A groundbreaking medical journal that defied tradition to bring neurosurgical knowledge to the world.
A New Era for Brain Science
Imagine a world where the latest breakthroughs in brain surgery remain locked away, accessible only to those who can afford expensive journal subscriptions or belong to privileged institutions. This was the reality before Surgical Neurology International (SNI) revolutionized scientific publishing in 2010, creating a free, online platform that would democratize neurosurgical knowledge across the globe 4 .
Surgical Neurology International emerged in May 2010 as an ambitious project spearheaded by Dr. James I. Ausman, who announced the new journal would benefit all 35,000 neurosurgeons worldwide 4 . Unlike traditional publications, SNI was conceived as an open-access, internet-only journal—a radical concept at the time that would eliminate printing costs and distribution delays while making research freely available to anyone with an internet connection 1 4 .
The journal committed to publishing papers within two weeks of acceptance, dramatically accelerating the dissemination of new knowledge 4 .
All content became freely downloadable, removing financial barriers for readers and authors alike 1 .
The platform incorporated video lectures, "How I Do It" videos, and eventually video abstracts to enhance surgical education 3 4 .
SNI actively sought contributions from neurosurgeons and neuroscientists everywhere, particularly encouraging young neurosurgeons worldwide to share their innovative ideas 4 .
To appreciate SNI's scientific impact, consider a recent experimental study on topical hemostatic agents in neurosurgery, typical of the practical research the journal disseminates 2 .
Researchers used 42 Wistar rats to compare the efficacy of different hemostatic agents commonly used in neurosurgical practice 2 . The experimental procedure involved:
The study yielded clear, practical results with immediate clinical applications. Beriplast emerged as the fastest hemostatic agent, achieving hemostasis in just 1.82 seconds on average 2 . All tested agents performed significantly better than the negative control, demonstrating their clinical value in controlling surgical bleeding 2 .
| Hemostatic Agent | Average Hemostasis Time (seconds) | Composition |
|---|---|---|
| Beriplast | 1.82 | Fibrinogen + human thrombin |
| Surgiflo | Data not specified in study | Fluid porcine gelatin + human thrombin |
| Surgicel | Data not specified in study | Regenerated oxidized cellulose |
| PRP | Data not specified in study | Platelet-rich plasma from autologous blood |
| Negative Control | 40.14 | No active agent |
| Agent | Ready-to-Use | Reabsorption Time | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgicel | Yes | 7-14 days | Should not be used in confined bony areas or near optic nerve |
| Surgiflo | No (requires preparation) | 4-6 weeks | Should be removed from site when used near spinal cord or optic nerve |
| Beriplast | No (requires preparation) | Not specified | Used in various neurosurgical procedures including aneurysm clipping |
This research exemplifies SNI's commitment to publishing studies with direct clinical relevance. Understanding which hemostatic agents work most effectively helps neurosurgeons optimize intraoperative hemostasis, leading to:
| Reagent Solution | Function | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Beriplast (Fibrinogen + Thrombin) | Forms fibrin clot to seal bleeding vessels | Applied directly to bleeding site after preparation |
| Surgicel (Oxidized Cellulose) | Creates gelatinous substance that aids clot formation | Cut to size and placed directly on bleeding area |
| Surgiflo (Gelatin + Thrombin) | Forms matrix that promotes clotting | Applied via syringe with applicator tip |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) | Provides concentrated platelets and growth factors | Applied after centrifugation of autologous blood |
From its beginning, Surgical Neurology International established itself as more than just another medical journal. It became a dynamic educational resource that included a series of 100 lectures on all aspects of neurosurgery, case feedback blogs, and innovative sections like "Neurosurgery 2.0" that explored emerging technologies 4 .
The journal's open-access model and rapid publication process set new standards in scientific communication, demonstrating that quality peer-reviewed science could be both fast and free 1 4 . Its double-blind peer review process ensured rigorous standards while maintaining author and reviewer anonymity 1 3 .
By choosing to be "apolitical" and recognizing "the common bond all of us have as scientists seeking scientific truth," SNI created a tent where diverse perspectives could contribute to advancing neuroscience for the benefit of patients worldwide 4 .
Neurosurgeons worldwide benefiting from SNI 4
Maximum time from acceptance to publication 4
Lectures on all aspects of neurosurgery 4
Year of establishment, pioneering open access in neurosurgery
Thirteen years after its founding, SNI remains dedicated to its original mission of providing free access to neurosurgical advances while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity—proof that its revolutionary beginning established a foundation for lasting impact in the world of medical science.