Morbimortalidad asociada al Departamento de Neurocirugía del Hospital de Clínicas. Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo durante abril 2017-abril 2019 / Morbidity and mortality associated to the Neurosurgery Department at the Clinicas University Hospital. Longitudinal retrospective study between April 2017 and 2019 / Morbimortalidade associada ao Serviço de Neurocirurgia do Hospital de Clínicas. Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo durante o período abril de 2017-2019

Resumen: Introducción: la morbimortalidad permite evaluar la calidad asistencial, outcome y comparar diferentes centros asistenciales. Éste es el primer estudio de morbimortalidad en neurocirugía realizado en Uruguay. Objetivo: determinar la morbimortalidad global y específica en el Departamento de Neurocirugía del Hospital de Clínicas y la asociación entre complicación y morbimortalidad. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo-analítico, longitudinal, retrospectivo de todos los pacientes >15 años que requirieron cirugía entre abril de 2017 y abril de 2019. Los datos se obtuvieron de historias clínicas y se analizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, comorbilidad, clínica, diagnóstico, oportunidad quirúrgica, complicación, tipo de complicación, mortalidad, causa de mortalidad, outcome y tiempo quirúrgico. Resultados: 477 pacientes fueron intervenidos, 72 complicados. La mortalidad global fue 5,5% (26/477) y la morbilidad 15% (72/477). 36% de los pacientes complicados fallecieron (26/72). La patología vascular fue la morbilidad específica que más se complicó (20%, 14/69). La infección fue el tipo de complicación más frecuente (46%, 39/84). La propia evolución de la enfermedad y el terreno causó la muerte del 90% de los pacientes complicados operados de urgencia (19/21), siendo ésta última factor de riesgo independiente de fallecer (p=0,018). En coordinaciones, la causa de muerte estuvo vinculada al acto quirúrgico (80%). Hubo asociación entre patología vascular y morbimortalidad (p=0,015) y entre complicación isquémica y morbimortalidad (p=0,024). La presencia de hipertensión endocraneana (HEC) se asoció a un mal resultado (p=0,003). Conclusiones: los resultados muestran una buena calidad de atención comparado con otros centros. Aún existen aspectos a corregir para reducir la morbimortalidad.

Abstract: Introduction: morbidity and mortality rates allow for the evaluation of the quality of care and outcome and they also make it possible to compare different healthcare centers. This is the first morbidity and mortality study in neurosurgery carried out in Uruguay. Objective: to determine the global and specific morbidity and mortality rates in the Neurosurgery Department at the Clínicas University Hospital, and to determine if mortality and morbidity are associated to surgical complications. Method: retrospective, longitudinal, observational and descriptive analysis of all patients >15 years old that underwent a neurosurgical procedure between April 2017 and 2019. Data were obtained from patient medical records. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, comorbidity, clinical data, diagnosis, opportunity of surgical procedure, complications, type of complication, mortality, cause of mortality, outcome and surgical time. Results: 477 patients underwent neurosurgical procedure, 72 of which were complicated surgeries. Overall mortality was 5.5% (26/477) and morbidity 15% (72/477). 36% of complicated patients died (26/72). Vascular pathology was the specific morbidity that complicated patients the most 20% (14/69). Infection was the most frequent type of complication 46% (39/84). The evolution of the disease itself and the terrain caused the death of 90% of complicated patients undergoing emergency surgery (19/21), being the latter an independent risk factor for death (p = 0.018). As to coordinated surgeries, the cause of death was associated to the surgical act (80%). Association was found between vascular pathology and morbidity and mortality (p = 0.015) and between ischemic complication and morbidity and mortality (p = 0.024). The presence of intracranial hypertension (IH) was associated with a bad outcome (p= 0.003). Conclusions: the results show a good quality of care compared to other centers. There are still aspects to correct to reduce morbidity and mortality rates.

