A systematic analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery surveys for residents in neurosurgery training programs

Revitalizing neurosurgical frontiers: The EANS frontiers in neurosurgery committee's strategic framework

Introduction

The field of neurosurgery faces challenges with the increasing involvement of other medical specialties in areas traditionally led by neurosurgeons. This paper examines the implications of this development for neurosurgical practice and patient care, with a focus on specialized areas like pain management, peripheral nerve surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Research question

To assess the implications of the expanded scope of other specialties for neurosurgical practice and to consider the response of the EANS Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee to these challenges.

Materials and methods

Analysis of recent trends in neurosurgery, including the shift in various procedures to other specialties, demographic challenges, and the emergence of minimally invasive techniques. This analysis draws on relevant literature and the initiatives of the Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee.

Results

We explore a possible decrease in neurosurgical involvement in certain areas, which may have implications for patient care and access to specialized neurosurgical interventions. The Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee's role in addressing these concerns is highlighted, particularly in terms of training, education, research, and networking for neurosurgeons, especially those early in their careers.

Discussion and conclusion

The potential decrease in neurosurgical involvement in certain specialties warrants attention. This paper emphasizes the importance of carefully considered responses by neurosurgical societies, such as the EANS, to ensure neurosurgeons continue to play a vital role in managing neurological diseases. Emphasis on ongoing education, integration of minimally invasive techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for maintaining the field's competence and quality in patient care.

Stereotactic radiosurgery training patterns across neurosurgical programs: a multi-national survey

INTRODUCTION

The field of neurosurgery has witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as a modality to treat various cranial and spinal pathologies. However, studies have consistently demonstrated disparities in SRS training. Accordingly, the present study represents a cross-sectional analysis of current SRS training and practice patterns.

METHODS

An online survey was utilized to collect data from participants. Two-sided t-tests were used in order to compare frequency tables for statistically significant differences between groups. Qualitative analyses were performed by modified thematic analyses, employing open and axial coding.

RESULTS

A total of 67 participants completed the online survey (16.4% response rate). The majority of participants were neurosurgery attendings (58.2%), followed by neurosurgery residents (25.4%). The majority of participants reported that resident exposure to SRS was gained primarily through non-SRS focused rotations (52.2%). The survey found that exposure to tumor cases was most frequent, followed by functional, vascular, and spine indications. The majority of participants (49.3%) indicate that residents are not competent or exhibit a low level of competency in SRS at the completion of neurosurgical residency. Qualitative analyses demonstrated that respondents believe SRS is a critical modality in current cranial neurosurgical care and that increased training is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a multi-national analysis of SRS residency training and practice patterns, and aims to stimulate improvement in SRS in training worldwide. Enhanced resident training in SRS must include wider exposure to vascular, neoplastic, functional and pediatric indications for SRS.