A Geospatial Analysis of the Availability, Distribution, and Accessibility of Neurosurgical Facilities, Workforce, and Infrastructure in Nigeria; and Projection Towards 2050.

OBJECTIVE: There has been a modest but progressive increase in the neurosurgical workforce, training, and service delivery in Nigeria in the last 2 decades. However, these resources are unevenly distributed. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the availability and distribution of neurosurgical resources in Nigeria while projecting the needed workforce capacity up to 2050. METHODS: An online survey of Nigerian neurosurgeons and residents assessed the country's neurosurgical infrastructure, workforce, and resources. The results were analyzed descriptively, and geospatial analysis was used to map their distribution. A projection model was fitted to predict workforce targets for 2022-2050. RESULTS: Out of 86 neurosurgery-capable health facilities, 65.1% were public hospitals, with only 17.4% accredited for residency training. Dedicated hospital beds and operating rooms for neurosurgery make up only 4.0% and 15.4% of the total, respectively. The population disease burden is estimated at 50.2 per 100,000, while the operative coverage was 153.2 cases per neurosurgeon. There are currently 132 neurosurgeons and 114 neurosurgery residents for a population of 218 million (ratio 1:1.65 million). There is an annual growth rate of 8.3%, resulting in a projected deficit of 1113 neurosurgeons by 2030 and 1104 by 2050. Timely access to neurosurgical care ranges from 21.6% to 86.7% of the population within different timeframes. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative interventions are needed to address gaps in Nigeria's neurosurgical capacity. Investments in training, infrastructure, and funding are necessary for sustainable development and optimized outcomes.

Assessing the Neurosurgical Capacity in Nigeria Using the Modified Neuro-PIPES Tool.

BACKGROUND: Like many low- and-middle-income countries in Africa, documented assessment of the neurosurgical workforce, equipment, infrastructure, and scope of service delivery in Nigeria is lacking. This study aimed to assess the capacity for the delivery of neurosurgical services in Nigeria. METHODS: An 83-question survey was disseminated to neurosurgeons and residents in Nigeria. We report the findings from the capacity assessment section of the survey, which used the modified neurological-PIPES (personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies) (MN-PIPES) tool to evaluate the availability of neurosurgical personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies. A comparative analysis was done using the domain and total MN-PIPES scores and MN-PIPES index. RESULTS: The national average MN-PIPES score and index were 176.4 and 9.8, respectively. Overall, the southwest and northwest regions had the highest scores and frequently had high subscores. The survey respondents reported that the main challenges impeding neurosurgery service delivery were a lack of adjunctive supplies (75.2%), a dearth of diagnostic and interventional equipment (72.4%), and an absence of a dedicated intensive care unit (72.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The availability of workforce, infrastructure, equipment, and supplies needed to provide optimal neurosurgical care is uneven in many institutions in Nigeria. Although major strides have been made in recent years, targeted collaborative interventions at local, national, regional, and international levels will further improve neurosurgical service delivery in Nigeria and will have positive ripple effects on the rest of the healthcare system.

Women in Nigerian Neurosurgery: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Although women have made remarkable strides in several medical specialties in Sub-Saharan Africa, their presence and contribution to the development of neurosurgery remain limited. We sought to study the gender differences within Nigerian neurosurgery, identify challenges resulting from these differences, and recommend how African female neurosurgeons can maximize their effects in neurosurgery. METHODS: A structured online survey captured data on neurosurgical infrastructural capacity, workforce, and training from neurosurgical consultants and residents in neurosurgical centers in Nigeria. All the collected data were coded and analyzed. RESULTS: Altogether, 82 neurosurgical consultants and 67 neurosurgical residents from 50 primary medical institutions in Nigeria completed the online survey. Only 8 of the respondents (5.4%) were women, comprising 3 consultants, 2 senior residents, and 3 junior residents. Although 40.2% of the respondents did not believe that being female affected the decision of whether to specialize in neurosurgery, 46.3% believed that being female was a disadvantage. Most did not believe that being female affected admission (57.8%), completion of a neurosurgery residency (58.5%), or life working as a neurosurgeon after graduation (63.4%). The most common challenges women face while navigating through neurosurgery training and practice are erosion of family and social life, lack of female mentors, and lack of a work-life balance. CONCLUSIONS: There is a deficit of both female consultants and trainees among Nigerian neurosurgeons. Identifying female medical students with a strong interest in neurosurgery and providing early mentorship might increase the number of female neurosurgeons.

Neurocysticercosis in a Nigerian woman -missed diagnosis of a neglected disease and surgical management.