Resumo: Introdução: a análise da morbimortalidade permite avaliar a qualidade do atendimento e dos resultados e comparar diferentes centros de saúde. Este é o primeiro estudo de morbimortalidade em neurocirurgia realizado no Uruguai. Objetivo: determinar a morbimortalidade global e específica no Departamento de Neurocirurgia do Hospital de Clínicas e a associação entre complicação e morbimortalidade. Metodologia: estudo observacional, descritivo-analítico, longitudinal, retrospectivo de todos os pacientes >15 anos que necessitaram de cirurgia entre abril de 2017 e 2019. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários dos pacientes e as variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, comorbidade, aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico, oportunidade cirúrgica, complicação, tipo de complicação, mortalidade, causa da mortalidade, resultado e tempo cirúrgico. Resultados: 477 pacientes foram operados dos quais 72 apresentaram complicações. A mortalidade geral foi de 5,5% (26/477) e a morbidade de 15% (72/477). 36% dos pacientes com complicações morreram (26/72). A patologia vascular foi a causa específica de mortalidademorbidade específica mais freqüente 20% (14/69). A infecção foi o tipo de complicação mais freqüente 46% (39/84). A evolução da própria doença e do local da cirurgia ocasionou a morte de 90% dos pacientes com complicações submetidas a cirurgias de urgência (19/21), sendo este último fator de risco independente para óbito (p = 0,018). Nas cirurgias eletivas, a causa da morte esteve ligada ao ato cirúrgico (80%). Houve associação entre patologia vascular e morbimortalidade (p = 0,015) e entre complicação isquêmica e morbimortalidade (p = 0,024). A presença de hipertensão intracraniana (HEC) foi associada a um desfecho ruim (p = 0,003). Conclusões: os resultados mostram uma boa qualidade de atendimento em comparação com outros centros. Ainda há aspectos a serem corrigidos para reduzir a morbimortalidade.

Historical High Complexity Neurosurgery Development of One of the Poorest Brazilian Regions

Human development rates in the Vale do Jequitinhonha, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, called "Misery Valley," are among the lowest in the country, not to mention the often precarious psychosocial realities that daily contact with these families reveals. The history of neurosurgery at the Neurosurgical Reference Center at the Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri dates from 2004, when the first neurosurgical procedures were performed in the recently organized Section of Neurosurgery. The historical surgical series shows the positive impact of the service. In 2007, the average was 3 neurosurgeries/month. In the last year, 2018, service growth boosted the record to 34.83 neurosurgeries/month. In addition to performing elective surgery, the neurosurgery team supports the emergency team by performing some neurosurgical procedures. The service number of patients operated since the development of the service is nearly 3,000. Neurosurgery at the Santa Casa de Caridade from Diamantina has been made comparable to the best national neurosurgery services.

Information Sources and Decision-Making in Neurosurgery: Results of a Survey of Members of the Brazilian Neurosurgery Society

Introduction In all surgical disciplines, including neurosurgery, there are questions about the level of evidence supporting surgical practices and the mechanisms and adequacy of knowledge translation. Objectives To assess the perception of Brazilian neurosurgeons of information sources and decision-making mechanisms related to their medical practices. Methods An online questionnaire was sent to the 2,400 members of the Brazilian Neurosurgical Society. Results A total of 32% of the neurosurgeons completed the questionnaire, 53% had more than 10 years experience, 67% had worked in public hospitals, 34% had performed spine surgeries, and 30% had performed brain tumor surgeries. The therapeutic decisions were based mostly on internship learning (54%) and personal professional experience (52%). The most common information sources were scientific abstracts (53%) and the Internet (47%). A total of 89% believed that evidence-based medicine was relevant, 93% believed protocols or guidelines were necessary, and 74% subscribed to a medical journal. Nonetheless, only 43% had protocols implemented in their services, 93% highly valued a surgeon's personal experience, and 63% showed little familiarity with the interpretation of scientific concepts in the literature. Among the respondents, 83% were willing to try an innovative treatment alternative if it was shown to improve clinical outcomes and reduce severe complications. Conclusions The disparity in the responses highlights the need to implement recommendations that improve decision-making mechanisms.

