Midline Brain Shift After Hemispheric Surgery: Natural History, Clinical Significance, and Association With Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion

Yasunori Nagahama, from the Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, recently served as author on a publication entitled “Midline Brain Shift After Hemispheric Surgery: Natural History, Clinical Significance, and Association With Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion.” The article was published on May 22, 2022, in Operative Neurosurgery.

Click Here To Read Rutgers Now Article

Click the link to read the full article on Operative Neurosurgery

https://journals.lww.com/onsonline/Fulltext/2022/05000/Midline_Brain_Shift_After_Hemispheric_Surgery_.3.aspx

Association of Patient Frailty With Vestibular Schwannoma Resection Outcomes and Machine Learning Development of a Vestibular Schwannoma Risk Stratification Score

James K. Liu, MD, & Kevin Zhao, DO, from the Department of Neurosurgery, NJMS & Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, recently served as co-authors on a publication entitled “Association of Patient Frailty With Vestibular Schwannoma Resection Outcomes and Machine Learning Development of a Vestibular Schwannoma Risk Stratification Score.” The article was published on April 19, 2022, in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

Click the link to read the full article.

https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/Abstract/9900/Association_of_Patient_Frailty_With_Vestibular.226.aspx

The metabolic basis of epilepsy

Dr. Detlev Boison, Ph.D., Professor & Vice-Chair of Research and Training, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School, recently contributed to the article “The metabolic basis of epilepsy,” which was published on March 31, 2022, in the journal Nature Reviews Neurology. The article reviews evidence that supports both pathophysiological and therapeutic roles for brain metabolism in epilepsy.

Click the link to read the full article. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-022-00651-8

THE CONCISE GUIDE TO PHARMACOLOGY 2021/22: Enzymes

Our Professor & Vice Chair of Research and Training, Dr. Detlev Boison, Ph.D., recently contributed to an article, “The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2021/22,” published on September 16, 2021, in The British Journal of Pharmacology. The Concise Guide provides concise overviews, mostly in tabular format, of the key properties of nearly 1900 human drug targets with an emphasis on selective pharmacology (where available), plus links to the open access knowledge base source of drug targets and their ligands. Click the link in bio to read the full article.

Read Study Now Click Here: https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.15542

Real-World Preliminary Experience With Responsive Neurostimulation in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study

On September 15, 2021, Dr. Yasunori Nagahama, M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Director of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery, published an article titled “Real-World Preliminary Experience With Responsive Neurostimulation in Pediatric Epilepsy: A Multicenter Retrospective Observational Study,” in the journal Neurosurgery. Click the link to read the full article.

Read Study Now Click Here: https://doi.org/10.1093/neuros/nyab343

Genetic variations of adenosine kinase as predictable biomarkers of efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy

Our Professor & Vice Chair of Research and Training, Dr. Detlev Boison, Ph.D., recently published an article “Genetic variations of adenosine kinase as predictable biomarkers of efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy,” on September 3, 2021, in The Journal of Neurosurgery.

Read Study Now Click Here: https://doi.org/10.3171/2021.3.JNS21141

The Department of Neurosurgery proudly presents a published work titled, “The Good, the Bad, and the Deadly: Adenosinergic Mechanisms Underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.” Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), is one of the most devastating outcomes of epilepsy. The precise pathophysiology of SUDEP is the subject of ongoing debate. Our “Adenosine Research Team” at the Neurosurgery Department is investigating potential mechanisms to predict and prevent SUDEP. In line with these efforts, the team recently compiled a comprehensive review outlining the multifarious effects of adenosine signaling- the good, the bad, and the deadly, in the context of epilepsy and SUDEP. 

Read Study Now Click Here:     https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.708304

On June 7th, 2021, Medscape, Published a study titled, “Intracranial Epidural Abscess.” The authors provide a comprehensive look at Intracranial epidural abscess (IEA), best practices, pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Frequency, Mortality/Morbidity, sex-and age-related demographics, complications, prognosis, testing, therapies, approach considerations and much more relating to IEA.  The published work provides high quality evidence and will help provide better overall patient care.

