Toman E, Soon WC, Thanabalasundaram G, et al. - Researchers conducted a matched cohort (pairwise method) study with the aim to ascertain the effect of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes for all operatively managed neurosurgical patients, not only those positive for SARS-CoV-2. They identified 231 neurosurgical cases performed during the first COVID-19 wave and matched them to cases from 2019. Findings revealed no significant impact on the mortality, morbidity and functional outcomes of operatively managed neurosurgical patients at University Hospitals Birmingham during the first UK wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when compared with normal practice. The primary surgeon was from significantly more senior grade, which contributes to an elaborating body of evidence that demonstrates how the pandemic has negatively influenced UK surgical training. Observations revealed no significant influence on outcomes owing to the mixing COVID-19 positive, unknown and negative cases.