Controversies in Neurosurgery: Brachytherapy in Cranial Oncology: Roles and Limits

October 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Deviations are Associated With Brain Stiffness Interfaces Measured by Magnetic Resonance Elastography To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/onsonline/fulltext/2025/10000/deep_brain_stimulation_electrode_deviations_are.8.aspx Author: Chengyuan Wu Guest Faculty: Kim Burchiel Moderator: Helen Shi Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega

Title: MIPS for ICH: Ground-breaking Innovation for MIS ICH Evacuation and Future Directions Guests: David Dornbos and Mark Bain MIS ICH evacuation has become standard of care following the ENRICH trial and the introduction of level 1 evidence showing efficacy. We discuss the pearls and pitfalls of this approach and how to best build systems of care to enhance its success. While this has been a frameshift in ICH management, numerous questions remain unanswered and are the focus of ongoing trials and research. Sponsored by Stryker

Title: Wellness Podcast: Peak Performance: Wellness Strategies for Neurosurgeons Guest Faculty: Pilin Anice and Raqeeb Haque Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode, we will explore practical ways to support the wellness of neurosurgeons. Through our discussion we will discover strategies to maintain energy in high-stress environments, improve sleep quality, manage stress effectively, and make smart nutrition choices.

September 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Ventricular Entry During Glioblastoma Resection is Associated With Reduced Survival and Increased Risk of Distant Recurrence To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/09000/ventricular_entry_during_glioblastoma_resection_is.10.aspx Author: Neslihan Gecici and Pascal Zinn Guest Faculty: Bryan Choi Moderator: Alexander Himstead Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang

Patients with functioning pituitary adenomas (FPA) require a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to select best medical, surgical and radiation treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of SRS for adult patients with FPA. Brad Elder, MD Isabelle Germano, MD Carrie Andrews, MD

Title: Controversies in Neurosurgery: Brachytherapy in Cranial Oncology: Roles and Limits Guest Faculty: Wenya Linda Bi and Phillip Devlin Hosts: W. Christopher Newman and Seth Oliveria Intracranial brachytherapy has become an increasingly prominent part of the neurosurgical oncologist’s toolbox. In this episode, we will explore some of the indications, active areas of exploration, and current controversies surrounding its use.

Neurosurgical intervention in patients with functioning pituitary adenomas is evolving and the role of endoscopic transsphenoidal techniques versus microsurgery, surgery versus medical management, and the beneficial role of adjuvant surgical techniques, along with second surgery on patient outcomes remains unclear. Brad Elder, MD Kevin Lillehei, MD David Ormond, MD

August 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Kyphotic Risk Factors After Cervical Laminoplasty in 2 Different Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Groups and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/08000/comparative_analysis_of_outcomes_and_kyphotic_risk.5.aspx Author: Hyun Woong Mun Guest Faculty: Benjamin Elder Moderator: Roxana Beladi Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega

Podcast Miniseries: Cultivating a Culture – Growing a Healthy Neurosurgical Workplace Episode 1: Being Yourself in a Big Pond Guest: Anand Veeravagu Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Chris Newman In this first episode of a 4-part miniseries, we sit down with Dr. Anand Veeravagu of Stanford for a wide-ranging conversation on building, sustaining, and evolving institutional culture. Dr. Veeravagu shares insights on navigating the dynamics of a storied institution—discussing how to honor tradition while driving innovation, foster a strong reputation, and cultivate meaningful, productive relationships along the way.

July 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Perioperative Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist Use and Rates of Pseudarthrosis After Single-Level Lumbar Fusion: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/07000/perioperative_glucagon_like_peptide_1_agonist_use.9.aspx Author: Konstantinos Margetis Guest Faculty: Stephen Kalhorn Moderator: Brian Saway Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang