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Yesehak B, Zewdie K, Bizuneh Y, Tesfaye N, Muluye H, Ermias M, Ahmed YS, O'Neill P, Dinsa G, Kancherla V. Out-of-pocket and indirect expenditure of spina bifida and hydrocephalus patients admitted for inpatient treatment and follow-up at two university-affiliated hospitals in Ethiopia. Childs Nerv Syst 2024:10.1007/s00381-024-06647-7. [PMID: 39375213 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06647-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Ethiopia approximately 3,200,000 babies are born annually and 41.09 per 10,000 live births are affected by spina bifida. Hydrocephalus (HCP) is another common pediatric neurosurgical condition with studies in Ethiopia showing the most common etiology is post spina bifida closure. The out-of-pocket expense (OOPE) and indirect expense of patients treated surgically for spina bifida and hydrocephalus during the first year of life were assessed. METHODS A prospective hospital-based study was done on patients treated surgically for spina bifida and HCP in two university-affiliated hospitals, between April 1st, 2022, and April 1st, 2023. Data on direct and indirect expenses were collected during inpatient care and follow-up. Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was assessed, defined as total expenditure exceeding 10% of the total annual household expenditure. RESULT A total of 245 patients were eligible for analysis. The median annual total expenditure of households for treatment was ETB 11,510.00 with ETB 5700.00 being indirect expenditure. Forty-nine percent of the households suffered CHE. In multivariate analysis, the factors which were found to have a statistically significant association with CHE were the hospital where the patient received the treatment, the household's wealth quintile, the place of residency, and pre-admission duration of stay. CONCLUSION Our study revealed a high CHE in households with spina bifida and HCP. We recommend working on primary prevention of spina bifida, expanding surgical services regionally to minimize costs associated with travel for surgical care, and reducing pre-admission duration of stay by improving evaluation and investigations at outpatient clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethelehem Yesehak
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, College of Heath Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Kibruyisfaw Zewdie
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, College of Heath Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yemisirach Bizuneh
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, College of Heath Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nebiyat Tesfaye
- St Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- ReachAnother Foundation, 1900 NE 3Rd St, Bend, OR, 97701, USA
| | - Hana Muluye
- ReachAnother Foundation, 1900 NE 3Rd St, Bend, OR, 97701, USA
| | - Mihertab Ermias
- ReachAnother Foundation, 1900 NE 3Rd St, Bend, OR, 97701, USA
| | - Yakob S Ahmed
- ReachAnother Foundation, 1900 NE 3Rd St, Bend, OR, 97701, USA
| | | | | | - Vijaya Kancherla
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Anand A, Ajayi AO, Ansari A, Mustapha MJ, Verma A, Adinoyi SA, Uthman U, Usman A, Mofatteh M, Khatib MN, Zahiruddin QS, Gaidhane S, Sharma RK, Rustagi S, Satapathy P, Ajibade AA, Oluwamayowa O, Obanife HO, Ahmad KI, Ogunleye OO. Academic Neurosurgery in Nigeria- Past, Present, and Future: A Review. World Neurosurg 2024; 189:108-117. [PMID: 38851629 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Nigeria's neurosurgical field faces profound challenges, including a critically low neurosurgeon-to-patient ratio and significant migration of medical professionals to developed countries. High costs, low socioeconomic status, and the urban-centric location of neurosurgical centers impede access to care. Key barriers to service delivery include lack of manpower, insufficient emergency care, limited imaging modalities, inadequate operative equipment, and ineffective political and administrative policies. Neurotrauma is the primary reason for neurosurgical intervention but is poorly managed due to delayed access and insufficient guidelines. The neurosurgical education system is strained by limited training capacity and the absence of subspecializations, restricting specialized care. Research output is low, hindered by limited infrastructure, lack of databases, insufficient funding, and minimal international collaboration. To address these issues, it is critical to enhance the imaging capabilities, ensure the availability of operative equipment, and establish effective policies for task sharing and communication at different levels of care. Other approaches include expanding training capacity, particularly in rural areas, implementing a uniform match system for residency, addressing gender disparities, and utilizing dual practice to ensure adequate compensation for neurosurgeons. Furthermore, stakeholders should develop subspecialization programs in areas such as neurovascular, neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and minimally invasive neurosurgery to expand service scope. To transform the neurosurgical research landscape, efforts should be made to establish electronic medical databases, foster international collaborations to ensure funding, and make research mandatory for accreditation renewal to ensure continuous academic contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Anand
- B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal; MediSurg Research, Darbhanga, India; Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune, India
