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Application of flexible neuroendoscopes to intracerebroventricular arachnoid cysts in children: use of videoscopes.

Videoscopes used in other parts of the human body are potential tools for neuroendoscopy as long as they are slim enough, because they provide exceptionally high resolution images. We describe the application of flexible videoscopes and neuroendoscopes developed in Japan to intraventricular arachnoid cysts in children. Thirty-eight children with middle fossa arachnoid cysts were treated either by conventional cystoperitoneal shunting operations (n = 28) or by neuroendoscopes (n = 10). Neuroendoscopic operations such as cyst fenestration were highly useful, eliminating the need for open surgery for cyst excision/fenestration or cystoperitoneal shunting operations in all of the patients during a mean follow-up period of 17.7 months. Statistically highly significant reductions were observed in the major complications (p < 0.0001 by chi(2)-test) because shunting operations were inevitably accompanied by shunt malfunction, infection, or dependence. Compared to the traditional neuroendoscopes, our slim videoscopes provided outstanding image quality, allowing for more comprehensive examination and treatment while minimizing operative trauma.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

Neuroendoscopic biopsy for intraventricular tumors.

Neuroendoscopy has been shown to be an effective and minimally invasive method in the management of intraventricular tumors. Endoscopic tumor biopsy with or without additional endoscopic procedures such as third ventriculostomy and septostomy can be performed at the same session. Neuroendoscopic tumor biopsy was performed in 18 patients in our department. Their ages ranged from 2 to 65 years (median 12 years); only two of them were adult. Location of the tumors were as follows: pineal region in 7, hypothalamus and 3rd ventricle in 4, lateral ventricle in 4, thalamus in 2, and tectal in 1 patient. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia using rigid neuroendoscopes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at the beginning of the procedure for cytological analysis and for pineal tumor markers. Biopsy forceps were used to obtain tissue from the lesion. The third ventriculostomy was performed in all patients with a pineal tumor, in addition to the tumor biopsy. The pathological examinations revealed a low-grade astrocytoma in 6 patients, anaplastic astrocytoma in 3, germinoma in 3, pineocytoma in 1, pineoblastoma in 2, glioblastoma multiforme in 1 and granulomatous lesion in 1. Subsequent mode of treatment such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or radical surgery was determined on the basis of pathological diagnosis. Neuroendoscopic tumor biopsy is a less invasive method than open surgery and has some advantages such as treating the hydrocephalus at the same surgical session and the availability of CSF cytology. Neuroendoscopic techniques should be considered in selected patients.

Adolescent↗

Anesthetic management of surgical neuroendoscopies: usefulness of monitoring the pressure inside the neuroendoscope.

Neuroendoscopic procedures are increasing in frequency in neurosurgical practice. We describe the anesthetic technique and the perioperative complications found in 100 neuroendoscopic interventions performed at our institution. Cranial tumor biopsy or retrieval (62%) and cisternostomy for hydrocephalus (33%) were the most frequent indications for neuroendoscopy. The mortality rate was low (1%). Intraoperative complications occurred in 36 patients, with arterial hypertension being the most frequent (53%). Postoperative complications occurred in 52 patients; anisocoria (31%) and delayed arousal (29%) were the most frequent. The pressure inside the endoscope was monitored intraoperatively in the last 47 patients. A saline-filled catheter from a pressure transducer connected to the neuroendoscopy system was used for pressure monitoring. We recorded the highest peak of pressure values measured during each procedure. Twenty-three patients (49%) had peak pressure values >30 mm Hg, 12 patients (25%) >50 mm Hg, and 3 patients >100 mm Hg. Only one patient had hemodynamic changes occurring simultaneously with the pressure changes. We found an association between pressure inside the endoscope >30 mm Hg and postoperative (P = .003) but not intraoperative complications. A relationship was found between surgical duration and postoperative complications (P = .002). Neither the pressure inside the endoscope or the intraoperative morbidity were related to surgical duration. We conclude that there may be a high rate of postoperative complications after neuroendoscopies, namely, new neurologic deficits. High pressure levels inside the endoscope during neuroendoscopic procedures can occur without hemodynamic warning signs. Pressure values >30 mm Hg are associated with postoperative morbidity, especially unexpected delayed recovery. Measuring the pressure inside the endoscope is technically easy and might be beneficial if performed in all neuroendoscopic procedures. Reducing the incidence of episodes of high peak pressure values might decrease the rate of postoperative complications.

