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Objective: The aim of this study is to compare specific three-institution, cross-country data that are relevant to the Global Surgery indicators and the functioning of health systems. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of pediatric patients who underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion surgery for hydrocephalus in three different centers: the University of Tsukuba Hospital in Ibaraki, Japan (HIC), the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila, Philippines [low-to-middle-income country (LMIC)], and the Federal Neurosurgical Center in Novosibirsk, Russia (UMIC). The outcomes of interest were the timing of CSF diversion surgery and mortality. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics, Cox proportional hazards model, and logistic regression. Nation-level data were also obtained to provide the relevant socioeconomic contexts in discussing the results. Results: In total, 159 children were included, where 13 are from Japan, 99 are from the Philippines, and 47 are from the Russian Federation. The median time to surgery at the specific neurosurgical centers was 6 days in the Philippines and 1 day in both Japan and Russia. For the cohort from the Philippines, non-poor patients were more likely to receive CSF diversion surgery at an earlier time (HR = 4.74, 95% CI 2.34-9.61, p <0.001). In the same center, those with infantile or posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (HR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.70-8.15, p = 0.001) were more likely to receive CSF diversion earlier compared to those with congenital hydrocephalus, and those with postinfectious (HR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.22-0.70, p = 0.002) or myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22-0.95, p = 0.037) were less likely to undergo surgery at an earlier time. For Russia, older patients were more likely to receive or require early CSF diversion (HR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14, p = 0.035). External ventricular drain (EVD) insertion was found to be associated with mortality (cOR 14.45, 95% CI 1.28-162.97, p = 0.031). Conclusion: In this study, Filipino children underwent late time-interval of CSF diversion surgery and had mortality differences compared to their Japanese and Russian counterparts. These disparities may reflect on the functioning of the health systems of respective countries.
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CONTEXT: Multiloculated hydrocephalus remains one of the most challenging neurosurgical problems. In this study, we use frameless navigation during endoscopic interventions to improve the efficiency of operations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine navigated endoscopic procedures were performed in 8 children with various forms of multiloculated hydrocephalus from March 2013 to June 2014. Preoperatively, the optimal entry point for fenestration of several cysts was determined on the basis of magnetic resonance data. During surgery, rigid endoscope was registered in neuronavigation system for making the connection between separated ventricles and cysts. The final stage of the operation was to conduct a stent through the working channel of the endoscope for implantation of a shunt. RESULTS: Number of compartments interconnected by an operation ranged from 3 to 5. Seven interventions were performed simultaneously with the shunt implantation. The follow-up period ranged from 9 to 15 months. The clinical improvement as a result of the operation was achieved in all children. The follow-up included clinical examination and evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging. Additional surgery was necessary in two patients: The first 5 months later, the second 1-year after endoscopic intervention. CONCLUSION: Application of frameless navigated neuroendoscopy makes this kind of operations the most efficient and safe for the patient.
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Epidemiological studies of cancer incidence in Kazakhstan have revealed an uneven distribution for cervical cancer. Incidence and mortality rates were calculated for different regions of the republic, including the two major cities of Almaty and Astana, in 1999-2008. Defined levels for cartograms for incidence were low (up to 12.8/100,000), medium (12.8 to 15.9) and high (above 15.9) and for mortality were up to 7.1, 7.1 to 10.8 and above 10.8, respectively. Basically high incidence rates were identified in the eastern, central and northern parts of the country and in Almaty. Such difference in cervical cancer data, and also variation in mortality/incidence ratios from a low of 0.4 in Almaty to a high of 0.71 in Zhambyl, point to variation in demographic and medical features which impact on risk and prognistic factors for cervical cancer in the country. Further research is necessary to highlight areas for emphasis in cancer control programs for this important cancer.
