key: cord-0921970-f9ehpmi5
authors: Chaurasia, Bipin; Deora, Harsh; El-Ghandour, Nasser M F; Oyesiku, Nelson M; Chaurasia, Raushan Kumar; Schulder, Michael; Soriano Sanchez, Jose Antonio; Teo, Mario; Hernesniemi, Juha; Linzey, Joseph Raynor; Schwartz, Theodore H; Cohen-Gadol, Aaron A; Lawton, Michael; Umana, Giuseppe; Mura, Jorge; Grotenhuis, Andre; Sinha, Ajit K; Schroeder, Henry W S; Natarajan, Sabareesh; Sughrue, Michael E; Spetzler, Robert F; Drummond, Katharine; Tanikawa, Rokuya; do Seixo Kadri, Paulo Abdo; Kato, Yoko; Teo, Charles; Suri, Ashish; Tomasi, Santino Ottavio; Winkler, Peter A; Scalia, Gianluca; Sampron, Nicolas; Rasulic, Lukas; Cappabianca, Paolo; Fontanella, Marco M; Laws, Edward R
title: In Memoriam: A Memoir for Our Fallen “Heroes”
date: 2020-07-13
journal: Neurosurgery
DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa314
sha: 9132d8b17f85897b0e597e74ac0ece0d6ac76c60
doc_id: 921970
cord_uid: f9ehpmi5

Even though neurosurgeons exercise these enormous and versatile skills, the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the fabrics of the global neurosurgical family, jeopardizing human lives, and forcing the entire world to be locked down. We stand on the shoulders of the giants and will not forget their examples and their teachings. We will work to the best of our ability to honor their memory. Professor Harvey Cushing said: “When to take great risks; when to withdraw in the face of unexpected difficulties; whether to force an attempted enucleation of a pathologically favorable tumor to its completion with the prospect of an operative fatality, or to abandon the procedure short of completeness with the certainty that after months or years even greater risks may have to be faced at a subsequent session—all these require surgical judgment which is a matter of long experience.” It is up to us, therefore, to keep on the noble path that we have decided to undertake, to accumulate the surgical experience that these icons have shown us, the fruit of sacrifice and obstinacy. Our tribute goes to them; we will always remember their excellent work and their brilliant careers that will continue to enlighten all of us.

Even though neurosurgeons exercise these enormous and versatile skills, the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the fabrics of the global neurosurgical family, jeopardizing human lives, and forcing the entire world to be locked down. We stand on the shoulders of the giants and will not forget their examples and their teachings. We will work to the best of our ability to honor their memory. Professor Harvey Cushing said: "When to take great risks; when to withdraw in the face of unexpected difficulties; whether to force an attempted enucleation of a pathologically favorable tumor to its completion with the prospect of an operative fatality, or to abandon the procedure short of completeness with the certainty that after months or years even greater risks may have to be faced at a subsequent session-all these require surgical judgment which is a matter of long experience. " It is up to us, therefore, to keep on the noble path that we have decided to undertake, to accumulate the surgical experience that these icons have shown us, the fruit of sacrifice and obstinacy. Our tribute goes to them; we will always remember their excellent work and their brilliant careers that will continue to enlighten all of us.

Neurosurgery 0:1-3, 2020 DOI:10.1093/neuros/nyaa314 www.neurosurgery-online.com T he international neurosurgical community was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A considerable number of neurosurgeons passed away. This memorial is intended to commemorate our colleagues who succumbed during the first 4 mo. We have included those of whom we know (Table) . We regret and apologize for any oversight.

The first known and recorded death occurred in Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic. On the same day, Dr Francisco Brito Barrera of the Mexican Social Security Institute died in Cancun, aged 59. He had been looking after COVID-19 cases until a few days prior to contracting the disease.

Dr Ronald Brisman from Columbia University, recognized for his important and comprehensive contributions to the treatment of facial pain, and, coincidentally the father of 2 neurosurgeons passed away on April 20, 2020.

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Provincial People's Hospital

Cerebrovascular and Skull Base department

Sir Ganga Ram Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research

* * * * * * Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Functional Neurosurgery and Pain Management Surgery, Clinic for Neurosurgery

Letter: safety considerations for neurosurgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic

We would be remiss if we did not note the passing of neurosurgeons who died of other causes during the pandemic. They include Kazem Fathie, past President and Chair of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons (AANOS) died on April 19, aged 91. Robin Paul Humphreys of Peterborough, Ontario in Canada, died of injuries sustained in a fall at age 82. He had been President of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery and the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery. Sameh Zakaria died of glioblastoma in Egypt. Shebl Abdelsalam sustained a cardiac arrest.The passing of each one of these individuals represents a loss to the profession, as well as to family, friends and colleagues. Our condolences go out to all who have suffered losses around the world. Although the pandemic appears to be on the wane in many locations, it is far from over. Neurosurgeons remain at the front line of patient care. 1 It is important for neurosurgeons to protect themselves and their families. We remember, commemorate, appreciate and celebrate those who have succumbed, and, no less, those who continue to risk the exposure incumbent on providing patient care generously, bravely, and at the level to which the neurosurgical community is accustomed.

The authors have no personal, financial, or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or devices described in this article.