Surgical neurology international最新文献

{"title":"Case of unilateral biportal endoscopic management of multilevel thoracic spinal epidural abscess with acute paraplegia.","authors":"Rodolfo Guerrero-Pérez, Carlos Eduardo Granados-Maldonado, Jorge Agustín González-Almazán, María Fernanda Salas-Segura, Carlos Castillo-Rangel, Daniel Oswaldo Dávila-Rodríguez","doi":"10.25259/SNI_982_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_982_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) may cause rapidly progressive neurological deterioration and requires urgent decompression when severe spinal cord compression is present. Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) has been increasingly applied to spinal infection, but its use for extensive thoracic SEA has rarely been reported.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>A 49-year-old female with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with severe thoracic back pain and the acute onset of paraplegia. Thoracic magnetic resonance demonstrated a posterior epidural abscess extending from T7 to T11 resulting in severe thoracic spinal cord compression. Urgent decompression and abscess evacuation were performed using UBE without conversion to open surgery. Postoperative imaging demonstrated near-complete evacuation of the collection, while motor strength progressively improved to Medical Research Council grade 4/5 in both lower extremities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>UBE may provide effective decompression and abscess evacuation in carefully selected patients with multilevel posterior thoracic SEA.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"535"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633598/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microsurgical obliteration of a high-flow intraorbital arteriovenous malformation fed by the ophthalmic artery: Illustrative case.","authors":"Artid Agron Lame, Maren Ethem Ruka, Thoma Frederik Kalefi, Klaudio Hekri Disha, Artur Arian Xhumari","doi":"10.25259/SNI_772_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_772_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intraorbital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are exceedingly rare high-flow vascular lesions that pose a direct threat to visual function through progressive proptosis, optic nerve compression, and retinal ischemia. When the ophthalmic artery (OA) constitutes one of the arterial feeders, endovascular embolization carries a prohibitive risk of permanent visual loss, making microsurgical resection the treatment of choice.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>An 18-year-old female presented with progressive right-eye proptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia, and reduced visual acuity of 20/70. Multimodal imaging confirmed an intraconal AVM supplied predominantly by the OA. Given the unacceptable risk of retinal ischemia associated with OA embolization, the patient underwent microsurgical resection through a fronto-orbital craniotomy. Stepwise feeder-by-feeder devascularization achieved complete lesion obliteration with significant visual recovery and an excellent cosmetic outcome.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Microsurgical resection is the definitive treatment for intraorbital AVMs when the OA is the dominant feeder and endovascular intervention is contraindicated. Operative success depends on adequate cranio-orbital exposure, disciplined feeder-by-feeder devascularization, and meticulous preservation of retinal perfusion throughout. Classification of the lesion according to the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies framework guides triage and informs the risk-benefit analysis of each therapeutic modality.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"542"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid enlargement of a cervicomedullary junction neurenteric cyst with <i>de novo</i> fluid-fluid level formation.","authors":"Masaomi Takeuchi, Takeshi Hiu, Yuki Matsuoka, Minoru Morikawa, Shiro Baba, Takayuki Matsuo","doi":"10.25259/SNI_820_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_820_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions that usually follow an indolent course. In cystic lesions, a fluid-fluid level generally indicates hemorrhage; in neurenteric cysts, it is seldom reported and poorly understood. Prior explanations rested largely on imaging and intraoperative inference. We report a cervicomedullary junction neurenteric cyst that enlarged rapidly after indolent growth, with a <i>de novo</i> fluid-fluid level in the absence of hemorrhage, and propose a histopathologically supported mechanism.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>A 52-year-old man presented with posterior neck pain and dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 22-mm cystic lesion. Imaging 17 years earlier showed a 14-mm lesion. Over the next month, the cyst enlarged to 26 mm, developing a <i>de novo</i> fluid-fluid level and perilesional edema. Although suspected, hemorrhage was not confirmed at surgery or on histopathology; the cyst contained viscous proteinaceous fluid. The resected cyst wall showed foam cell clusters, interpreted as indirect evidence of prior wall disruption. Complete resection was achieved without neurological deterioration or recurrence at 8 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A fluid-fluid level in a neurenteric cyst does not necessarily indicate hemorrhage. It may instead reflect a rise in intracystic pressure from chronic mucin secretion that progressively compromises the cyst wall, allowing osmotic influx of cerebrospinal fluid that drives rapid enlargement and dilutes the upper layer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which foam cell clusters provide