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Stereotactic radiosurgery training patterns across neurosurgical programs: a multi-national survey

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Abstract

Introduction

The field of neurosurgery has witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as a modality to treat various cranial and spinal pathologies. However, studies have consistently demonstrated disparities in SRS training. Accordingly, the present study represents a cross-sectional analysis of current SRS training and practice patterns.

Methods

An online survey was utilized to collect data from participants. Two-sided t-tests were used in order to compare frequency tables for statistically significant differences between groups. Qualitative analyses were performed by modified thematic analyses, employing open and axial coding.

Results

A total of 67 participants completed the online survey (16.4% response rate). The majority of participants were neurosurgery attendings (58.2%), followed by neurosurgery residents (25.4%). The majority of participants reported that resident exposure to SRS was gained primarily through non-SRS focused rotations (52.2%). The survey found that exposure to tumor cases was most frequent, followed by functional, vascular, and spine indications. The majority of participants (49.3%) indicate that residents are not competent or exhibit a low level of competency in SRS at the completion of neurosurgical residency. Qualitative analyses demonstrated that respondents believe SRS is a critical modality in current cranial neurosurgical care and that increased training is needed.

Conclusions

This study provides a multi-national analysis of SRS residency training and practice patterns, and aims to stimulate improvement in SRS in training worldwide. Enhanced resident training in SRS must include wider exposure to vascular, neoplastic, functional and pediatric indications for SRS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA

    Nardin Samuel

  2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Daniel M. Trifiletti

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa

  4. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    L. Dade Lunsford

  5. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Box 800212, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Jason Sheehan

Authors
  1. Nardin Samuel
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  2. Daniel M. Trifiletti
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  3. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
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  4. L. Dade Lunsford
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  5. Jason Sheehan
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Correspondence to Jason Sheehan.

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Samuel, N., Trifiletti, D.M., Quinones-Hinojosa, A. et al. Stereotactic radiosurgery training patterns across neurosurgical programs: a multi-national survey. J Neurooncol 151, 325–330 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-020-03670-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-020-03670-x

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