A guide to interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in neurosurgery and surgery.

Introduction: Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) are methods of data analysis used to synthesize information presented in multiple publications on the same topic. A thorough understanding of the steps involved in conducting this type of research and approaches to data analysis is critical for appropriate understanding, interpretation, and application of the findings of these reviews.

Methods: We reviewed reference texts in clinical neuroepidemiology, neurostatistics and research methods and other previously related articles on meta-analyses (MAs) in surgery.

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis With Extension to the Liver: A Case Report.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an uncommon condition representing 1% of all renal infections. XGP due to complicated pyelonephritis associated with hepatic abscess is an extremely rare complication and has rarely been reported in the literature. We report a rare case of a 54-year-old female with a history of diabetes and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) who presented with acute right flank pain and fever which had been ongoing for four days.

Penile calciphylaxis in a patient with end-stage renal disease and chronic hemodialysis: a case report.

Penile calciphylaxis is a rare and highly morbid condition mainly affecting diabetic patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). It is characterized by ischemic skin ulceration and necrosis secondary to dystrophic calcification of the subcutaneous penile tissue and penile arterioles. We report a 52-year-old male with a 6-year history of diabetes mellitus and CRF on hemodialysis, who presented with a painful penile necrotic lesion in the last three weeks.

Can pelvic radiotherapy induce a leiomyosarcoma of the prostate? (A case report).

Leiomyosarcoma of the prostate is an extremely rare neoplasm. It represents less than 0.1% of all prostate malignancies.

Trends in the consumption and cost of antiepileptics in Morocco between 2008 and 2018.

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases. In Morocco, it is the second most common reason for consulting a neurologist. Its prevalence was estimated in Casablanca in 1998 at 1.

Needs of Young African Neurosurgeons and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Africa has many untreated neurosurgical cases due to limited access to safe, affordable, and timely care. In this study, we surveyed young African neurosurgeons and trainees to identify challenges to training and practice. African trainees and residents were surveyed online by the Young Neurosurgeons Forum from April 25th to November 30th, 2018.

The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Survey (Part II): Barriers to Professional Development and Service Delivery in Neurosurgery.

Background: Strengthening health systems requires attention to workforce, training needs, and barriers to service delivery. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Committee survey sought to identify challenges for residents, fellows, and consultants within 10 years of training.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to various neurosurgical societies, personal contacts, and social media platforms (April-November 2018).

The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Survey (Part I): Demographics, Resources, and Education.

Background: Providing a comprehensive and effective neurosurgical service requires adequate numbers of well-trained, resourced, and motivated neurosurgeons. The survey aims to better understand 1) the demographics of young neurosurgeons worldwide; 2) the challenges in training and resources that they face; 3) perceived barriers; and 4) needs for development.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which a widely disseminated online survey (April 2018-November 2019) was used to procure a nonprobabilistic sample from current neurosurgical trainees and those within 10 years of training.

The impact of African-trained neurosurgeons on sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) represents 17% of the world's land, 14% of the population, and 1% of the gross domestic product. Previous reports have indicated that 81/500 African neurosurgeons (16.2%) worked in SSA-i.

Integration of Three-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectroscopy with the Leksell GammaPlan Radiosurgical Planning Station for the Treatment of Brain Tumors.

Introduction MRI multivoxel spectroscopy mapping is helpful in surgical decision-making. Unfortunately, in daily practice, MRI multivoxel spectroscopy mapping is not always compatible with the current version of Leksell GammaPlan (LGP) (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). The aim of this study is to develop a tool to allow the use of this modality in radiosurgical treatments using LGP.

Pacemakers implantation and radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures during medical missions in Morocco: an 8-year experience.

Aims: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for arrhythmias in the context of short-term medical missions (MM) in a developing country has not been reported so far. We describe here our experience with RFCA and pacemaker implantation in Morocco with a fully portable electrophysiological (EP) system under the auspice of the Monaco-Morocco Cardiology Association.

Methods And Results: Since November 2007, two to three MM (mean duration 4 days including transportation) per year were conducted (including two physicians and one nurse from Monaco) and were alternately located in Marrakech, Fes, Agadir, Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, and Oujda.

Nail gun may cause heart injury: a young adult's misadventure.

Penetrating cardiac and great vessels trauma is life threatening and a surgical challenge. We relate an unusual case of pulmonary artery injury secondary to an accidental trauma by a nail gun. Surgical repair was late but successful.