histological support for such a non-hemorrhagic mechanism in a neurenteric cyst. Interval growth or perilesional edema may precede deterioration and should prompt consideration of timely intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"539"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633585/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microsurgical resection of a pure third ventricular craniopharyngioma through an interhemispheric transcallosal transforaminal approach.","authors":"Umid Sulaimanov, Ufuk Erginoglu, Taha Sukru Korkmaz, Umut Tan Sevgi, Yerkebulan Serikkanov, Tugrul Sensoy, Mustafa Kemal Baskaya","doi":"10.25259/SNI_896_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_896_2026","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Craniopharyngiomas account for approximately 2-4% of all intracranial tumors and demonstrate a bimodal age distribution, typically affecting children aged 5-9 years and adults aged 55-69 years. Third ventricular craniopharyngiomas are rare, benign epithelial tumors that may arise primarily within the third ventricle or secondarily extend from the suprasellar region; the purely intraventricular subtype is particularly rare, with a reported incidence ranging from 0.5% to 14% of all cases. Despite benign histology, infiltration of adjacent neural tissue imparts clinically aggressive behavior and complicates complete resection. Their deep location near the hypothalamus, optic apparatus, and fornices poses major surgical challenges, and transcallosal approaches risk cognitive or memory deficit. A purely third ventricular craniopharyngioma, classified as Type D by Yaşargil and Type IV by Kassam, is confined to the third ventricle and is not accessible through an endonasal approach, making transcranial routes more suitable given the tumor's deep location and proximity to critical neurovascular structures, although select cases of successful endonasal resection have been reported.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Case description: &lt;/strong&gt;We present a 34-year-old woman with galactorrhea and progressive weight gain over 6 months, together with intermittent diplopia and headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a homogeneously contrast-enhancing mass occupying the third ventricle, measuring 3.0 × 2.9 × 2.3 cm, with preservation of the pituitary stalk and third ventricular floor, causing moderate obstructive hydrocephalus. An interhemispheric transcallosal transforaminal approach was performed, with the dural opening adjusted according to the drainage pattern of the bridging veins, a 1.5 cm callosotomy, and septal fenestration. Gross total resection was achieved with preservation of the pituitary stalk, and a third ventriculostomy was performed to allow cerebrospinal fluid flow. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed complete resection, and histopathological examination confirmed a World Health Organization Grade I papillary craniopharyngioma. Surveillance imaging at 27 months confirmed tumor recurrence, and the patient was referred for radiation therapy, after which no further recurrence was observed. Follow-up imaging at 48 months demonstrated continued absence of disease.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Although there are reports of purely intraventricular craniopharyngiomas resected through the endonasal route, traditional transcranial approaches remain the standard for tumors located entirely within the third ventricle. Although this case was treated before routine molecular testing and targeted therapy became standard, modern management now requires a multidisciplinary strategy integrating microsurgery, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy with BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) and MEK (mitogen-ac","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"544"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endoscopic spine surgery across the pediatric pathological spectrum: A systematic review of indications, techniques, and outcomes.","authors":"Asad Nabi, Ahsan Ali Taqvi, Ali Bakhsh, Muhammad Dherijha","doi":"10.25259/SNI_880_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_880_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Full endoscopic and biportal endoscopic techniques are well established in adult spine surgery, but their extension to pediatric patients has been described mainly in case reports and small series. No prior systematic review has mapped this literature across the full pediatric spinal pathology spectrum.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies of patients aged 18 years or younger undergoing a uniportal (percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy/percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID)/percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy) or biportal (unilateral biportal endoscopy) endoscopic spinal procedure for any pathology. Of 980 records screened independently by two reviewers, 58 underwent full-text review. Risk of bias was assessed with Risk of Bias in Nonrandomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 and was registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420261448214).