Adult↗

Neuroendoscopic approach to complex hydrocephalus. Personal experience and preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendoscopic premammilary third-ventriculocisternostomy in non-communicating hydrocephalus represents, to date, the less invasive and effective procedure, whereas the neuroendoscopic approach to complex-hydrocephalus is limited to several small anecdotal series. METHODS: Among 57 pediatric patients affected by obstructive hydrocephalus, ranging in age from prenatal diagnosis to 3 years (mean 1.2 year+/-11 months) and recruited over a 2-year period, we identified 11 cases with presurgical neuroradiological complex-hydrocephalus, at admission to our Department. In two cases Magnetic Resonance imaging showed bilateral atresic foramen of Monro and corpus callosum agenesya. In these cases an extracranial cerebrospinal fluid shunt device was implanted. The authors report retrospectively, the personal experience on a series of 9 pediatric patients with complex-hydrocephalus, such as multishunted (4 cases), multiloculated hydrocephalus (3 cases), and multiple ventricular cysts plus hydrocephalus (2 cases), in which a neuroendoscopic approach was performed. At admission, symptoms and signs of an increased intracranial pressure were presents in all cases. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years. In 8 cases third ventriculostomy was successfully performed whereas, in one case, the endoscopic procedure, in a patient younger than 1 month, was aborted and an extracranial cerebrospinal fluid device was implanted. RESULTS: In the postoperative period and during follow-up, a symptomatic relief and clinical improvement of preoperative signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure was seen in all cases. Nevertheless, in two patients psychomotor retardation worsened, respectively 6 and 7 months after the endoscopic procedure and then, an additional extracranial cerebrospinal fluid shunt device was implanted. CONCLUSIONS: In our selected cases of complex-hydrocephalus, the neuroendoscopic approach did not fail to determine clinical improvement after the first procedure, in spite of increased technical difficulties and minimum decreases of ventricular volume in postoperative images.

Cerebral Ventricles↗

Rapidly growing giant suprasellar tumor in a high-risk child: treatment strategy and role of neuroendoscopic surgery in slit-like ventricles.

RATIONALE: Suprasellar tumors are common in the pediatric population and exhibit a wide range of pathological appearance and behavior. Although rare, pure suprasellar germinomas carry worse prognosis than other locations. METHODS: We present a case of a 10-year-old girl treated with therapeutic anticoagulation for previous cardiac valvular replacement, who presented with rapidly growing giant (>4 cm) suprasellar germinoma. Neoadjuvant chemotheraphy was effective and the dilated ventricles became slit-like. The fine free-hand maneuver using a fine rigid-rod neuroendoscope. "Oi-Samii Handy Pro" made it possible to obtain the tissue diagnosis. RESULTS: Complete remission was achieved using neoadjuvant chemotherapy, minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery, then followed by specific chemoradiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The role of neuroendoscopic procedure, performed in a difficult situation with normalized size of the ventricles, was emphasized.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Neuroendoscopic surgery for specific forms of hydrocephalus.