Read the Entire Study Now!  Click Here:  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1165292-overview#a1

On June 4th, 2021, Stroke, a publication of the American Heart Association, Published an study titled, “Compliance With Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Individual Participant Data Statement for Meta-Analyses Published for Stroke Studies.” The authors evaluated the adherence of stroke meta-analysis studies to standardized guidelines. This work is key to improving the reporting quality of future stroke studies which ultimately translates into higher quality evidence and better patient care.  Read the Entire Study Now!  Click Here: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.033288

The eNeuro Journal recently featured a published study titled, “Developmental role of adenosine kinase in the cerebellum.”  Adenosine is a ubiquitous metabolite involved in fundamental biological processes, including energy homeostasis, gene regulation, and neurotransmission. Disruption of normal adenosine function leads to brain disease.

Gebril et al. show that adenosine kinase, the main regulator of adenosine, is associated with the proliferation of young neurons and with development of the cerebellum, a brain area crucial for motor function.    Read the Whole Study Here: https://www.eneuro.org/content/8/3/ENEURO.0011-21.2021

In May 2021, Karger, Published a study titled, “Is it possible to save DBS hardware when presenting with wound dehiscence or hardware infection?” The authors provide a comprehensive look into this subject. 

Discussion/Conclusion:

Wound dehiscence can be successfully managed without complete removal of the DBS system in most cases. In cases of infection, removing the involved component(s) and sparing the intracranial leads may be considered. Wound revision without removal of the entire DBS system is safe and can improve quality of life by preventing or shortening the withdrawal of DBS treatment.

Read the Entire Study Now! (Click Link Below)

https://doi.org/10.1159/000517299

Spine featured a study published study titled, “National Rates, Reasons, and Risk Factors for 30- and 90-Day Readmission and Reoperation Among Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion An Analysis Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database.”  Summary: Identifying populations at high-risk of 30-day readmission is a priority in healthcare reform so as to reduce cost and patient morbidity. However, among patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDF), nationally-representative data have been limited, and have seldom described 90-day readmissions, early reoperation, or socioeconomic influences. The Study is Published in SPINE: March 02, 2021 – Volume Publish Ahead of Print – Issue – doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004020.   Read the Whole Study Click Link Now 

We are excited to share that our Chairman: Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, FACS

has contributed an amazing article on aneurysms that will be very helpful, informative and serve our community at large.  Check out his article in the Spring 2021 issue of Healthy Together Page 12. Click Here Now To Read It.

The authors Blake Taylor et al. found that the most common strokes were those that block off large arteries that supply the brain, and unlike those without COVID, these patients had a higher-than-expected risk of death. The risk of death appeared to be related to a poorer initial condition on arrival to the hospital and higher blood levels of D-dimer, a marker of clotting and inflammation. There was also a breadth of different kinds of strokes among these patients, including brain bleeding and blood clots in veins in the brain. This study shows that COVID-19 may be associated with brain bleeds as well as ischemic strokes, that mortality is significantly higher than those without COVID, and that certain features may be able to predict the patient’s overall outcome.

Click here to read the full article.

Last month, Newswise featured a patient, Peter Davey, who had a hypoxic brain injury or lack of oxygen flow to the brain in September 2019 and was treated by Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH). The article describes the resilience of his mother, Diane, as she fought for her son whose life was in imminent danger, as well as the care Dr. Gupta and the staff of the Neurocritical Care Unit provided. To read the full article, please click here.

Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, participated in one of the Keynote Lectures at the WFNS Neuroendocrine Symposium 2021. He presented a new talk entitled “Neuroendocrine Surgery: Historical Aspects and Eraritjaritjaka,” which highlighted the historical evolution of pituitary surgeries, along with microscopic transnasal approaches to current endoscopic transnasal approaches. The honored guest speaker at this meeting was Professor A.K. Banerji and featured additional keynote lectures from Drs. Ari George Chacko, Rudolf Fahlbusch, Nelson Oyesiku, and William T. Couldwell. This two-day virtual event was targeted towards LMIC residents and featured over 40 speakers.