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six studies (1,023 patients, 2001-2026) were included; no randomized trial was identified. Twenty-one studies (1,018 patients) addressed lumbar disc herniation, with modified MacNab excellent/good outcomes of 87-100% and reoperation/recurrence rates of 0-12.5%, highest in the longest-follow-up study. Single case reports addressed pars-fracture repair, tethered cord release, two bone-lesion tumor excisions, and infectious spondylodiscitis debridement; no study addressed congenital spinal deformity or tumor resection. All eight comparative cohort studies were rated Serious risk of bias by ROBINS-I; the eighteen case series and case reports were well documented but weak on consecutive enrollment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Endoscopic techniques are increasingly used in pediatric spine surgery, but the evidence base outside lumbar disc herniation remains limited to single case reports, and no study addressed congenital deformity. Multi-institutional registries, pediatric-specific outcome measures, and prospective comparative studies are needed before broader adoption can be recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"533"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633587/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microsurgical right-sided occipital neurectomy for intractable neuralgia.","authors":"Dorian Karuc, David Matichak, Mirza Pojskić, Kenan I Arnautovic","doi":"10.25259/SNI_923_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_923_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Occipital neuralgia (ON) is unilateral or bilateral paroxysmal shooting/stabbing pain in the occipital part of the scalp. It may be accompanied by dysesthesia and tenderness over the involved nerve(s). Possible pain generators include the greater occipital nerve (GON) (90%), lesser occipital nerve, and third occipital nerve (10%). Management includes non-surgical and various surgical approaches.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>A 28-year-old female presented with severe right-sided ON that failed conservative management. The unilateral pain was paroxysmal in the sensory distribution of the right GON. The cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging was unremarkable. Initial treatment consisted of 6-months of pharmacological therapy without sustained benefit. Three therapeutic right-sided GON blocks resulted in consistent, but short-lived pain relief; this supported the diagnosis of a peripheral nerve-mediated pain mechanism. The patient opted for a microsurgical neurectomy of the right GON; it included division of the right C2 dorsal ramus (GON), preserving the ventral ramus and dorsal root ganglion. Postoperatively, the patient's pain resolved (i.e., with the anticipated sensory deficit in the affected nerve territory). At 1-year follow-up, the patient remained pain-free with partial sensory recovery, (i.e., likely due to compensatory innervation).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This video demonstrates how to perform a microsurgical occipital neurectomy that provided durable pain relief in this 28-year-old patient who suffered from intractable ON.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"522"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for a somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumor associated with an infraoptic course of the anterior cerebral artery: A case report.","authors":"Kenzaburo Numa, Takumi Hoshimaru, Masao Fukumura, Yuichiro Tsuji, Gen Futamura, Ryokichi Yagi, Ryo Hiramatsu, Masahiro Kameda, Naosuke Nonoguchi, Motomasa Furuse, Shinji Kawabata, Toshihiro Takami, Masahiko Wanibuchi","doi":"10.25259/SNI_840_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_840_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Identifying cerebrovascular anomalies before neurosurgical procedures is essential to avoid intraoperative complications. An infraoptic course of the anterior cerebral artery (IOA) is a rare variant in which the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) arises near the ophthalmic artery and passes beneath the optic nerve. Despite numerous reports of cerebral aneurysms coexisting with IOA, reports of coexistence with brain tumors are extremely rare, and no studies have reported endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS) performed for pituitary tumors. Failure to recognize this IOA anomaly preoperatively is critical owing to the risk of vascular injury.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>A 47-year-old man presented with acromegaly caused by a somatotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a sellar-suprasellar mass, and biochemical testing confirmed excess growth hormone production. After lanreotide-induced tumor shrinkage, surgical treatment was planned. Preoperative MRI, computed tomography angiography, and three-dimensional (3D) fusion imaging demonstrated bilateral IOA and duplication of the left A1 segment. These images enabled a detailed assessment of the tumor, pituitary gland, and vascular anatomy, suggesting that extracapsular resection via eTSS can be safely performed. Intraoperatively, the IOA adhered to the dura as predicted. Total tumor resection was achieved without vascular injury. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete removal, and hormone levels were normalized.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IOA is an exceptionally rare vascular anomaly, and unrecognized cases may lead to severe intraoperative complications. This case highlights the importance of meticulous preoperative imaging, particularly 3D fusion techniques, for IOA identification and safe eTSS planning for functional pituitary tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"523"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633590/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tumor-to-tumor metastasis of small cell carcinoma of presumed pulmonary origin to a sphenoid ridge meningioma: A diagnostic pitfall in preoperative systemic evaluation.","authors":"Satoru Yabuno, Akito Ikeda, Yutaka Yamauchi, Yuu Takahashi, Shingo Nishihiro, Satoshi Kuramoto, Yasuhiro Ono, Atsuhito Uneda, Tomotsugu Ichikawa","doi":"10.25259/SNI_948_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_948_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tumor-to-tumor metastasis (TTM) to a meningioma is rare. Atypical meningioma-like lesion with systemic cancer risk factors warrants evaluation for metastatic disease before resection.