Neuroendoscopic surgery was used to treat patients with various forms of hydrocephalus with specific pathophysiology, including long-standing overt ventriculomegaly in adulthood (LOVA), isolated unilateral hydrocephalus (IUH), isolated IV ventricle (IFV), disproportionately large IV ventricle (DLFV), isolated rhombencephalic ventricle (IRV), isolated quarto-ventriculomegaly (IQV), dorsal sac in holoprosencephaly (DS), and loculated ventricle (LV). A total of 26 operative procedures were performed, with neuroendoscopic surgery in 22 patients, 12 with unique forms of noncommunicating hydrocephalus and 10 with various types of postshunt isolated compartment. These procedures included III ventriculostomy, aqueductal plasty by both rostral and caudal approaches, foraminal plasty in the foramen of Monro/foramen of Magendie, septostomy, IV ventriculostomy, fenestration of septation in the loculated ventricle, fenestration of arachnoid cyst or cystic tumor obstructing a ventricle with or without tumor removal, and dorsal sac ventriculostomy. The characteristics of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in the individual specific pathophysiologies were delineated by cardiac-gated cine-mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after the endoscopic procedure. The consequent success rate (success = restoration of communication of the CSF pathway in the individual patients) was 19/22 (86.4%). The progression of ventricular dilatation was stopped in 17 of 19 patients (89.5%) in whom the endoscopic procedure was successful (radiologically arrested hydrocephalus). Improvement in the clinical symptoms and signs (clinically arrested hydrocephalus) was obtained in 15 of the patients (68.2% of all patients: 5 with LOVA, 3 with IQV, 5 with IUH and 2 with LV). Seven patients (2 LOVA, 2 IFV, 1 DS, 1 DFLV and 1 IRV) underwent a shunt procedure after the neuroendoscopic procedure(s). The postoperative changes of ventriculomegaly were complicated, reflecting the differences in the brain parenchymal compliance and postoperatively corrected CSF flow dynamics in the major CSF pathway.

Adult↗

Angiographic catheter: unique tool for neuroendoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendoscopic removal of intraventricular and juxtaventricular space-occupying lesions (SOL) requires long and thin instruments that can be maneuvered through the compromised working channels. Currently, various rigid and flexible forceps and scissors are being used for this purpose. We present our experience of using cut segment of angiographic catheters for removal of intraventricular and juxtaventricular SOL by neuroendoscopic surgery. METHOD: Seventy-one patients having intraventricular and juxtaventricular lesions were excised, decompressed, or biopsied by endoscopic method using angiographic catheters. Lesions were cystic, solid, or mixed cystic and solid. Cystic lesions were aspirated; solid tumors were biopsied, decompressed, or excised by sucking them using 5F to 8F angiographic catheters cut to the length of 30 to 35 cm. RESULT: Total excision, near total removal, and biopsy of the lesions could be achieved in 14, 19, and 38 patients, respectively; however, in 2 patients of thalamic tumor, the biopsied tissue was negative for tumor. Tumor consistency was the deciding factor for their removal by angiographic catheters; soft lesions were sucked easily, whereas only biopsy could be done in firm and nonsuckable lesions. Major bleeding in a case of craniopharyngioma was the complication managed by irrigation followed by external ventricular drain. CONCLUSION: Angiographic catheter is a simple and unique tool for neuroendoscopic surgery. It aids in endoscopic management of diverse intraventricular and juxtaventricular lesions.

Adolescent↗

Neuroendoscopic stent procedure in obstructive hydrocephalus due to both foramina of monro occluding craniopharyngioma: technical note.

BACKGROUND: The development of various neuroendoscopic surgical instruments has offered more options for endoscopic procedures in the treatment of intraventricular tumors. Not only tumor biopsy or tumor resection but also restoration of an obstructed cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pathway can be performed using the same approach. METHOD: A 76-year-old woman with a cardiac pacemaker for an underlying heart disease was diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus because of a third ventricular tumor 8 years ago. The patient had been treated with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. At admission she presented with a subcutaneous infection of the shunt catheter and an abdominal mass of unknown etiology. Neuroendoscopic stenting between lateral and third ventricle was performed to restore the obstructed CSF pathway, and the infected shunt system was removed in the same setting. RESULT: The postoperative course was uneventful. Contrast ventriculography demonstrated a restored CSF pathway between the lateral and third ventricle. Histologic examination of the intraventricular tumor revealed a craniopharyngioma, and the abdominal mass was diagnosed as a gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The neuroendoscopic foraminoplasty technique should be considered as an alternative treatment for patients who present with an obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a tumor that occludes both foramina of Monro when shunt placement or endoscopic third ventriculostomy is not feasible.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Clinical application of neuroendoscopic techniques.