Introdução Em todas as disciplinas cirúrgicas, incluindo a neurocirurgia, existem questões sobre o nível de evidência que apoia as práticas cirúrgicas e os mecanismos e adequação da translação do conhecimento. Objetivos Avaliar a percepção de fontes de informação e mecanismos de tomada de decisão dos neurocirurgiões brasileiros em relação às práticas médicas. Métodos Um questionário on-line foi enviado aos 2.400 membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia. Resultados Um total de 32% dos neurocirurgiões preencheram o questionário, 53% tinham mais de 10 anos de experiência, 67% trabalharam em hospitais públicos, 34% realizaram cirurgia de coluna, e 30%, de cérebro. As decisões terapêuticas basearam-se principalmente no aprendizado de estágio (54%) e na experiência profissional pessoal (52%). As fontes de informação mais comuns foram resumos científicos (53%) e a Internet (47%). Um total de 89% acreditava que a medicina baseada em evidências era relevante, 93% acreditavam que protocolos ou diretrizes eram necessários, e 74% tinham assinaturas de uma revista médica. No entanto, apenas 43% apresentaram protocolos implementados em seus serviços, 93% valorizaram a experiência pessoal de um cirurgião, e 63% mostraram pouca familiaridade com a interpretação de conceitos científicos na literatura. Entre os respondentes, 83% estavam dispostos a tentar uma alternativa de tratamento inovador se este demonstrasse melhorar os resultados clínicos e reduzir as complicações graves. Conclusões A disparidade nas respostas destaca a necessidade de implementar recomendações que melhorem os mecanismos de tomada de decisão.

The First Two Years of Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer: Initial Results of a Brazilian Public Hospital Dedicated to Neurosurgery

The dissemination of specialty hospitals throughout the urban centers has revolutionized the full spectrum of care for cardiology, oncology and orthopedics during the last decades. To centralize care, from translational and basic research to clinicians and surgeons, in the same dedicated institution leads to a decrease in complications rates, mortality and possible reductions in the length of hospital stays. Moreover, there has been a significant impact on hospital costs and on the quality of care. The Insituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN, in the Portuguese acronym) was opened in June 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the very first high-volume neurosurgical institution in the country. The core foundation of this institution is that the anesthesiologists, intensive care practitioners, nurses, pathologists, radiologists and rehabilitation staffs are trained and live the full management of neurosurgical lesions at the same facility on a daily basis. The present paper seeks to analyze the circumstances in which the institution was planned and opened as well as its complexity, infrastructure and initial results following its first 24 months of operation.

A mulher na neurocirurgia / The women in neurosurgery

Objetivo: Neste estudo, buscou-se analisar o crescimento da participação feminina na área neurocirúrgica. Métodos: Trata-se de uma série temporal, realizada a partir do banco de dados da Secretaria da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina, que forneceu os gêneros dos residentes de neurocirurgia registrados entre o período de 2006 e 2011. Foram utilizados também os dados dos números de membros efetivos e seus respectivos gêneros na Sociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia (SBN), na Academia Brasileira de Neurocirurgia (ABNc), na American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) e na American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). Resultados: Ao se analisar o número de membros inscritos da AANS (2008), SBN (2010) e ABNc (2010), verificou-se que o sexo masculino é maioria, com 95,34% na AANS, 94,54% na SBN e 94,80% na ABNc. Conclusão: A participação feminina tem aumentado nos últimos anos na neurocirurgia, apesar de ainda existir preconceito e sobrecarga nas atividades das mulheres que escolhem a neurocirurgia como carreira...

Objective: This study aims to analyze the growth of female participation in the neurosurgical . Methods: A prospective study was conducted from the database of the Department of Medicine of the Brazilian Society of Medicine, which provided the genres of neurosurgery residents registered between the period 2006 to 2011. We also used the data of the numbers of members and their respective genres in Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery, the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). Results: By analyzing the number of registered members of the AANS (2008), SBN (2010) and ABNc (2010), we found that most males is 95.34% with the AANS, 94.54% in SBN, 94.80% in ABNc. Conclusion: The female participation has increased in recent years in neurosurgery despite the presence of prejudice and overhead activities of women who choose neurosurgery as a career...

Women in Brazilian neurosurgery

Medicine remained as a male profession during many centuries, but the proportion of women rosesteadily during the second part of the 20th century in the world and in Brazil. In 2006 they became themajority (51.75%) of the new physicians licensed by the Regional Council of Medicine of the State of SãoPaulo. Nevertheless, the proportion of women in Neurosurgery and in directive posts in entities of thespecialty in Brazil continue very low or absent. Data obtained from the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgeryand the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery are very similar to those of the American counterparts, likethe proportion of women among the associates, around 5%, and one single female chief of a servicecertified for training in each country. Authors from WINS, an American entity, reported several problemssuffered by female neurosurgeons, including gender discrimination. Such occurrences, as reported inonline news, should alert against discriminatory attitudes.

