Current practices and advances in pediatric neurosurgery

Advances in the field of neuroscience are enhancing outcomes for pediatric neurosurgical patients. Innovative diagnostic tools that include ventriculoscopy for hydrocephalus; long-term monitoring with subdural and epidural electrodes for seizures; and intraoperative computer-assisted, three-dimensional imaging for tumors are currently aiding neurosurgeons. These advances in the care of pediatric patients require the perioperative nurse to reevaluate and expand the nurse's role to optimize patient outcomes.