BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Internet has become a primary source of health information, leading patients to seek answers online before consulting health care providers. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in neurosurgery by assessing the accuracy and helpfulness of artificial intelligence (AI)–generated responses to common postsurgical questions. METHODS: A list of 60 commonly asked questions regarding neurosurgical procedures was developed. ChatGPT-3.0, ChatGPT-3.5, and ChatGPT-4.0 responses to these questions were recorded and graded by numerous practitioners for accuracy and helpfulness. The understandability and actionability of the answers were assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool. Readability analysis was conducted using established scales. RESULTS: A total of 1080 responses were evaluated, equally divided among ChatGPT-3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, each contributing 360 responses. The mean helpfulness score across the 3 subsections was 3.511 ± 0.647 while the accuracy score was 4.165 ± 0.567. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool analysis revealed that the AI-generated responses had higher actionability scores than understandability. This indicates that the answers provided practical guidance and recommendations that patients could apply effectively. On the other hand, the mean Flesch Reading Ease score was 33.5, suggesting that the readability level of the responses was relatively complex. The Raygor Readability Estimate scores ranged within the graduate level, with an average score of the 15th grade. CONCLUSION: The artificial intelligence chatbot's responses, although factually accurate, were not rated highly beneficial, with only marginal differences in perceived helpfulness and accuracy between ChatGPT-3.0 and ChatGPT-3.5 versions. Despite this, the responses from ChatGPT-4.0 showed a notable improvement in understandability, indicating enhanced readability over earlier versions.

Background: Craniosynostosis, a condition involving the premature fusion of cranial sutures, can impair brain development and potentially lead to developmental delays. This study compares open cranial vault remodeling versus endoscopic strip craniectomy treatment for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis, primarily focusing on development outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric surgery center, involving all 45 patients treated surgically for isolated sagittal craniosynostosis from 2013 to 2024. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on surgical intervention: open cranial vault remodeling (n=17) and endoscopic strip craniectomy (n=28). Data collected included patient demographics, intraoperative specifics, and postoperative outcomes. Developmental outcomes were assessed using postoperative progress notes. Results: Of the 45 patients, those undergoing open surgery were older (10.7 mo and 9.4 kg versus 3.3 mo and 6.4 kg, P<0.001) and experienced higher use of intraoperative drains (65% versus 0%, P<0.001), more prolonged procedures (189 versus 58 min, P<0.001), more significant blood loss (102 versus 62 mL, P=0.009), longer stays (3.3 versus 2.6 d, P=0.011), and higher opioid prescription rates (82% versus 43%, P=0.013) compared to the endoscopic group. Within 12 months postoperatively, social delays were more common in the open group (19 versus 0%, P=0.049), and, postoperatively in general, cognitive delays were more common in the open group (31% versus 4%, P=0.023) when compared to the endoscopic group. Conclusions: Endoscopic cranial vault remodeling produces preferentially better hemodynamic, postoperative, and hospital stay outcomes. Although inferences into long-term developmental delay outcomes were limited due to sample size, a preferential benefit toward endoscopic intervention may exist.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are among the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies impacting feeding, speech, and facial appearance. Comprehensive management involves multidisciplinary care, including surgical interventions, orthodontics, speech therapy, and psychosocial support. This study examines demographic, clinical, and economic factors influencing hospital charges and outcomes associated with CLP management in the United States. Using ICD-10-CM/PCS codes and data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2016 and 2017, this study included patients primarily or secondarily treated for combined CLP. Baseline demographics and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing non-home discharges and extended length of stay (LOS). The study population comprised 4205 patients (60.2% male and 39.8% female). The majority were White (44.3%) and Hispanic (29.3%). Most patients were privately insured (47.0%) or on Medicaid (42.7%). The mean cost of care was $13,291, and total hospital charges averaged $49,229, inflation adjusted. The average LOS was 1.981 days (SD=6.850), and 1.3% of patients experienced non-home discharges. Native American patients and those with higher risks of mortality showed higher odds of non-home discharge, whereas patients in the West had lower odds of non-home discharge. Those of unspecified racial background, treated at urban non-teaching hospitals, or with higher risks of mortality experienced higher odds of extended LOS. This study highlights sociodemographic and geographic disparities in CLP care. Addressing systemic barriers and standardizing care protocols are essential to improving outcomes and reducing financial burdens.

Nasal bone fractures represent the most common facial skeletal injury, challenging both function and aesthetics. This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-based review analyzed 23 studies published within the past 5 years, selected from 998 records retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Data from 1780 participants were extracted, focusing on diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, anesthesia protocols, and long-term outcomes. Ultrasound and artificial intelligence-based algorithms improved diagnostic accuracy, while telephone triage streamlined necessary encounters. Navigation-assisted reduction, ballooning, and septal reduction with polydioxanone plates improved outcomes. Anesthetic approaches ranged from local nerve blocks to general anesthesia with intraoperative administration of lidocaine, alongside techniques to manage pain from nasal pack removal postoperatively. Long-term follow-up demonstrated improved quality of life, breathing function, and aesthetic satisfaction with timely and individualized treatment. This review highlights the trend toward personalized, technology-assisted approaches in nasal fracture management, highlighting areas for future research.