Mulheres na neurocirurgia no BrasilA medicina remanesceu como uma profissão masculina durante muitos séculos, mas a proporção demulheres aumentou constantemente durante a segunda metade do século XX no mundo e no Brasil.Em 2006, elas passaram a constituir a maioria (51,75%) dos novos médicos licenciados pelo ConselhoRegional de Medicina do Estado de São Paulo. Todavia, a proporção de mulheres na neurocirurgia e emcargos diretivos de entidades da especialidade no Brasil continua muito baixa ou ausente. Dados obtidos daSociedade Brasileira de Neurocirurgia e da Academia Brasileira de Neurocirurgia são muito semelhantes aosdas congêneres americanas, como a proporção de mulheres entre as associadas, em torno de 5%, e umaúnica chefe de serviço credenciado para treinamento em cada país. Autoras da WINS, entidade americana,relataram diversos problemas enfrentados pelas neurocirurgiãs, incluindo discriminações de gênero.Ocorrências dessa natureza, noticiadas em jornais eletrônicos, devem alertar contra atitudes discriminatórias.

Implantação do sistema de procedimentos de alta complexidade em neurocirurgia: resultados / Implementation of high complexity service in a city hospital of metropolitan region of Porto Alegre city, Brazil

Objetivo: Demonstrar a maneira como foi implementado o Serviço de Alta Complexidade em Neurocirurgia num município da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre e seus resultados benéficos à população, aos neurocirurgiões e à Instituição Hospitalar. Material e método: São demonstrados os argumentos que o grupo de neurocirurgiões adotou para convencer a direção do Hospital Municipal de Novo Hamburgo(HMNH) a investir na especialidade antes mesmo de ter noção real das vantagens e dos lucros que adviriam. Resultados: Foi constatado que havia uma evasão mensal de aproximadamente 30 pacientes dos municípios que compunham a região para outro centro de referência (“Hospital Referência”). Essa evasão propiciaria um rendimento em torno de R$ 57 mil. Foi demonstrado que o “Hospital Referência” havia saltado de um faturamento de pouco mais de R$ 100 mil para aproximadamente R$ 500 mil após a implantação do Sipac-Neuro, e que a média de valores das autorizações de internações hospitalares(AIH) desse hospital era de R$ 1.056,12 contra R$ 382,84 do HMNH. A seguir, descrevem-se os passos que foram necessários para o credenciamento junto ao Ministério da Saúde, a implantação do serviço e os futuros investimentos que se pretende realizar em função dos novos aportes financeiros proporcionados pela Alta Complexidade. Os resultados financeiros iniciais após o credenciamento foram significativos. Conclusão: A organização e demonstração real, com exemplos de outras instituições,são instrumentos úteis e facilitadores para o convencimento das direções de hospitais que ainda são céticos quanto às vantagens proporcionadas pelo Sipac-Neuro.Administração hospitalar.

Objective: To present how a High Complexity Neurosurgical Service (accredited by the Ministry of Health denominated Sipac – Neuro) was implemented in a public hospital of the metropolitan region of the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. Material and method: The arguments used by the group of neurosurgeons that convinced the direction of the Hospital Municipal de Novo Hamburgo (HMNH) to invest on neurosurgery, before knowing the advantages and profit that would be generated is presented. Result: It was verified that there was an monthly evasion rate of approximately 30 patients from the regions covered by HMNH to other reference center (“Reference” hospital) during the year of 2001. This evasion would have yielded around R$ 57,000. It was demonstrated that the “Reference” hospital leaped from an income of around R$100,000 to around R$ 500,000 after the implementation of the Sipac-Neuro and that the average cost of Authorization for Hospitalization (AIH) at that hospital was R$ 1,056.12 compared to R$ 382.84at HMNH. The method of accreditation with the Ministry of Health is described here in, as well as the implementation of the Service and the future investments that are to be made as a result of the new financial resources as a result of this accreditation for high complexity. Conclusion: It is concluded that the organization and actual demonstration by means of the examples of other institutions is a useful and helpful tool to convince hospital administrations who remain skeptical as to the advantages obtained with a Sipac-Neuro.