The Department of Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, recently hosted a virtual grand rounds event. The lineup of speakers, all of who are current faculty members of the Department of Neurosurgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, included Anil Nanda, MD, who presented a talk on “Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Update,” Sudipta Roychowdhury, MD, who spoke on “Endovascular Treatment of Stroke 2021 Update,” Gaurav Gupta, MD, who spoke on “Neurosurgical Management of Brain Aneurysms” and Hai Sun, MD, PhD, who presented his talk on “Treatment of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations.” The purpose of this event was to discuss management options and recent advances in the field, while promoting education regarding neurovascular emergencies in areas of stroke, aneurysms and other vascular malformations.

The Department of Pediatrics, in conjunction with the Department of Neurosurgery, at Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, hosted Dr. Frederick A. Boop, as a Visiting Professor for Grand Rounds. Dr. Boop gave his talk on “Pediatric Brain Tumors: Past, Present, and Future,” and discussed the technological advancements of pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and management. The virtual event was viewed by over 160 people and was targeted towards an audience of pediatricians, researchers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses. Dr. Boop serves as the Co-Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and Medical Director of the Neuroscience Programs, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital; and Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, participated as a distinguished Visiting Professor and presented his talk, “Skull Base Surgery: Rembrandt vs Picasso,” at Grand Rounds for the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI. Dr. Nanda spoke on the technical nuances of skull base tumors and complex vascular surgeries and highlighted a few insights of his career in neurosurgery. The virtual event also featured case reports from residents and featured a multidisciplinary group of audience members including physicians, scientists, trainees, and other health care providers. The series was hosted by Dr. Ellen L. Air, MD, and Dr. Adam M. Robin, MD, who serve as co-chairs of the visiting professorship program at the Henry Ford Hospital.

Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, served as the honored guest speaker at the plenary session of the Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons Virtual WebCon, where he presented his talk, Complications: Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never, on Dec. 11, 2020. The academic conference was organized by ACNS Congress President, Prof. Krish Sridhar, and was held as an entirely virtual meeting from Dec. 11 – 13, in Chennai, India. The purpose of the seminar was to educate young neurosurgeons for continuous improvement in their practice, through clinic application and basic science knowledge.

Our team of faculty members and residents has recently published a study discussing COVID-19 and neurovascular outcomes. Please click here to read the full article.

On Friday, Nov. 6, Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, participated as a guest speaker and presented his talk, Skull Base Surgery: Resisting the Siren’s Song, at the Second Annual Stroke and Neurocritical Care Symposium. Neuro-emergencies during the pandemic was the theme of the meeting, which was held virtually over the course of one day, in partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences. RBHS faculty members including Gaurav Gupta, Kiwon Lee, Stephen Johnson, Priyank Khandelwal, Hai Sun, and Sudipta (Sid) Roychowdhury also participated as guest speakers. The symposium highlighted such topics as neurovascular surgery, cerebrovascular emergencies, and neurocritical care.

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month Our research faculty work tirelessly to advance the mission of our medical school, improve human health while educating and preparing the next generation of distinguished clinical and scientific researchers. Dr. Detlev Boison, Professor & Vice Chair of Research & Training, Department of Neurosurgery, believes that epilepsy prevention is the ultimate goal in therapy development. He, along with Dr. Vineet Chitravanshi, recently published an article on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

To read the full article, please click here.

Read the full article here.

The Department of Neurosurgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School has immediate openings for Leadership Roles in Spine, Functional, and Pediatric neurosurgery. Please click here to submit your application.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, served as an honored guest speaker at the Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons webinar. He presented his talk, Microsurgery, Metacognition, and Mentorships, at the educational seminar designed to benefit young neurosurgeons and residents. The event was organized by ACNS President, Prof. Yoko Kato, and Chair, Prof. Ahmed Ammar.

Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, served as the honored guest speaker at the 15th Asian-Oceanian International Congress on Skull Base Surgery, where he presented his talk on Global Neurosurgery: Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls, on Oct. 25, 2020. President of the Congress, Kiyoshi Saito, MD, PhD, tailored the week-long virtual congress around the theme of “The Next Generation,” with the goal of offering educational lectures about the future of skull base surgeries, between young doctors and experienced professionals from around the globe. This meeting was held in conjunction with the 32nd Annual Meeting of The Japanese Society for Skull Base Surgery, where Dr. Nanda also participated as a guest speaker and gave his talk on Skull Base Surgery: Picasso vs Rembrandt.