We treated 126 patients with different neurosurgical diseases by performing endoscopic neurosurgery, endoscopy-controlled microneurosurgery and endoscopy-assisted microneurosurgery. The indications were intracranial cysts in 51 patients, brain cysticercosis in 10 patients, hydrocephalus in 31 patients, and epidermoid cysts in 34 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean follow-up duration 9 months). After operation, 115 of 126 patients had improvement in their initial symptoms, 7 had no change and 4 developed complications, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intraventricular hemorrhage, and transient cardiopulmonary dysfunction. It is concluded that (1) neuroendoscopic techniques show a distinct value in the treatment of deep-seated, intracranial diseases, or ventricle and cistern lesions; (2) neuroendoscopic techniques play an important role in microneurosurgery and consequently improve surgical quality; (3) the benefits of neuroendoscopic techniques include less surgical manipulation and trauma, milder postoperative reaction, decreased expenses and shortened hospitalizations.

Adolescent↗

Neuroendoscopic treatment of idiopathic occlusion of the foramen of Monro in adults--two case reports.

Two adults presented with hydrocephalus due to idiopathic obstruction of the bilateral foramina of Monro, manifesting as clinical signs of chronically elevated intracranial pressure. No inflammation was present. The primary surgical treatment was neuroendoscopic reconstruction of the right foramen of Monro. A 37-year-old man had a spontaneous perforation of the septum pellucidum. The patient required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, although postoperative ventriculography proved free passage of cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricle into the third ventricle. A 62-year-old man underwent additional septostomy and third ventriculostomy, and the neuroendoscopic intervention relieved the presenting symptoms without additional treatment. The biopsy specimens showed no evidence of malignancy in either case. Neuroendoscopic intervention is an alternative treatment in the management of hydrocephalus due to idiopathic obstruction of the foramen of Monor. The procedure is less invasive than open microsurgical reconstruction and can even avoid ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunting.

Adult↗

Successful neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus and syringomyelia associated with fourth ventricle outlet obstruction. Case report.

The authors report the use of neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy to treat successfully both hydrocephalus and syringomyelia associated with fourth ventricle outlet obstruction. A 27-year-old woman presented with dizziness, headache, and nausea. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated dilation of all ventricles, downward displacement of the third ventricular floor, obliteration of the retrocerebellar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space, funnellike enlargement of the entrance of the central canal in the fourth ventricle, and syringomyelia involving mainly the cervical spinal cord. Cine-MR imaging indicated patency of the aqueduct and an absent CSF flow signal in the area of the cistema magna, which indicated obstruction of the outlets of the fourth ventricle. Although results of radioisotope cisternography indicated failure of CSF absorption, neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy completely resolved all symptoms as well as the ventricular and spinal cord abnormalities evident on MR images. Neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy is an important option for treating hydrocephalus in patients with fourth ventricle outlet obstruction.

Adult↗

Pulsed holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser-induced liquid jet as a novel dissection device in neuroendoscopic surgery.