Neurocysticercosis is a rarely diagnosed but significant clinical problem from infestation with taenia solium. It occurs as a result of ingestion of infested pork and the mode of transmission is usually feco-oral. It is commonly associated with non-specific neurologic manifestations expected of intracranial space-occupying lesions with its most common neurological presentation being seizures. However, its diagnosis without seizure is rarely reported. We report a recent experience in this regard and outcome of this disease which was inadvertently managed surgically. A good history and high index of suspicion especially in developing and low socioeconomic region is helpful for diagnosis in the presence of appropriate radiological findings. Prognosis is good when treatment is tailored to well selected cases. Treatment options include medical with or without surgical removal of encapsulated cyst. A high index of suspicion will be helpful in making appropriate diagnosis and proper management of this disease.

Surgical management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in a resource-constrained region: A Nigerian regional experience.

Background: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) is a vascular injury with significantly high mortality, especially when poorly managed. This study seeks to outline the experiences in setting up a neurovascular service in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A series of 45 patients were operated after aSAH over a period of 10 years. Patients consecutively were recruited following computed tomography angiography (CTA) diagnosis of aSAH. Clinical data were recorded on a predesigned form after obtaining informed consent; aSAH was classified using the WFNS classification, intraoperative findings were documented. Challenges in the management were analysed in a post-operative root cause analysis (RCA) review. Outcomes and factors responsible for the observed outcomes and actions taken were recorded. Results: Forty-five patients were operated after aSAH was confirmed; there were 29 females and 16 males. (M:F 1:1.8), the age ranged from 14 to 76 years (mean 49.1±13.58). All the aneurysms were on the anterior circle of Willis, mainly on Anterior Communicating Artery aneurysm (18/48).Thirty-eight patients (84.4%) survived and were discharged within an average of 10 days after surgery. Lower GCS at presentation was associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.026); however, data analysis demonstrated that other factors (financial issues, lack of appropriate instrumentation and equipment, experience of the surgeon) played a significant role in determining the outcome. Conclusions: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) is a challenging pathology and its management may be further burdened in resource constrained countries, as shown by the data analysed in this study from Lagos, Nigeria. Specialized and well-funded Neurovascular centres are needed to overcome the challenges faced and to improve care for aSAH patients in Nigeria.

The status of specialist neurosurgical training in Nigeria: A survey of practitioners, trainers, and trainees.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the well-known neurosurgical workforce deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa, there remains a low number of neurosurgical training programs in Nigeria. This study sought to re-assess the current status of specialist neurosurgical training in the country. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to all consultant neurosurgeons and neurosurgery residents in Nigeria. Demographic information and questions relating to the content, process, strengths, and challenges of neurosurgical training were explored as part of a broader survey assessing neurosurgical capacity. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Respondents identified 15 neurosurgical training centers in Nigeria. All 15 are accredited by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and 6 by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN). The average duration of core neurosurgical training was 5 years. Some identified strengths of Nigerian neurosurgical training included learning opportunities provided to residents, recent growth in the neurosurgical training capacity, and satisfaction with training. Challenges included a continued low number of training programs compared to the population density, lack of subspecialty training programs, and inadequate training infrastructure. CONCLUSION: Despite the high number of neurosurgery training centers in Nigeria, compared to other West African countries, the programs are still limited in number and capacity. Although this study shows apparent trainee satisfaction with the training process and contents, multiple challenges exist. Efforts at improving training capacity should focus on continuing the development and expansion of current programs, commencing subspecialty training, driving health insurance to improve funding, and increasing available infrastructure for training.

The role of international collaborations in sustainable neurosurgical development in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Despite six decades of existence, neurosurgery is still in the developing stages in Nigeria. In this era of collaborative health system capacity-building in low- and middle-income countries, this article reviews past efforts and future prospects for collaborative neurosurgical development in Nigeria. METHODS: A bibliometric review of the Nigerian neurosurgical literature and data from a structured survey of Nigerian neurosurgeons and residents provided details of current local and international collaborations for neurosurgical research, service delivery, training, and capacity building. These were analyzed to provide an overview of the role of collaborations in sustainable neurosurgical development in Nigeria and to recommend approaches to enhance neurosurgical capacity. RESULTS: In 1023 peer-reviewed neurosurgery publications from Nigeria, there were 4618 authors with 3688 from 98 Nigerian institutions and 930 from 296 foreign institutions in 70 countries. While there were significant research collaborations amongst Nigerian institutions, the most common were with institutions in the US, UK, and Cameroon. From the survey, 62 of 149 respondents (41.6%) from 32 health facilities noted their institution's involvement in capacity-building neurosurgical collaborations. These collaborations involved 22 Nigerian institutions and 13 foreign institutions in 9 countries and were mostly for training and workforce development (78.1%), and research and data management (59.4%). The majority of foreign institutions were from the US and UK. CONCLUSION: Current and previous neurosurgical collaborations have led to sustainable progress in Nigeria. Further local, regional, and international collaborations would enhance the capacity to address the needs and challenges affecting neurosurgery in Nigeria.

