Neurosurgery in Vietnam

BACKGROUND The development and current state of Vietnamese neurosurgery is presented, in order to highlight the difficulties faced by neurosurgeons in Vietnam and other developing countries. METHODS Information has been collected personally by the authors in Vietnam. RESULTS The conditions of neurosurgery endured by our neurosurgical colleagues in Vietnam are far inferior to those in the developed world, particularly in terms of training, educational aids, investigative and operating room equipment, and postoperative and rehabilitative care. CONCLUSIONS The recent formation of the Neurosurgical Society of Vietnam will help to improve these conditions, but help and encouragement from neurosurgeons in the developed world will also be of much value. The instigation of preventive strategies will likely make a significant impact on the health costs of neurotrauma in Vietnam.