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>An 80-year-old man with a smoking history and pulmonary emphysema presented with progressive cognitive decline. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a rapidly enlarging left sphenoid ridge dural-based mass with heterogeneous enhancement and extensive peritumoral edema. Chest radiography revealed a right upper paramediastinal opacity, but chest computed tomography and systemic staging were not performed before craniotomy. Histopathology demonstrated metastatic small cell carcinoma within a meningothelial meningioma, confirming TTM. Postoperative imaging supported small cell carcinoma of presumed pulmonary origin. Despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy, leptomeningeal dissemination developed, and the patient died 15 months after surgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In older smokers with abnormal chest radiograph and atypical meningioma-like lesions, systemic malignancy should be evaluated before resection. When surgery is necessary, the operative goal should prioritize tissue diagnosis and decompression.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"525"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growing skull fracture: Delayed presentation, surgical management, and review of the literature.","authors":"Souleymane Mahamadou Ango, Ibrahim Assoumane Issa, Ousmane Issoufou Hamma, Rabiou Maman Sani, Mamane Maikassoua, Aminath Kelani","doi":"10.25259/SNI_326_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_326_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Growing skull fracture (GSF), also known as post-traumatic leptomeningeal cyst, is a rare late complication of a linear skull fracture in young children. It requires an underlying dural tear with progressive herniation of arachnoid membrane and/or brain tissue.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>We report a 15-month-old child who sustained a right frontoparietal linear skull fracture at 1 month of age and returned 14 months later with a pulsatile scalp swelling and left hemiparesis. Computed tomography showed a wide right frontoparietal diastasis and adjacent ventricular dilatation. At surgery, the 10 × 3 cm defect was densely adherent to the arachnoid and ependymal surface. Adhesiolysis and watertight galeal duraplasty were performed, and the bone flap was replaced. The findings were most consistent with Naimur-Rahman type III GSF. Motor function recovered almost completely by 6 months, while follow-up at 6 and 12 months showed partial closure of the residual osseous gap.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>GSF should be suspected when delayed scalp swelling or neurological deficits follow an infant skull fracture. Selective follow-up of high-risk fractures and timely watertight dural repair can limit progressive morbidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"524"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating educational outcomes of a structured virtual neurosurgical teaching program: The foundations in neurosurgery education study.","authors":"Daniel Robinson, Bunmi Adedotun, Godswill Uzoechina, Joanne Igoli","doi":"10.25259/SNI_793_2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.25259/SNI_793_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Access to neurosurgical education remains limited by geographic, institutional, and financial barriers. Virtual education offers a scalable approach, yet robust evaluations of structured programs remain limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective observational study evaluated the foundations in neurosurgery education (FINE) 2025/26 program, a 4-month international virtual teaching series comprising nine structured sessions delivered under the auspices of the Surgical Interest Group of Africa Neurosurgery Division. Pre- and post-program surveys assessed participant confidence, career interest, and educational value using five-point Likert scales. Within-session confidence changes were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Bonferroni correction; pre-post-series comparisons used Mann-Whitney U-tests. Qualitative feedback underwent thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 213 participants completed the pre-series survey and 54 the post-series evaluation, with 518 session-level responses recorded. Within-session confidence improved significantly across all nine sessions (mean gain Δ = +1.29; all <i>p</i> < 0.001, Bonferroni-corrected). Pre- to post-series comparisons demonstrated significant improvements in confidence managing neurosurgical conditions (Δ = +2.01, <i>p</i> < 0.001), neurosurgical emergencies (Δ = +2.04, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and understanding of training pathways (Δ = +1.62, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Session ratings were consistently high across clarity, usefulness, and engagement. Of post-series respondents, 74.1% reported increased likelihood of pursuing a career in neurosurgery.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A structured, longitudinal virtual neurosurgical program significantly improved learner confidence, perceived preparedness, and understanding of training pathways. This model represents an effective and scalable approach to enhancing neurosurgical education and addressing disparities in early specialty exposure globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":94217,"journal":{"name":"Surgical neurology international","volume":"17 ","pages":"520"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13633615/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149121035","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}