Sellar brain tumour co-existing with a left posterior communicating aneurysm causing ptosis: lessons learnt (case report).

Posterior communicating aneurysm (PCOM) commonly presents with ptosis of the eye. This is so also with space occupying lesion compressing the oculomotor nerve. It is quite uncommon for a patient to have both lesions at the same anatomical space concurrently causing ptosis. If undiagnosed before surgical intervention, surgical complications from such a complex neurosurgical problem can be extremely devastating. We share our recent experience with confusing clinical presentation and subsequent treatment of a sellar brain mass co-existing with a left posterior communicating artery aneurysm at the same location in a 48 years old woman who was successfully managed with left pterional craniotomy and clipping of the PCOM aneurysm followed by gross total excision of the lesion. She improved with full resolution of left ptosis within 2 months. The histology revealed WHO Grade 1 psammomatous meningioma. Although similar sorts of pathologies occurring together have been described in the literature, this unique experience underscores the importance of thoroughly evaluating neurosurgical cases clinically irrespective of findings from radiologic investigations in order to prevent unexpected intra-operative disasters and embarrassment. Moreso, this is important particularly in Africa where advanced investigations to easily identify such complex pathologies are not readily available.

Proposal of a Novel Anatomic Guide to the Sphenoid Sinus.

BACKGROUND: Landmarks for transsphenoidal surgery have been described to facilitate resection for pituitary lesions. However, carrying out sphenoidotomy for access to the sellar floor could still be challenging, especially for young surgeons during the steep learning curve. OBJECTIVE: We describe the LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital) line as a simple anatomic guide to avoid missing the trajectory to the sella during anterior sphenoidotomy in microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. METHODS: We identified this line as an impression on the floor of the sphenoid sinus across the point at which the floor of the anterior cranial fossa and the bony projection from the clivus meet. We carried out a literature review of articles describing landmarks for anterior sphenoidotomy using data obtained from PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE databases according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were operated using the LUTH line as a guide for anterior sphenoidotomy during microscopic transsphenoidal pituitary. We did not find any previous description of this anatomic landmark over the anterior sphenoid sinus in the literature. The LUTH line was clearly identified in all 80 cases. The line was used as a bony landmark to the sphenoid sinus in all cases and was found to be consistently accurate. CONCLUSIONS: The LUTH line is a consistent and easy-to-identify landmark that could be useful in preventing potential complications of access to the pituitary sella through the sphenoid sinus. We believe it to be useful in the absence of intraoperative guidance, especially for young surgeons who are just starting off their career in pituitary surgery.

Split cord malformation associated with congenital dermoid cyst and myeloschisis - case-based literature review on possible embryonic derivation and implications.

Split cord malformation co-existing with either congenital dermoid or myeloschisis has been previously reported. Theories exist which explain the underlying embryopathy behind the occurrence of each of these anomalies in conjunction with split cord malformation. However, the occurrence of all three anomalies in the same patient, to the best of our knowledge, has not yet been reported in the literature. We report two cases on the co-existence of congenital dermoid cyst with both myeloschisis and split cord malformation and review the literature on previous postulations of mechanisms that could possibly explain the simultaneous occurrence of all three distinct anomalies. They involve all three primary germ layers and therefore share a common embryonic origin from the epiblast. We try to explain their co-existence based on the theory of notochordal splitting and endomesechymal tract formation consequent on endodermal-ectodermal adhesion as postulated by Beardmore and Wigglesworth and discuss on implications in terms of treatment paradigms. The unusual combination of all three anomalies in both patients probably highlights a need for further research on their pathogenesis despite these previous theories. These cases demonstrate the fact that currently accepted embryological explanations of most pathologies especially outliers still fall short with much remaining to be understood.

Strategies for Treatment of Multiple Brain Aneurysms Without Intraoperative Adjuncts.

