Mansur Guilherme, Furtado Leopoldo Mandic Ferreira, Filho Jose Aloysio da Costa Val, Faleiro Rodrigo Moreira, Siqueira Jose Mauricio, Raso Jair, Dezena Roberto Alexandre, Zymberg Samuel Tau, Cunha Artur, Borba Luis Alencar, Sallé Mikail, Prevedello Daniel M, Duarte Diego Armando Servian, Dos Santos Rubio Ellianne J, de Oliveira Adilson, Córdoba Álvaro, Chacon Adrian Caceres, Lima Lucas Ramos
Department of Neurological Surgery, Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Vila da Serra, Nova Lima, Brazil.
Neurosurg Rev. 2025 Feb 21;48(1):260. doi: 10.1007/s10143-025-03421-4.
Neurosurgical capabilities vary significantly across Latin American and African countries, with advanced centers having state-of-the-art technology while others struggle with basic procedures. This study aims to assess the current state of endoscopic neurosurgery in Latin American and Portuguese or Spanish-speaking African countries (LAPSSAC), focusing on infrastructure and training needs. A 50-question survey was distributed to neurosurgeons across 19 Latin American countries and six Portuguese- or Spanish-speaking African countries between May 19th and June 20th, 2023. The survey covered institutional types, residency programs, availability of endoscopic equipment, types of procedures performed, and interest in additional training. Data from 202 responses representing 216 hospitals were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most respondents worked in public institutions (69.42%), with 58.42% having residency programs. Essential equipment for endoscopic procedures was available in 83.17% of hospitals, while 71.29% had the necessary tools for ventricular and 61.39% for skull base endoscopy. Ventricular endoscopy was performed in 89.11% of hospitals, compared to 71.78% for skull base procedures. Significant gaps in equipment and training were identified, especially in African countries. Interest in additional training was high, with 83.33% and 92.41% of respondents expressing a need for training in ventricular and skull base endoscopy, respectively. The findings highlight disparities in neurosurgical capabilities, with many centers lacking essential resources for endoscopic procedures. While most hospitals have some basic tools, there remains a need for investment in education and equipment. The study suggests that enhancing international collaborations and targeted investments could address these gaps and improve neurosurgical care in low-resource settings. Significant disparities in neuroendoscopic training and equipment exist across LAPSSAC. Addressing these disparities through strategic investments and international partnerships is essential to improving neurosurgical outcomes in these regions.
拉丁美洲和非洲国家的神经外科能力差异显著,先进的中心拥有最先进的技术,而其他中心则在基本手术方面面临困难。本研究旨在评估拉丁美洲以及讲葡萄牙语或西班牙语的非洲国家(LAPSSAC)的内镜神经外科现状,重点关注基础设施和培训需求。2023年5月19日至6月20日期间,向19个拉丁美洲国家和6个讲葡萄牙语或西班牙语的非洲国家的神经外科医生发放了一份包含50个问题的调查问卷。该调查涵盖了机构类型、住院医师培训项目、内镜设备的可用性、所进行的手术类型以及对额外培训的兴趣。使用描述性统计方法对代表216家医院的202份回复数据进行了分析。大多数受访者在公共机构工作(69.42%),其中58.42%设有住院医师培训项目。83.17%的医院具备内镜手术的基本设备,71.29%的医院拥有脑室手术所需的工具,61.39%的医院拥有颅底内镜所需的工具。89.11%的医院开展了脑室内镜手术,而颅底手术的开展比例为71.78%。研究发现设备和培训方面存在显著差距,尤其是在非洲国家。对额外培训的兴趣很高,分别有83.33%和92.41%的受访者表示需要脑室和颅底内镜方面的培训。研究结果凸显了神经外科能力的差异,许多中心缺乏内镜手术的基本资源。虽然大多数医院有一些基本工具,但仍需要在教育和设备方面进行投资。该研究表明,加强国际合作和有针对性的投资可以弥补这些差距,并改善资源匮乏地区的神经外科护理。LAPSSAC地区在神经内镜培训和设备方面存在显著差异。通过战略投资和国际伙伴关系解决这些差异对于改善这些地区的神经外科治疗效果至关重要。