0000000000341341
AUTHOR
Martin N. Stienen
Neurosurgical resident training in Czech Republic
Introduction: Resident training is essential to be able and offer high-quality medical care. Neurosurgical training in its traditional form is currently challenged by law-enforced working hour restrictions and general re-structuring within Europe. We aimed to evaluate the current situation of resident training in the Czech Republic. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to European neurosurgical trainees between 06/2014 and 03/2015. The responses of Czech trainees were compared to those of trainees from other European countries. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect size of the relationship between a trainee being from Czech Republic and the outcomes (e.g. satisfaction…
Development and external validation of a clinical prediction model for functional impairment after intracranial tumor surgery
OBJECTIVE Decision-making for intracranial tumor surgery requires balancing the oncological benefit against the risk for resection-related impairment. Risk estimates are commonly based on subjective experience and generalized numbers from the literature, but even experienced surgeons overestimate functional outcome after surgery. Today, there is no reliable and objective way to preoperatively predict an individual patient’s risk of experiencing any functional impairment. METHODS The authors developed a prediction model for functional impairment at 3 to 6 months after microsurgical resection, defined as a decrease in Karnofsky Performance Status of ≥ 10 points. Two prospective registries in…
The association of patient age with postoperative morbidity and mortality following resection of intracranial tumors
Abstract Introduction The postoperative functional status of patients with intracranial tumors is influenced by patient-specific factors, including age. Research question This study aimed to elucidate the association between age and postoperative morbidity or mortality following the resection of brain tumors. Material and methods A multicenter database was retrospectively reviewed. Functional status was assessed before and 3–6 months after tumor resection by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Uni- and multivariable linear regression were used to estimate the association of age with postoperative change in KPS. Logistic regression models for a ≥10-point decline in KPS or mortality were b…