| | | | - Ayesha Ansari
- Global Consortium of Medical Education and Research, Pune, India; Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Sawangi (Meghe), India
| | | | - Amogh Verma
- Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, India
| | | | | | - Abubakar Usman
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Mohammad Mofatteh
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mahalaqua Nazli Khatib
- Division of Evidence Synthesis, Global Consortium of Public Health and Research, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education, Wardha, India
| | - Quazi Syed Zahiruddin
- Division of Evidence Synthesis, South Asia Infant Feeding Research Network (SAIFRN), Global Consortium of Public Health and Research, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education, Wardha, India
| | - Shilpa Gaidhane
- One Health Centre (COHERD), Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, and Global Health Academy, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education, Wardha, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Sharma
- Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India; Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Prakasini Satapathy
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, AL-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, Iraq
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Banu T, Sharma S, Chowdhury TK, Aziz TT, Martin B, Seyi-Olajide JO, Ameh E, Ozgediz D, Lakhoo K, Bickler SW, Meara JG, Bundy D, Jamison DT, Klazura G, Sykes A, Yap A, Philipo GS. Surgically Correctable Congenital Anomalies: Reducing Morbidity and Mortality in the First 8000 Days of Life. World J Surg 2023; 47:3408-3418. [PMID: 37311874 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital anomalies are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We aimed to review the common surgically correctable congenital anomalies with recent updates on the global disease burden and identify the factors affecting morbidity and mortality. METHOD A literature review was done to assess the burden of surgical congenital anomalies with emphasis on those that present within the first 8000 days of life. The various patterns of diseases were analyzed in both low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC). RESULTS Surgical problems such as digestive congenital anomalies, congenital heart disease and neural tube defects are now seen more frequently. The burden of disease weighs more heavily on LMIC. Cleft lip and palate has gained attention and appropriate treatment within many countries, and its care has been strengthened by global surgical partnerships. Antenatal scans and timely diagnosis are important factors affecting morbidity and mortality. The frequency of pregnancy termination following prenatal diagnosis of a congenital anomaly is lower in many LMIC than in HIC. CONCLUSION Congenital heart disease and neural tube defects are the most common congenital surgical diseases; however, easily treatable gastrointestinal anomalies are underdiagnosed due to the invisible nature of the condition. Current healthcare systems in most LMICs are still unprepared to tackle the burden of disease caused by congenital anomalies. Increased investment in surgical services is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmina Banu
- Chittagong Research Institute for Children Surgery (CRICS), Panchlaish, Chittagong, 4203, Bangladesh.
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Tanvir Kabir Chowdhury
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chittagong Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Tasmiah Tahera Aziz
- Chittagong Research Institute for Children Surgery (CRICS), Panchlaish, Chittagong, 4203, Bangladesh
| | - Benjamin Martin
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Bristol Children's Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Emmanuel Ameh
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Doruk Ozgediz
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kokila Lakhoo
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen W Bickler
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive #0739, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92093-0739, USA
| | - John G Meara
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald Bundy
- Global Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dean T Jamison
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Greg Klazura
- Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alicia Sykes
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ava Yap
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Ifeanyichi M, Aune E, Shrime M, Gajewski J, Pittalis C, Kachimba J, Borgstein E, Brugha R, Baltussen R, Bijlmakers L. Financing of surgery and anaesthesia in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051617. [PMID: 34667008 PMCID: PMC8527159 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to provide an overview of current knowledge and situational analysis of financing of surgery and anaesthesia across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SETTING Surgical and anaesthesia services across all levels of care-primary, secondary and tertiary. DESIGN We performed a scoping review of scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health and African Index Medicus), grey literature and websites of development organisations. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers and abstracted data were summarised using thematic narrative synthesis per the financing domains: mobilisation, pooling and purchasing. RESULTS The search resulted in 5533 unique articles among which 149 met the inclusion criteria: 132 were related to mobilisation, 17 to pooling and 5 to purchasing. Neglect of surgery in national health priorities is widespread in SSA, and no report was found on national level surgical expenditures or budgetary allocations. Financial protection mechanisms are weak or non-existent; poor patients often forego care or face financial catastrophes in seeking care, even in the context of universal public financing (free care) initiatives. CONCLUSION Financing of surgical and anaesthesia care in SSA is as poor as it is underinvestigated, calling for increased national prioritisation and tracking of surgical funding. Improving availability, accessibility and affordability of surgical and anaesthesia care require comprehensive and inclusive policy formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martilord Ifeanyichi
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- EMAI Health Systems and Health Services Consulting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellis Aune
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Shrime
- Institute of Global Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jakub Gajewski
- Institute of Global Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chiara Pittalis
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Kachimba
- Department of Surgery, University of Zambia University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Eric Borgstein
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ruairi Brugha
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rob Baltussen
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Leon Bijlmakers
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Assessing the Cost Burden of Pediatric Neurosurgery in Kaduna, Nigeria. World Neurosurg 2021; 152:e708-e712. [PMID: 34129976 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the cost burden borne by neurosurgical patients in the developing world and their potential implications for efficient and effective delivery of care. This study aims to assess the cost associated with obtaining pediatric neurosurgical care in a hospital in Kaduna. METHODS All patients younger than 15 years who had a neurosurgical operation from July to December 2019 were included in the study. The characteristics of the patients were obtained using a proforma while the cost data were retrieved from the accounts unit of the hospital. The direct cost was obtained from the billing records of the hospital. Indirect cost was obtained using a questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 25 for Windows. RESULTS A total of 27 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 7.2 years and a standard deviation of 4.95 years. The 2 most common procedures done were craniotomy for trauma and ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion for hydrocephalus. The mean total cost of a neurosurgical procedure was $895.99. Intensive care unit length of stay was found to have a significant influence on the direct cost. The cost of surgery and investigation were the main contributors to the total cost of care with a mean of $618.3 and a standard deviation of $248.67. CONCLUSIONS The mean cost of pediatric neurosurgical procedures in our setting is $895.99, which is 40.18% of our gross domestic product per capita. The main drivers of cost are the cost of operation, investigations, and intensive care unit length of stay.
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Geospatial Mapping of International Neurosurgical Partnerships and Evaluation of Extent of Training and Engagement. World Neurosurg 2020; 144:e898-e907. [PMID: 32992055 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence, extent, and temporality of transnational neurosurgical partnerships, to understand and inform measures to address neurosurgical deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS A Web search was conducted to identify actors from high-income countries (HICs) participating in neurosurgical delivery and/or capacity-building with LMICs from 2010 to 2018. Descriptive data on current neurosurgical partnerships were collected from published case reports, literature reviews, reports from academic institutions, and information on stakeholder Web pages. The level of training and engagement of each partnership was separately graded based on prespecified criteria, in which grade 3 represented partnerships that have most extensive training and engagement, and grade 1, the least extent. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and geospatially depicted on ArcMap GIS software. RESULTS A total of 123 unique HIC-LMIC partnerships were described. Of these partnerships, 85 (69%) are derived from HICs in North America, followed by Europe, with 23 (19%). The most common LMIC partners were from Africa (n = 56, 45%) and Latin America (n = 32, 26%). In addition, most partnerships provided services in pediatric neurosurgery (88%). The most frequent engagement classifications were grade 2 (35%) or 1 (36%). Similarly, for training, the most common classifications were grade 1 (40%) or 2 (30%). CONCLUSIONS A robust network of HIC-LMIC partnerships exists with varying degrees of engagement and training activities. Several regions are particularly suitable for growth and development. Systematic consolidation and indexing of transnational neurosurgical partnerships aim to enhance resource allocation and present opportunities for future partnership.