Our chairman, Dr. Anil Nanda, and PGY-6 Neurosurgery Resident, Dr. Neil Majmundar, presented at the WFNS Next Gen Forum Webinar on October 23rd, 2020. The WFNS Next Gen Forum Webinar Inaugural Session was led by Basant Misra MD of Mumbai, India, with a Master Presentation by Nelson Oyesiku on “Evolution and Revolution in Pituitary Surgery”, followed by Multiple Young Neurosurgeons presentation.

Click here to watch the recording.

Dr. Anil Nanda, MD, MPH, was the honored guest speaker at the 79th Annual Meeting of The Japan Neurosurgical Society, where he presented a virtual 25-minute lecture on Skull Base Surgery: Bushido vs Gaman, on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.  Congress President, Isao Date, M.D., Ph.D., organized the meeting held both in-person and virtually from Oct. 15 – 17, in Okayama, Japan. The theme of the event was human resource development to convey knowledge, technology, and dreams (designation). The symposium highlighted cultural and educational lectures and showcased cross-sectional, video, and sub-specialty programs. The Japan Neurosurgical Society has over 10,000 members, including honorary/special, foreign, guest, and supporting members, as well as physicians in training.

Fresh off the press: One of our residents, Dr. Neil Majmundar (PGY 6), Dr. Anil Nanda (Chairman), and Dr. Priyank Khandelwal (Assistant Professor), recently published an article discussing the relationship between COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke, as well as the impact on the delivery of stroke care.

Click here to read the full article.

Dr. Detlev Boison, the Vice Chair of Research & Training in the Department of Neurosurgery has been featured in the Summer Edition of the biannual Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Medicine magazine.

Click here to view the full magazine!

The Global Neurosurgery: Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls was a stunning success! We had over 1,000 registrants and 11.2k views on our Facebook live-stream videos from 44 countries including China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Brazil, Canda, Ukraine, Russia, and Mexico.

We had the 1st Annual Peter W. Carmel Oration in recognition of his superlative contribution in medicine and neurosurgery, with the guru of social determinants, Sir Michael Marmot, as the orator for this occasion. This symposium coincided with the Administrative Council meeting of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. A galaxy of international superstars also joined us to address the various aspects of neurosurgery, such as Drs. Robert Spetzler, Karin Muraszko, Basant Misra, Majid Samii, Najia El Abbadi, Franco Servadel, Kee Park, and several other world-renowned surgeons and educators.

We gratefully thank all our wonderful Speakers, Conference Attendees, Students, and Media Partners for making the Global Neurosurgery: Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls virtual symposium a phenomenal success. This inspires us to continue organizing events and Global Meetings on brain tumors, trauma, and spine in the coming years.

Dr. Anil Nanda presented his talk, Skull Base Surgery: Resisting the Siren’s Song, at a webinar for The Algerian Society of Neurosurgery and Panarab Neurosurgical Society. The event was coordinated by Dr. Nabila Tighilt and Professor Loucif Houari, with panelists including Professor Benaissa Abdennebi and Professor Bachir Bellebna from Algeria, Professor Hossam Elhusseiny from Egypt, Professor Abdessamad Elazhari from Morocco and Professor Hossam Aljehani from Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this presentation was to make surgeons aware of when to operate and, most importantly, when to stop and not proceed, to resist the temptation of complete removal and avoid the consequent complications.

Over the course of two days on June 23rd and 24th, The WFNS Neurosurgical Anatomy Committee hosted their second online educational course. Imad N. Kanaan and Vladimír Beneš served as course directors for this program, and additional guest speakers included Dr. Ramez Kirollos, Dr. Victor Hugo Pérez, Dr. Giovanni Broggi, Dr. Jie Tang and Dr. Miguel A. Arraez. Dr. Anil Nanda delivered his talk on Olfactory Grove Meningiomas: Trials and Trepidations. The purpose of this event was to promote sound clinical judgment, to enhance neurosurgical skills of young neurosurgeons and trainees around the globe, and to infuse their challenges and respond to their inquiries.

