{"id":"7b891e92-ec2b-42e0-a044-a838938b889b","slug":"even-with-covid-19-neurosurgeons-should-still-perform-necessary-urgent-emergent-neurosurgery-to-avoid-major-permanent-neurological-deficits","title":"Even with COVID-19 neurosurgeons should still perform necessary urgent/emergent neurosurgery to avoid major permanent neurological deficits","authors":["Sven Bamps","Gert Roosen","Steven Vanvolsem","Maarten Wissels","Eric Put","Wim Duyvendak","Peter Donkersloot","Mark Pazier"],"abstract":"Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the postponement of numerous elective neurosurgical cases, particularly in spinal surgery, to allocate resources for treating COVID-19 patients. This has resulted in a significant decrease in urgent neurosurgical cases presented in emergency departments, prompting a need to reassess neurosurgical practices. Summary: Despite the global trend to limit surgeries to emergent cases, many urgent neurosurgical conditions, such as spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages and spinal emergencies, remain critical and should not be overlooked. Timely surgical intervention is essential for optimal outcomes in patients with acute or progressive neurological deficits, as delays can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Neurosurgeons must continue to perform necessary urgent and emergent surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent long-term neurological deficits. It is crucial to maintain patient trust and encourage those with urgent neurosurgical needs to seek care, while also utilizing technology to reach out to patients. Keywords: COVID-19, neurosurgery, urgent surgery, emergency care, spinal surgery, patient outcomes, healthcare access","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/general-neurosurgery.png","publishDate":"2020-04-25T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_153_2020","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/9978/SNI-11-75.pdf"}