BACKGROUND: Although fairly rare, multiple brain aneurysms are well known to occur in certain conditions such as arteriovenous malformations, coarctation of the aorta, renal artery stenosis, adult type 3 polycystic kidney disease, as well as connective tissue disorders (such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and fibromuscular dysplasia). Increased incidence of complications of surgery in such situations is expected to be more likely than in surgery for a single aneurysm, particularly in the absence of intraoperative guidance with adjuncts. METHODS: We report a case of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm, a right middle cerebral artery aneurysm, and a right pericallosal aneurysm in a 70-year-old man. All 3 aneurysms were clipped through a single-stage approach without the aid of any adjuncts such as micro-Doppler ultrasonography, indocyanine green videoangiography, or intraoperative digital subtraction angiography. We carried out a literature review for past publications on similar reports. RESULTS: The patient made a complete postoperative recovery and sustained no neurologic deficits. Out of 388 publications from the literature search, only 1 case report described clipping of 2 tandem aneurysms in a 60-year-old woman without mentioning any intraoperative adjuncts. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that multiple aneurysms can actually be safely operated with adequate planning in the absence of these adjuncts, especially in resource-poor regions. This is particularly crucial in Africa and most low-and-middle-income countries, where such facilities and equipment are not common.

Review of pharmacological treatment of depression in patients with primary brain tumour and proposal of modification in management strategy.

This brief paper describes the challenges with treatment of depression in brain tumour patients particularly in the absence of any currently accepted guidelines for treating this perculiar subset of patients. The proposal offered here is to move to pharmacologic treatment with other modalities in a methodical pattern only after surgical intervention. This is because simply treating with medications based on physician / patient choice as currently recommended may not achieve optimal results in majority of cases in view of the multiple aetiological factors that interplay. A flowchart treatment plan is presented to guide management in a streamlined fashion.

Collaborative International Neurosurgery Education for Africa-The Journey So Far and the Way Forward.

OBJECTIVE: Lack of standard neurosurgical training has long been a major factor limiting the availability of neurosurgical services in most parts of Africa. International collaborative efforts have however, to a large extent, resolved this challenge. METHODS: A review of previous international collaborative programs and educational initiatives in Africa along with their outcomes and accomplishments was conducted. We make a few recommendations on how these programs could be further improved upon toward more productivity and better output with the few available facilities in Africa. RESULTS: Various international collaborative programs focusing on neurosurgery education and training currently exist in East Africa with well-documented advancements in achieving their goals and especially include Neurosurgery Education and Development Foundation, the Weill Cornell Tanzania Neurosurgery project, Duke East Africa Neurosurgery Program, Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurosciences, and CURE Hydrocephalus Program. In West Africa, they include the Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration and the Association of West African Neurosurgeons. CONCLUSIONS: So far, collaborative neurosurgical education and training has been an effective approach in efficiently and progressively increasing capacity in Africa. To further improve the quality of neurosurgical care in Africa in the face of difficult economic circumstances and significant neurosurgical disease burden, implementation of the suggested recommendations will enhance the capacity and sustainability of these existing programs with the few available facilities and equipment and would go a long way in further reducing the burden in Africa.

Developing a Guideline for Neurotrauma in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The Nigerian Academy of Neurological Surgeons in 2019 resolved to standardize the practice of neurosurgery in Nigeria. It set up committees to standardize the various aspects of neurosurgery, such as neurotrauma, pediatrics, functional, vascular, skull base, brain tumor, and spine. The Committee on Neurotrauma convened and resolved to study most of the available protocols and guidelines in use in different parts of the world. OBJECTIVE: To formulate a standard protocol for the practice of neurotrauma care within the Nigerian locality. METHODS: The Committee split its membership into 3 subcommittees to cover the various aspects of the Neurotrauma Guidelines, such as neurotrauma curriculum, standard neurotrauma management protocols, and neurotrauma registry. Each subcommittee was to research on available models and formulate a draft for Nigerian neurotrauma. RESULTS: All the 3 subcommittees had their reports ready on schedule. Each concurred that neurotrauma is a major public health challenge in Nigeria. They produced 3 different drafts on the 3 thematic areas of the project. The subcommittees are: 1. Subcommittee on Fellowship, Training and Research Curriculum; 2. Subcommittee on Standard Protocols and Management Guidelines; and 3. Subcommittee of the Nigerian Neurotrauma Registry. CONCLUSION: The committee concluded that a formal protocol for neurotrauma care is long overdue in Nigeria for the standardization of all aspects of neurotrauma. It then recommended the adoption of these guidelines by all institutions offering services in Nigeria using the management protocols, opening a registry, and mounting researches on the various aspects of neurotrauma.

Intracranial abscesses in children at Ile-Ife, Nigeria: a case series and review of literature.