Dr. Anil Nanda participated in an International Neurosurgery Update webinar, where he presented his talk Anterior Cranial Base Meningiomas: A One Sided Bias. Additional speakers on this platform included Dr. Claudio Yampolsky, Dr. Basant Misra, and Dr. Najia El Abbadi. This was a talk propagating the unilateral or one-sided approach to most of the tumors involving the base of the frontal brain. The extensive removal of bone, disfigurement, and complications can be prevented by using a one-sided approach, also achieving adequate removal of the tumor.

AANSIM 2019 – A joint meeting between the Asian Australasian Society of Neurological Surgeons (AASNS), the Neurological Society of India (NSI) and the International Meningioma Society Congress (IMS) was held at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Center in Mumbai, India from December 5th – 8th, 2019. A members-only World Academy of Neurological Surgery meeting preceded this event on December 3rd and 4th. Guest Societies of AANSIM 2019 included the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). Dr. Anil Nanda presented his talk “Skull Base Surgery: Picasso Vs Rembrandt” at the World Academy of Neurological Surgery conference on December 4. He presented two talks including “Skull Base Surgery – Picasso Vs Rembrandt” and “Dharma: The Redemptive Strenuosities of a Neurosurgical Life”, served as chairperson at the B. Ramamurthi Oration and presented a 3D Video program at the AANSIM conference from December 5 – 8. The theme of this meeting was “Towards One World”, featuring the second-largest gathering of neurosurgeons coming together for a common goal of standard uniform care for all.

Kansas City, KS (October 11th, 2019) –Dr. Anil Nanda gave the Keynote Address on the “The Redemptive Strenuousities of a Neurosurgical Life” at the Teachenor-Williamson Society Symposium.

He discussed the complications and difficulties encountered during neurosurgical procedures and touched on the history and mythology of neurosurgery. The Teachenor-Williamson Symposium brings together the program’s faculty, residents and alumni; local and visiting neurosurgeons; and distinguished guests interested in the clinical neurosciences. The event featured an evening dinner and a keynote speaker followed by a half-day slate of educational talks. This symposium benefits the Department of Neurosurgery’s residency program and recognizes the legacy of scholarly comradery of Frank Randall Teachenor, M.D., and William P. Williamson, M.D., two pioneers of neurosurgery at KU Medical Center and recaptures the spirit of the Frank R. Teachenor Lectures hosted by the department between 1958 and 1969. Dr. Anil Nanda also presented his talk “Skull Base Surgery: Picasso vs Rembrandt” for the Neurology/Neurosurgery Grand Rounds at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The objectives of this speech were to teach the relevant anatomy of the skull base, to teach the management of skull base meningiomas and their complications, and to teach the need of GKRS for residual skull base tumors. Each week, faculty members in the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery meet for grand rounds lectures on evolving areas and new trends in their field. The University of Kansas Medical Center actively seeks to advance the health sciences through world-class research programs and to improve lives and communities in Kansas and beyond through innovation in education, research, and health care.

Boston, MA (October 9th, 2019) – Dr. Anil Nanda gave the Keynote Address on “Big Data Implications for the Clinical Neurosciences” at the Computational Neuroscience Outcomes Center Symposium at Harvard University. He discussed the importance of big data in healthcare, current implications, and future trends.

The Symposium brought together leading data science experts in the clinical neurosciences for a day of keynote and plenary talks on state-of-the-art advances, abstract presentations of cutting edge work and sessions to foster innovative collaborations. Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., with 2,400 faculty members, over 10,400 academic appointments through affiliated teaching hospitals, and more than 36,000 students. Dr. Anil Nanda also presented his talk “Unbearable Lightness of Honesty in Neurosurgical Complications” for the Neurosurgery Grand Rounds at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The objectives of the speech include recognizing and dealing with surgical complications, discussing the anatomical basis of complications, and reviewing the medicolegal environment for complications. Partners HealthCare System is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians and designated this live activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is an internationally-known teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, with over 1,200 physicians and serving patients nationwide and internationally.