OBJECT: A pressure-driven continuous jet of water has been reported to be a feasible tool for neuroendoscopic dissection owing to its superiority at selective tissue dissection in the absence of thermal effects. With respect to a safe, accurate dissection, however, continuous water flow may not be suitable for intraventricular use. The authors performed experiments aimed at solving problems associated with continuous flow by using a pulsed holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser-induced liquid jet (LILJ). They present this candidate neuroendoscopic LILJ dissection system, having examined its mechanical characteristics and evaluated its controllability both in a tissue phantom and in a rabbit cadaveric ventricle wall. METHODS: The LILJ generator was incorporated into the tip of a No. 4 French catheter so that the LILJ could be delivered via a neuroendoscope. Briefly, the LILJ was generated by irradiating an internally supplied column of physiological saline with a pulsed Ho:YAG laser (pulse duration time 350 microsec; laser energy 250-700 mJ/pulse) within a No. 4 French catheter (internal diameter 1 mm) and ejecting it from a metal nozzle (internal diameter 100 microm). The Ho:YAG laser energy pulses were conveyed by an optical fiber (core diameter 400 microm) at 3 Hz, whereas physiological saline (4 degrees C) was supplied at a rate of 40 ml/hour. The mechanical characteristics of the pulsed LILJ were investigated using high-speed photography and pressure measurements; thermal effects and controllability were analyzed using an artificial tissue model (10% gelatin of 1 mm thickness). Finally, the ventricle wall of a rabbit cadaver was dissected using the LILJ. Jet pressure increased in accordance with laser energy from 0.1 to 2 bar; this translated into a penetration depth of 0.08 to 0.9 mm per shot in the ventricle wall of the rabbit cadaver. The gelatin phantom could be cut into the desired shape without significant thermal effects and in the intended manner, with a good surgical view. CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that the pulsed LILJ has the potential to become a safe and reliable dissecting method for endoscopic procedures.

Animals↗

Neuroendoscopic transventricular ventriculocystostomy in treatment for intracranial cysts.

OBJECT: Although in recent years endoscopic procedures have been used for intracranial arachnoid cysts with favorable preliminary results in certain locations, optimal surgical treatment is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic transventricular ventriculocystostomy in the treatment of intracranial cysts based on the concept of normalizing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. METHODS: Twelve symptomatic pediatric patients with congenital intracranial cysts underwent surgery at Jikei University in Tokyo. A neuroendoscopic transventricular ventriculocystostomy was performed in nine patients and an endoscope-assisted craniotomy in the remaining three. Endoscopy was performed using a freehand maneuver with a newly designed rigid-rod neuroendoscope that is frameless and has a small diameter. Clinical results were good in all patients, although cysts in three were not prominently reduced in size when follow-up imaging studies were performed. Neither death nor symptomatic morbidity occurred, and no patient required shunt placement. In three cases the endoscopic fenestration was associated with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Postoperative CSF dynamics studies consisting of computerized tomography ventriculocysternography, and pre- and postoperative cine-mode magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated free communication between fenestrated cysts and ventricular/ cistern CSF pathways consistent with normalization of CSF dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopic transventricular ventriculocystostomy constitutes a valid alternative to microsurgery for intracranial cysts located within or adjacent to the ventricles. It creates an effective CSF flow within the cyst with minimal alteration of subarachnoid spaces. It may be combined with an ETV procedure in case of obstruction of CSF pathways and should be preferred to the insertion of shunts.

Adolescent↗

Complications and pitfalls of neuroendoscopic surgery in children.

OBJECT: Neuroendoscopic surgery is being used as an alternative to traditional shunt surgery and craniotomy in the management of hydrocephalus and intracranial fluid-filled cavities. In this study, the authors evaluated the incidence and type of complications occurring after neuroendoscopic procedures that were performed in a consecutive series of pediatric patients at a single institution to determine the effectiveness of neuroendoscopy in such patients. METHODS: Four hundred ninety-five neuroendoscopic procedures were consecutively performed in 450 pediatric patients at one institution over a 10-year period. Charts were retrospectively reviewed. A complication was defined as follows: 1) any postoperative neurological deficit that was not observed before surgery; 2) any event occurring during surgery that resulted in the procedure being aborted; or 3) any adverse event occurring within 7 days postsurgery that resulted in a modification of the normal postoperative care. However, headache, vomiting, and fever without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis were not considered complications. Complications were observed in 40 (8.1%) of 495 procedures. Two patients had two complications. One patient died of diffuse brain edema following endoscopic biopsy sampling of a basal ganglia tumor (mortality rate 0.2%). Other complications observed were abandonment of the procedure in eight cases, CSF leakage in 11 (with associated wound infection in one), intraventricular hemorrhage in six (with external drainage needed in four), intraparenchymal hemorrhage in three, subdural collection in eight (with subdural-peritoneal shunt placement needed in seven), transient oculomotor palsy in two, and transient hemiparesis in one. CONCLUSIONS: Many complications can be avoided by determining the correct diagnosis and using suitable techniques and instruments. Most complications can be managed conservatively and do not produce long-term morbidity. Complex procedures in most patients and simple procedures in patients with preoperative risk factors carry the highest hazard. Every attempt should be made to optimize the surgical technique. The most serious and potentially the most lethal complication remains arterial bleeding from injury to the basilar artery complex.

