Neurosurgery in a different society: the People's Republic of China

An interdisciplinary clinical neurosciences delegation representing the International Committee of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons visited the neurosurgical departments of major teaching hospitals in five cities of the People's Republic of China. This report describes the clinical and research activities observed, with reference to the unique social, political, economic, and cultural environment in China. Although facilities and equipment are limited, diagnostic accuracy and surgical technique are excellent. Results for certain disorders seemed comparable to those obtained in western neurosurgical centers. Given the clinical expertise of our Chinese colleagues and the large numbers of cases treated in Chinese medical centers, a significant contribution to neurosurgical knowledge can be expected from the exchange of information and future collaboration that have now become possible.