Current State of Neurosurgery Training in Pakistan, Results of a Nationwide Questionnaire Based Survey: Interdepartmental Variations Preclude Standardization

Abstract

Objective:  To observe inter departmental variation in the availability of resources and academic activities; within various neurosurgery programs of Pakistan.

Material and Methods:  This is a proforma based survey of Neurosurgery trainees and young neurosurgeons of Pakistan looking at the academic infrastructure and output of their programs. The proforma was filled by 36 respondents from 11 neurosurgery centers of the countries. All centers are accredited for neurosurgery training in Pakistan.

Results:  Out of 36 respondents, 30 were completing fellowship training (FCPS) and 6 were induced for Master in Surgery (MS) program. About 80% participants used Youman’s text book of neurosurgery as reference book. Only 40% candidates had access to more than one indexed neurosurgery journals. Structured academic sessions (journal clubs, neuroradiology meeting, and neuropathology meeting) were lacking in majority of training institutes. 95% trainees had no microsurgical laboratory. Modern neurosurgical tools (frameless neuronavigation system, neuroendoscopy) were in use at few centers only.

Conclusion:  Neurosurgery training in Pakistan is not uniform and wide variations exist between centers. We recommend exchange programs between centers at national and international levels to allow the trainees to gain first hand exposures to facilities not available in their own center.