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Ham EI, Kim J, Kanmounye US, Lartigue JW, Gupta S, Esene IN, Park KB. Cohesion Between Research Literature and Health System Level Efforts to Address Global Neurosurgical Inequity: A Scoping Review. World Neurosurg 2020; 143:e88-e105. [PMID: 32673809 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.06.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research output on global neurosurgery (GNS) has exponentially increased in recent years. As research efforts increase, we must first analyze how the current body of GNS literature fits into the macroscopic schema of systems-based policies. The aim of this study was to identify and categorize GNS research based on health system domains. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for GNS literature published from 1999 to 2019. Then, health system domains were defined and itemized based on publicly available documents from the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change. This items chart was subsequently used to categorize the GNS literature into health system domains. RESULTS A total 63 articles were determined to focus on a health system domain. Of these articles, 6 focused on multiple domains, yielding an adjusted total of 70 articles. Overall, the most represented health system domain was service delivery (21 articles), followed by workforce (19), infrastructure (15), financing (12) and information management (3). A total of 30 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were represented across all articles. In addition, the first author was affiliated with an institution from a high-income country for 71.4% of the articles. CONCLUSIONS This review highlighted the pressing need for more research into information management in the context of GNS. In addition, health system-focused GNS literature represented only 20% of all LMICs (30/143). The trends in authorship should be noted, because many ethical (and practical) issues may arise if there is a disconnect in the objectives of the authors and the neurosurgeons in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward I Ham
- Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | - Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean Wilguens Lartigue
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ignatius N Esene
- Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Kee B Park
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Martin JE, Harkness W, Edwards M. Letter to the Editor. Humanitarian care: a plea for the consideration of ethical foundations and secondary effects. Neurosurg Focus 2019; 47:E19. [PMID: 31370022 DOI: 10.3171/2019.1.focus1917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Martin
- 1Formerly Major, United States Army, Medical Corps University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT
| | - William Harkness
- 2UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Mary Edwards
- 3Colonel (Retired), United States Army, Medical Corps Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, NY
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Rocque BG, Davis MC, McClugage SG, Tuan DA, King DT, Huong NT, Thi Bich Van N, Kankirawatana P, Vu Hung C, Nam Thang L, Johnston JM, Duc Lien N. Surgical treatment of epilepsy in Vietnam: program development and international collaboration. Neurosurg Focus 2018; 45:E3. [DOI: 10.3171/2018.7.focus18254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this report was to describe an international collaboration model to facilitate the surgical treatment of children with epilepsy in Vietnam.METHODSThis model uses three complementary methods to achieve a meaningful expansion in epilepsy surgery capacity: US-based providers visiting Hanoi, Vietnam; Vietnamese providers visiting the US; and ongoing telecollaboration, including case review and real-time mentorship using internet-based communication platforms.RESULTSIntroductions took place during a US neurosurgeon’s visit to Vietnam in 2014. Given the Vietnamese surgeon’s expertise in intraventricular tumor surgery, the focus of the initial visit was corpus callosotomy. After two operations performed jointly, the Vietnamese surgeon went on to perform 10 more callosotomy procedures in the ensuing 6 months with excellent results. The collaborative work grew and matured in 2016–2017, with 40 pediatric epilepsy surgeries performed from 2015 through 2017. Because pediatric epilepsy care requires far more than neurosurgery, teams traveling to Vietnam included a pediatric neurologist and an electroencephalography (EEG) technologist. Also, in 2016–2017, a neurosurgeon, two neurologists, and an EEG nurse from Vietnam completed 2- to 3-month fellowships at Children’s of Alabama (COA) in the US. These experiences improved EEG capabilities and facilitated the development of intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG), making nonlesional epilepsy treatment more feasible. The final component has been ongoing, i.e., regular communication. The Vietnamese team regularly sends case summaries for discussion to the COA epilepsy conference. Three patients in Vietnam have undergone resection guided by ECoG without the US team present, although there was communication via internet-based telecollaboration tools between Vietnamese and US EEG technologists. To date, two of these three patients remain seizure free. The Vietnamese team has presented the results of their epilepsy experience at two international functional and epilepsy surgery scientific meetings.CONCLUSIONSOngoing international collaboration has improved the surgical care of epilepsy in Vietnam. Experience suggests that the combination of in-country and US-based training, augmented by long-distance telecollaboration, is an effective paradigm for increasing the capacity for highly subspecialized, multidisciplinary neurosurgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dang Anh Tuan
- 2Department of Neurology, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital
| | - Donald T. King
- 3Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | - Pongkiat Kankirawatana
- 3Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Cao Vu Hung
- 2Department of Neurology, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital
| | - Le Nam Thang
- 4Department of Neurosurgery, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, Dong Da District; and
| | | | - Nguyen Duc Lien
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Vietnam National Cancer Hospital, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Budohoski KP, Ngerageza JG, Austard B, Fuller A, Galler R, Haglund M, Lett R, Lieberman IH, Mangat HS, March K, Olouch-Olunya D, Piquer J, Qureshi M, Santos MM, Schöller K, Shabani HK, Trivedi RA, Young P, Zubkov MR, Härtl R, Stieg PE. Neurosurgery in East Africa: Innovations. World Neurosurg 2018; 113:436-452. [PMID: 29702967 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the last 10 years, considerable work has been done to promote and improve neurosurgical care in East Africa with the development of national training programs, expansion of hospitals and creation of new institutions, and the foundation of epidemiologic and cost-effectiveness research. Many of the results have been accomplished through collaboration with partners from abroad. This article is the third in a series of articles that seek to provide readers with an understanding of the development of neurosurgery in East Africa (Foundations), the challenges that arise in providing neurosurgical care in developing countries (Challenges), and an overview of traditional and novel approaches to overcoming these challenges to improve healthcare in the region (Innovations). In this article, we describe the ongoing programs active in East Africa and their current priorities, and we outline lessons learned and what is required to create self-sustained neurosurgical service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol P Budohoski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Japhet G Ngerageza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic-Neurosurgical Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Benedict Austard
