Advancing pediatric neurosurgery in China

Abstract

Pediatric neurosurgery, encompassing a range of conditions such as childhood brain tumors, congenital neural tube defects, hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury and cerebrovascular diseases, has seen considerable advancement in China since its inception in 1960. Through sustained efforts across generations of physicians, the field has evolved from nonexistence to a position of strength, currently leading globally in the volume and diversity of clinical cases. Despite these strides, challenges persist, notably the shortage of specialized surgeons, regional discrepancies in medical care standards, and a dearth of clinical guidelines. The advent of technologies such as artificial intelligence, brain⁃computer interfaces, and virtual reality presents unprecedented opportunities for rapid advancements in diagnosis and treatment standards. The onus lies on China's pediatric neurosurgery community to leverage this technological evolution, and fulfill their collective mission and responsibility.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2023.05.001