Neurosurgery And Global Health

This book is a combination of ideas and experiences from over 100 dedicated and brilliant neurosurgeons around the world. Their common goal is to provide data for a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted aspects of neurosurgery and, by doing so, to better serve patients across the globe. Scientific curiosity, deep dedication, incredible work ethics, entrepreneurship, and creativity are the common traits among all neurosurgeons, and not the exception. By allowing readers to see the field of neurosurgery from the perspectives of surgeons spanning five continents, this book serves to provide multiple, diverse viewpoints and to build a foundation for future collaborations. The book’s 24 chapters are organized into 3 parts. Part I provides the reader with an overview of the role of neurosurgery in worldwide health care, its evolution over the past decades, the current state and future directions of each neurosurgical subspecialty across the five continents. Over the years, the overarching goal for neurosurgeons has been to develop new, more effective and high-end solutions for complex diseases and to provide access to neurosurgical services for all patients. Part II discusses the differences and similarities of neurosurgery education and training across the globe, providing a snapshot of how new tools, technology, and paradigms reduce inequality and increase access to neurosurgical education. Educational accomplishments and challenges still present for the in different regions of the world are reviewed. Part III focuses on economic aspects influencing neurosurgery globally, including how to make efficient decisions in the face of scarcity, yet demand. The authors provide theories, models, and tools helpful to apply when planning to allocate resources, not just financial, but also human and intellectual. A deeper understanding of economics does not necessarily provide the answer to the problem; rather it provides the tools to find an answer, or, ideally, multiple possible solutions. Neurosurgery and Global Health is the first comprehensive guide to the role of neurosurgery in the global health care sphere, providing an in-depth compendium about the understanding of the neurosurgical role within global health, its efforts in the education of tomorrow’s workforce, and the economic aspects driving the field.

During his training, neurosurgeon Robert J. Dempsey, M.D. was told that global health was something for infectious diseases and not possible in super-specialties. This is the story of questioning that belief, of addressing a massive need by working in the areas of need, going to numerous ministers of health worldwide and showing them that with the training of even a few neurosurgeons, we can complete a trauma system in their country. The result is now we can also provide care for cancer, stroke and congenital defects of newborn children where it was previously impossible. In 2015, the Lancet Commission’s report predicted, over the next few years, 47 million unnecessary deaths worldwide due to the lack of essential surgeries. This book relates the importance of rectifying that ongoing tragedy and, more importantly, the humanizing influences that such a journey has had on a super-specialist working with the people of greatest need. It concludes that in spite of massive need, the present situation is actually very hopeful, as we have shifted the focus of global health from service alone to partnered teaching, leading us now to self-sustaining systems of care delivered for and by the people in the regions of need. Global Neurosurgery covers the thought-provoking and often frightening lessons learned over four decades of neurosurgical involvement in global health, working from a period when little or none existed to the present state of specialized healthcare in the area of need. This process starts in the U.S. and then addresses health disparity on four continents and now on U.S. tribal reservations. It emphasizes the importance of first listening, then partnering with government, medical societies, universities and private foundations, and most importantly, learning from mistakes. The programs developed allow the recipients of the care to take over the training so that it becomes about them and their patients in their home lands. It will appeal to a wide audience because its stories explain actual worldwide health conditions while giving an insight valuable to the professional or lay person into the experiences and operating rooms of a neurosurgeon working under very difficult conditions.

Surviving Neurosurgery: Vignettes of Resilience is a practical guide to the inner workings of the lives of neurosurgeons, healthcare partners, and patients. To this end, this text serves as a first-hand documentary of the unique challenges faced as one progresses through their career. It is a snapshot in time capturing the experiences of both patients and providers. The text is divided into seven parts that run the gamut of a neurosurgeon’s career symbolic of the seven years of neurosurgical training. These narratives include, but are not limited to, residency challenges, surgical nuances, research and funding, embracing humanity, patient experiences, and overcoming hurdles along the journey. Chapters share the wisdom and experiences of over 100 authors consisting of patients, trainees, advanced practice providers, and attending neurosurgeons.

This book provides coverage of a broad range of topics in the ?eld of neurosurgery, 5 for residents and registrars in training and for recent graduates of training programs. 6 As neurosurgical training incorporates expertise from centers worldwide, there is a 7 need to have input from specialists in neurosurgery from various countries. This text 8 is a compilation by expert authors in the USA and the UK to provide information on 9 the basic knowledge and clinical management required for optimal care of neuro- 2011 surgical patients. 1 The text is an up-to-date synopsis of the ?eld of neurosurgery from American and 2 British perspectives, which covers the most common clinical conditions encountered 3 by neurosurgeons. The chapters are organized under broad topics, including inves- 4 tigative studies, perioperative care, the role of newer techniques and the management 5 of tumors, vascular and traumatic lesions. Additional topics are then covered, includ- 6 ing pediatrics, spine and peripheral nerve lesions, as well as functional neurosurgery 7 and infections. We anticipate that trainees will ?nd this information useful for certi?- 8 cation examinations and recent graduates of neurosurgical training programs can 9 utilize this text as an update of the most important neurosurgical topics.

An inspiring story of doctors who changed the health care of an African nation Dr. Dilan Ellegala arrives in Tanzania, shocked to find the entire country has just three brain surgeons for its population of forty-two million. Haydom Lutheran Hospital lacks even the most basic surgical tools, not even a saw to open a patient’s skull. Here, people with head injuries or brain tumors heal on their own or die. When confronted with a villager suffering from a severe head trauma, Dilan buys a tree saw from a farmer, sterilizes it, and then uses it to save the man’s life. Yet Dilan realizes that there are far too many neurosurgery patients for one person to save, and of course he will soon be leaving Tanzania. He needs to teach someone his skills. He identifies a potential student in Emmanuel Mayegga, a stubborn assistant medical officer who grew up in a mud hut. Though Mayegga has no medical degree, Dilan sees that Mayegga has the dexterity, intelligence, and determination to do brain surgery. Over six months, he teaches Mayegga how to remove tumors and treat hydrocephalus. And then, perhaps more important, Dilan teaches Mayegga how to pass on his newfound skills. Mayegga teaches a second Tanzanian, who teaches a third. It’s a case of teach-a-man-to-fish meets brain surgery. As he guides these Tanzanians to do things they never thought possible, Dilan challenges the Western medical establishment to do more than send vacationing doctors on short-term medical missions. He discovers solutions that could transform health care for two billion people across the world. A Surgeon in the Village is the incredible and riveting account of one man’s push to “train-forward”—to change our approach to aid and medical training before more lives are needlessly lost. His story is a testament to the transformational power of teaching and the ever-present potential for change. As many as seventeen million people die every year because of a shortage of surgeons, more than die from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Dilan Ellegala and other visionaries are boldly proposing ways of saving lives.

Praise for previous editions: I am sure that this second edition of Principles and Practice of Pediatric Neurosurgery will continue to be the standard text for residents, consultants, and attendings the world over.-- Journal of Neurosurgery Lavishly illustrated and eminently readable, this book should find a place in every pediatric neurosurgeons library. Pediatric Neurosurgery Principles and Practice of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Third Edition is a completely revised edition of the most authoritative guide to the management of pediatric neurosurgical disorders encountered in clinical practice. Written by leaders in the field, it provides pediatric neurosurgeons with a clear understanding of the current standards of practice and treatment in the subspecialty. Key Features: Now in full color, with more than 1,000 images An increased emphasis on clinical management strategies in pediatric neurosurgery Seven new chapter topics, including cellular therapy for pediatric neurosurgical disease, conjoined twins, lipomeningoceles, and skeletal syndromes Pearls and pitfalls in every chapter This book is an essential reference for all residents and practitioners in pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric neurology.

This new multithematic book in the series Advances and Technical Standards in Neurosurgery offers an update on several basic and clinical problems in neurosurgery. The main topics are cerebral tumors, epilepsy and vascular malformations. The first chapter will deal with the burden of childhood cancer across the globe, a particular relevant problem in times where economic restrictions and the increased difficulties to access cure are the direct impact of the Covid19 pandemic. A very detailed chapter will provide new guidelines for neuroimaging investigations for intracerebral pathological conditions of surgical interest in the pediatric population. The technical aspects and technological advances in the surgical management of cerebral midline tumors will be covered by several chapters focusing of the optic pathways’ tumors, third ventricle tumors, mesencephalon and pineal body tumors. An update on Chiari malformations and syringomyelia, on the surgical management of epilepsy and on cerebral aneurysms and pediatric spinal vascular malformations will be provided in the remaining contributions. All chapters contribute to an important advancement in the relevant fields, thus offering a valuable contribution to the management of difficult clinical conditions.