannoma surgery has shown a remarkable improvement in functional recovery and tumor resection. In the era of radiosurgery, these outcomes need to be characterized for tumors which are outside the realm of being treated with radiosurgery. We present a series of trigeminal schwannomas larger than 3 cm, surgical approaches used, and outcomes with an emphasis on functional recovery in a high-volume center with radiosurgery facilities.

Krause approach to pineal tumour with intraoperative oculomotor nerve monitoring.

Background: The supra-cerebellar infratentorial approach to pineal region tumours is versatile and safe corridor to lesions located below the deep veins. Monitoring of the extra-ocular muscle pathways using the evoked compound muscle action potential can lead to safer resections.

Technical Note: To describe the use of electrooculography and a three handed retractor less method for pineal region tumour surgeries.

An Illustrative Review of the Pathomechanisms of Symptomatic Developmental Venous Anomalies.

Objective: Symptomatic developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are rare. Here, we illustrate the varied clinicoradiologic profiles of symptomatic DVAs and contemplate the mechanisms that render these (allegedly) benign entities symptomatic supported by a review of literature.

Methods: Institutional databases were searched to identify cases of symptomatic DVAs.

Topical Vancomycin for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Cranial Surgeries: Results of an Updated Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) rates (1-9%) remain high despite the widespread adoption of infection control bundles. Topical vancomycin has emerged as an effective strategy to reduce the rate of SSI in patients undergoing spinal surgery including instrumentation. However, its use and efficiency in cranial neurosurgery is not well established.

An assessment of the variation in the practice of lumbar discectomy and its role in axial back pain.

Background: Lumbar discectomy is performed for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation and is one of the most widely performed spinal surgical procedures worldwide in a variety of ways. This survey aimed at providing an overview/perspective of different practice patterns and the impact of lumbar discectomy on axial back pain with or without sciatica.

Methods: An online survey was performed using the application "Google Forms.

Minimally invasive resection of cervical schwannoma (C1-C2 level) using tubular retractors.

Cervical schwannoma excision usually involves laminectomy and violation of the facet joints that necessitates the need for fusion with consequent loss of cervical mobility. The authors present the first video demonstration of an excision of the cervical schwannoma at the C1-2 level using minimally invasive spine tubular retractors, which allows direct access to the lesion and prevents the need for any bony removal. It also preserves the paraspinal muscles, which are important for spinal stability, especially at the C2 level.

Self-Citation Rates Among Neurosurgery Journals and Authors: Unethical or Misunderstood?

Objective: The role of self-citation has not been discussed in the neurosurgery literature, although citations, citation indices, and impact of research may enhance funding opportunities, academic positions, fellowship opportunities, employment, and professional identity development. We sought to assess the magnitude and role of self-citation in academic neurosurgery.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the citation and self-citation rates of articles published in 2001-2020 in 7 major neurosurgery journals: Acta Neurochirurgica, Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Review, and World Neurosurgery.

Torsion of giant occipital encephalocoele in a 2-day-old infant: emergent surgery and outcome.

Introduction: Torsion of a giant occipital encephalocele leading to necrosis is an extremely rare complication found in neonates with only two such cases reported in literature previously. Infection and ulceration of the necrosed skin may lead to meningitis or sepsis. We present here a neonate with giant occipital encephalocele showing progressive necrosis during the first day of his life.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in Partially Embolised Arteriovenous Malformations: Management Dilemmas and Outcomes.

Introduction: The role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in partially embolized arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has always remained a subject of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of GKRS in partially embolized AVMs and to analyze factor that influence its obliteration.

Methods: This was a retrospective study from a single institute performed over a period of 12 years (2005-2017).

Anesthetic Concerns during Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery.

Background: Gamma-knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as one of the mainstream modalities in the treatment of many neurosurgical conditions. The indications for Gamma knife are ever-increasing and presently more than 1.2 million patients have been treated with Gamma knife worldwide.

History and Evolution of Radiosurgery in India: Strength to Strength.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been well received by the neurosurgical community since its introduction in India. Knowledgeable radiosurgeons and visionary neurosurgeons have contributed to its success. At present, we have five functional and busy gamma knife centers, one proton radiosurgery center, and seven CyberKnife centers in India.