Three-Year Follow-up of an Outbreak of Serratia marcescens Bacteriuria in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit

We report on the investigations and interventions conducted to contain an extended outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteriuria that lasted for years in a neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU). A case-control study was performed to identify the risk factors for S. marcescens acquisition in urine. In case patients, urine sampling for tests and central venous catheterization were performed more frequently before the isolation of S. marcescens. Case patients were more frequently prescribed third-generation cephalosporins. Adherence to hand antisepsis was encouraged through in-service educational meetings and infection control measures, especially concerning the manipulation of indwelling urinary catheters, were intensified. The outbreak persisted despite the reinforcement of infection control measures. However, no patient has newly acquired the organism in the NSICU since December 2004. Multiple factors, including inadequate infection control practices and inappropriate antimicrobial usage, possibly contributed to the persistence of this S. marcescens outbreak. Healthcare workers should consistently follow infection control policies to ensure quality care.

Three-Year Follow-up of an Outbreak of Serratia marcescens Bacteriuria in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit

We report on the investigations and interventions conducted to contain an extended outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteriuria that lasted for years in a neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU). A case-control study was performed to identify the risk factors for S. marcescens acquisition in urine. In case patients, urine sampling for tests and central venous catheterization were performed more frequently before the isolation of S. marcescens. Case patients were more frequently prescribed third-generation cephalosporins. Adherence to hand antisepsis was encouraged through in-service educational meetings and infection control measures, especially concerning the manipulation of indwelling urinary catheters, were intensified. The outbreak persisted despite the reinforcement of infection control measures. However, no patient has newly acquired the organism in the NSICU since December 2004. Multiple factors, including inadequate infection control practices and inappropriate antimicrobial usage, possibly contributed to the persistence of this S. marcescens outbreak. Healthcare workers should consistently follow infection control policies to ensure quality care.

Neurological and neurosurgical referrals overseas from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Barbados, 1987-1996

This paper reports on neurological and neurosurgical referrals overseas from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) for the period November 1987 to November 1996, and is a follow up to an earlier report for the period January 1984 to November 1987. It outlines the pattern of referral, diagnoses, referral centres and costs based on examination of the files of all QEH patients transferred overseas under a government aided scheme. There were 203 transfers of 191 patients (69 males, 122 females) including 10 patients who were transferred twice and one patient who was transferred three times. Patients' ages ranged from 1 to 80 years (mean 37 years). Twenty overseas centres were used during the period but most patients were transferred to Brooklyn Hospital, New York in 1988, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, between 1989 and 1994, and Hospital de Clinicas Caracas, Venezuela (1992 to 1996). 65of the referrals were for neurosurgery and 25were for magnetic resonance imaging scans for diagnosis. The largest diagnostic categories were central nervous system tumors (40) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (25). Estimated costs reached almost BDS$11 million, but the mean actual cost was BDS$63,916 based on information from 123 patient transfers. Thus, the actual total government expenditure was probably closer to BDS$13 million. This study demonstrates the urgent need to establish a neurosurgical service at the QEH and the cost effectiveness of doing so.

Valor pronóstico de la Escala de Glasgow en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos / The pronostic value of the Glasgow Coma Scale in neurosurgical patients

Se analizó el valor pronóstico de la Escala de Glasgow (EG) en 62 pacientes sometidos a neurocirugía intracraneana, correlacionando la EG en distintos tiempos (prequirúrgico, postoperatorio inmediato, mediato y tardío) con la Escala de Glasgow Evolutiva (EGE), representando ésta el valor de la evolución final obtenida en el momento del alta. Existiría una correlación directa significativa entre EG y EGE, resultando la EG de las primeras 72 hs. del postoperatorio y del postoperatorio mediato como los valores mejor correlacionados con el escor evolutivo al alta. La EG en las primeras 72 hs. podría ser un predictor confiable de la evolución neuroquirúrgica

Valor pronóstico de la Escala de Glasgow en pacientes neuroquirúrgicos / Prognostic value of the Glasgow coma scale on neurosurgical patients