PURPOSE: Central nervous system (CNS) infections are significant causes of morbidities and mortalities in children with some being prone to the development of abscesses which can either be within the brain parenchyma or located in extracranial structures. We aimed to describe the clinical profile and outcome of children with cranial abscesses at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC). METHODS: Consecutive cases presenting at the Children Emergency Ward of OAUTHC Ile-Ife were recruited. The pattern of presentation, predisposing factors and outcome of these children were studied. RESULTS: Among the 641 children admitted within a 6-month period, six were diagnosed with cranial abscess giving a hospital prevalence of 0.9%. The mean duration of symptom prior to presentation was 12.7 ± 13.4 days. Five (83.3%) of the patients had intracranial abscesses which were multiple in two (33.3%) children. One patient had Pott's puffy tumour following frontal sinusitis. Surgical management was done for two (33.3%), and this was by craniotomy and evacuation. Two of the patients died with a case fatality rate of 33.3%. CONCLUSION: Though uncommon, cranial abscesses remain life threatening in children especially in resource-poor settings. Early presentation and early treatment of local infections will improve outcome.

An audit of surgical site infection following open prostatectomy in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) are a potential cause of morbidity and increased cost of care after operations such as open prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE: To audit the occurrence of SSI after open prostatectomy at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: A review of all patients who underwent open prostatectomy over a ten-year period (July 2005 to June 2015). Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences version 21. Association between variables was determined using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 247 open prostatectomy surgeries were reviewed, with the patients' ages ranging from 43 - 91 years and a mean age of 67.0 ± 8.8 years. Elective procedures were 98.8% while the remaining 1.2% were emergency cases. There were 24 (9.8%) surgical site infections. The duration of admission of the patients with SSI ranged from 6 - 15 days with a mean of 9.5 ± 3.2 days, as against 4 - 9 days (mean of 5.0 ± 2.1days) for those without SSI. All the patients with SSI were successfully managed with no resultant mortality. Risk factors identified for SSI were emergency surgery (p=0.001), obesity (p<0.0001), diabetes mellitus (p=0.008), smoking (p<0.0001), pre-operative catheterization (p<0.0001), excessive haemorrhage (p<0.0001) and post-operative suprapubic bladder drainage (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: SSI is a recognized complication of open prostatectomy. Identified risk factors for its occurrence from this audit are emergency operation, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, pre-operative catheterization, excessive haemorrhage and post-operative suprapubic bladder drainage. Age, approach to prostatectomy (retropubic vs transvesical), incision type (lower midline vs pfannenstiel), level of the surgeon, catheter type and modality of irrigation were however not significant risk factors for post-prostatectomy SSI in this study.

Impact of Comorbidities on Outcome Following Revision of Recurrent Single-Level Lumbar Disc Prolapse between Revision Microdiscectomy and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Single-Institutional Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Reports exist in the literature on the relationship between comorbid conditions and recurrence of lumbar disc herniation. Meanwhile, documented evidence abound on microdiscectomy and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) as techniques of managing recurrent disc prolapse. Some surgeons would choose to perform PLIF instead of microdiscectomy for a first time re-herniation, because of the possibility of higher chances of further recurrence as well as increased likelihood of spinal instability following treatment with microdiscectomy. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether PLIF is better than microdiscectomy for first-time recurrent single-level lumbar disc prolapse and to compare the impact of comorbidities on outcome following revision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was retrospective review of surgical treatment of patients with recurrent single-level disc prolapse with either microdiscectomy or PLIF at a tertiary health institution in India. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were evaluated. There was no statistically significant correlation between the presence of comorbidity and outcome in terms of improvement of pain (P > 0.05 at 95% degree of confidence; Spearman's ρ =0.239). Patients who had PLIF were neither more nor less likely to have a better outcome compared to those who had microdiscectomy, though this finding was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 0.263; P = 0.284). CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between the presence of comorbidity and outcome following revision. Microdiscectomy did not prove to be a better option than PLIF for surgical management of recurrent single-level disc prolapse. A quality randomized controlled study would help to validate these findings.

Proposal of modification in management strategy for intracranial hemorrhage in low- and middle-income countries.

This brief communication describes the challenges faced by neurosurgeons in Low- or middle-income countries to treat neurosurgical emergencies from intracranial bleeds (whether traumatic or spontaneous). The authors point out that in low- or middle-income countries and Africa in particular, resources, facilities, and personnel are lacking to follow the guidelines proposed for treating these conditions in high-income countries. The proposal offered here is to move to early surgical intervention because algorithms to monitor patients under conservative management guidelines are often not possible.