A systematic analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery surveys for residents in neurosurgery training programs

Object The use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has increased. SRS training has not risen congruently. Neurosurgeons have conducted surveys and advocated implementation of widespread, standardized radiosurgery training. Here we analyze the SRS surveys conducted throughout the past decade. Methods This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review. A broad search of the literature was conducted in October 2018 through the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. This study included surveys evaluating SRS training in neurosurgery and excluded those regarding other specialties. Results An overview of surveys showed that neurosurgery residents possess gaps in SRS knowledge and procedural competency that have persisted through the past decade. There is an overwhelming sentiment that current radiosurgery training is not adequate to prepare residents for future practice. Our recommendation is for residency programs to integrate formal SRS training electives, with a movement towards creating more options for extended SRS fellowships post-residency. Conclusions We present data from SRS competency and current training surveys. Although resident SRS training still lags behind other subspecialties, we see indications for growth. To keep up with the role of SRS in neurosurgery, residencies need more formalized SRS rotations.