Se analizó el valor pronóstico de la Escala de Glasgow (EG) en 62 pacientes sometidos a neurocirugía intracraneana, correlacionando la EG en distintos tiempos (prequirúrgico, postoperatorio inmediato, mediato y tardío) con la Escala de Glasgow Evolutiva (EGE), representando ésta el valor de la evolución final obtenida en el momento del alta. Existiría una correlación inversa significativa entre EG y EGE, resultando la EG de las primeras 72 hs. del postoperatorio y del postoperatorio mediato como los valores mejor correlacionados con el escor evolutivo al alta. La escor en las primeras 72 hs. podría ser un predictor confiable de la evolución neuroquirúrgica

Tumores intracraneales en el Hospital Nacional del sur IPSS / Intracraneal tumors in the Hospital Nacional del Sur-IPSS

En el presente trabajo se investigó la incidencia como manejo y evolución de pacientes con tumor intracraneal. El diagnóstico se confirmó con estudio histopatológico y los resultados obtenidos se evaluaron con el Rating de Karnofsky. De 1556 pacientes operados se encontró 54 casos (3.47 por ciento) de tumores intracraneales de los que 33.34 por ciento correspondian a gliomas, 31.48 por ciento a adenomas, 24.08 por ciento a meningiomas, papilomas de plexos coroideos y craneofaringiomas con 3.70 por ciento cada uno, finalmente el neurinoma del acústico y carcinoma de plexos coroideos con 1.85 por ciento. El sexo más afectado fue el masculino 74.07 por ciento y la edad más comprometida fue la quinta década de la vida (20.37 por ciento). Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico; 45 con cirugía total, 7 con parcial, 1 con descomprensiva y 1 con cirugía derivativa. En el post operatorio inmediato 50.02 por ciento tuvieron 80 a 90 en el Rating de Karnofsky y 18.50 por ciento estuvieron por debajo de 70. El resultado final arrojó 42.59 por ciento de pacientes aliviados, 38.86 por ciento de sanos y una mortalidad de 18.52 por ciento. Los resultados de este trabajo fueron comparados con otras casuísticas nacionales y extranjeras.

Rizotomía selectiva posterior limitada a tres dorsales: una variable para el tratamiento neuroquirúrgico de la espasticidad / Neurosurgical treatment of spasticity, selective posterior rhizotomy. A new procedure

Introducción. La rizotomía selectiva posterior (RSP) es efectiva para reducir la espasticidad asociada con la parálisis cerebral infantil (PCL). Para evitar una hipotonía postoperatoria se presentó una variante a la técnica quirúrgica clásica. Material y métodos. Diceséis niños con espasticidad secundaria a PCI fueron evaluados antes y después de la rizotomía. Se comparó el grado de espasticidad de miembros superiores y de miembros inferiores. Se disecaron las raíces dorslaes de L4, L5 y S1. Resultados. En todos los grupos musculares analizados se observó una disminución de la espasticidad sin hipotonía asociada. Conclusiones. La técnica quirúrgica propuesta en este estudio es efectiva para reducir la espasticidad tanto en los miembros superiores com en los inferiores. Espasticidad; rizotomía selectiva posterior; parálisis cerebral

Recursos neuroquirurgicos en el sur-occidente de Colombia / Neurosurgical resources at the Colombian south-west

Se hizo un inventario de recursos humanos y fisiologicos existentes en el sur-occidente colombiano, para la practica de la neurocirugia, desde agosto 1 de 1977 a Julio 31 de 1978. En ese periodo se realizaron procedimientos quirurgicos de los cuales 349 en el Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV) en Cali, 151 en la Clinica del Instituto de Seguros Sociales (ISS) y el resto en clinicas particulares. Del total 222 fueron traumas craneanos; 133, laminectomias; aneurismas, 27; tumores, 28 y el resto por otros procedimientos. En el momento del estudio habia 12 neurocirujanos, 4 residentes en entrenamiento y 4 hospitalarios en el ISS. De las 71 camas especializadas, 50 pertenecian al ISS y 21 al HUV; con una productividad de 3 y 16 egresos quirurgicos por cama y por ano, respectivamente. Se observo una relacion mas o menos constante de 4 procedimientos quirurgicos por cada 100 consultas externas. Hay una franca subutilizacion de los recursos neuroquirurgicos razon por la cual parece conveniente programar mejor la formacion de especialistas