- Department of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic-Neurosurgical Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anthony Fuller
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Galler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stony Brook Neuroscience Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Haglund
- Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ronald Lett
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Halinder S Mangat
- Division of Stroke and Critical Care, Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen March
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David Olouch-Olunya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kenyatta Hospital, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - José Piquer
- Neurosurgical Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Ribera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mahmood Qureshi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maria M Santos
- Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karsten Schöller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Hamisi K Shabani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic-Neurosurgical Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rikin A Trivedi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Young
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Micaella R Zubkov
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roger Härtl
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Philip E Stieg
- Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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Jimenez-Gomez A, Castillo H, Burckart C, Castillo J. Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy to address hydrocephalus in Africa: A call for education and community-based rehabilitation. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2017; 10:267-273. [PMID: 29125515 DOI: 10.3233/prm-170454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) and Choroid Plexus Cautery (CPC) are low-cost, safe, and promising interventions for spina bifida-associated hydrocephalus (SBHCP). The purpose of this review was to explore and describe these efforts in Africa in order to upscale surgical training and rehabilitation services. METHODS A PubMed search for articles on ETV and CPC as management of SBHCP in Africa was performed. Two authors appraised the results for key themes in content: indications, technique, outcomes, complications, education, and rehabilitation. RESULTS Twenty of 47 articles identified were included for appraisal. Twelve described indications, ten and seven outlined technique and complications, respectively, and four described predictors of operative success. Fourteen studies describe outcomes, including operative and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Only two outlined educational efforts. Half of the literature stems from a single site in Uganda; in total, only six countries were represented. No articles described significant post-operative rehabilitation services or related training. CONCLUSION The experience of ETV and CPC in Africa is promising, however, efforts to train and empower local staff in surgical technique and methods to upscale post-operative community-based rehabilitation services remain as a key to long-term success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Jimenez-Gomez
- Department of Child Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Texas Children's Hospital - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heidi Castillo
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Castillo
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Davis MC, Rocque BG, Singhal A, Ridder T, Pattisapu JV, Johnston JM. State of global pediatric neurosurgery outreach: survey by the International Education Subcommittee. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2017; 20:204-210. [PMID: 28524788 PMCID: PMC5640160 DOI: 10.3171/2017.3.peds16433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurosurgical services are increasingly recognized as essential components of surgical care worldwide. The degree of interest among neurosurgeons regarding international work, and the barriers to involvement in global neurosurgical outreach, are largely unexplored. The authors distributed a survey to members of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS) Joint Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery to assess the state of global outreach among its members and to identify barriers to involvement. METHODS An internet-based questionnaire was developed by the International Education Subcommittee of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery and distributed to pediatric neurosurgeons via the AANS/CNS Joint Section email contact list. Participants were surveyed on their involvement in global neurosurgical outreach, geographic location, nature of the participation, and barriers to further involvement. RESULTS A 35.3% response rate was obtained, with 116 respondents completing the survey. Sixty-one percent have performed or taught neurosurgery in a developing country, and 49% travel at least annually. Africa was the most common region (54%), followed by South America (30%), through 29 separate organizing entities. Hydrocephalus was the most commonly treated condition (88%), followed by spinal dysraphism (74%), and tumor (68%). Most respondents obtained follow-up through communications from local surgeons (77%). Seventy-one percent believed the international experience improved their practice, and 74% were very or extremely interested in working elsewhere. Interference with current practice (61%), cost (44%), and difficulty identifying international partners (43%) were the most commonly cited barriers to participation. CONCLUSIONS Any coordinated effort to expand global neurosurgical capacity begins with appreciation for the current state of outreach efforts. Increasing participation in global outreach will require addressing both real and perceived barriers to involvement. Creation and curation of a centralized online database of ongoing projects to facilitate coordination and involvement may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Davis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Brandon G. Rocque
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ash Singhal
- Department of Neurosurgery, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tom Ridder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jogi V. Pattisapu
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - James M. Johnston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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