Adolescent↗

[Experience with neuroendoscopic treatment of 12 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueduct lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience in the treatment of hydrocephalus caused by aqueduct obstruction with neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy. METHOD: Of the 12 patients with hydrocephalus, 10 had primary aqueduct obstruction with the other 2 suffering the obstruction secondary to tectal tumors. In all the cases the neuroendoscope was advanced into the third ventricle via the frontal horn and foramen of Monro, followed by third ventriculostomy to achieve free communication between the third ventricle and interpeduncular cistern. RESULTS: All the procedures were successful and smooth, with only occasional mild intra- and post-operative complications. Nine of the 12 patients were followed up 3 months after the operation, and 7 were found with good therapeutic effect while 2 failed to respond favorably. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy is effective for hydrocephalus due to aqueduct obstruction, and may yield satisfactory short-term results. Different techniques of fenestration should be used to suit the individual-specific conditions of the third ventricle floor. In the follow-up of the patients, evaluation of the intracranial pressure and the patients' symptoms constitutes the main basis for assessment of the clinical results.

Adolescent↗

[Clinical application of minimally invasive neuroendoscopic techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and analyze the application of neuroendoscopic techniques in neurosurgery, and to discuss the role and significance of neuroendoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of neurosurgical diseases. METHODS: We treated 1300 patients with different neurosurgical diseases by performing endoscopic neurosurgery (EN) and endoscopy-assisted microneurosurgery (EAM). Among 1300 paitents, 522 were treated with pure endoscopic neurosurgery, 260 with endoscopy-assisted microneurosurgery, 79 with endoscope-controlled bur hole trephination neurosurgery, 434 with endoscope transsphenoidial surgery, and 5 with other techniques through which an endoscope was used in conjunction with stereotactic guidance. RESULTS: Totally 362 hydrocephalus patients were treated using EN. Among them, 190 were treated by third ventriculostomy, 30 by V-P shunt, and 142 patients with complicated hydrocephalus and unsymmetry hydrocephalus by endoscopy-controlled pathologic septum fenestration, septum pellucidum fenestration, and treatment of inventricula inflammation. Clinical symptomatic improvement was achieved in 341 of 362 patients (94.2%). Also 160 intracranial cyst patients were treated using EN for resection and partial resection. Eighty-two patients were performed through cyst-ventricula fenestration. Clinical symptomatic improvement was achieved in 76 of 82 patients (92.7%). Seventy patients treated with endoscopy-controlled bur hole neurosurgery and 8 cases with endoscopy-assisted microneurosurgery got better recovery after operation. Among 260 patients with brain tumors, 252 patients were operated with EAM (190 patients with epidermoid cyst), 8 patients with EN (all brain tumors with diameters < 2.5 cm in inventricular). Clinical symptomatic improvement was achieved in 228 of 260 patients (87.7%). Among 49 patients with inventricular and cistern cyst, 40 patients who were treated by EN and 9 patients by endoscopy-controlled bur hole neurosurgery were resected and their clinical symptoms were improved after operation. Among 434 patients with sellar region lesions, 387 patients with pituitary adenomas, 19 patients with repair for CSF leaks, 9 patients with chordoma, and 19 patients with other neurosurgical diseases were performed with endoscopy-controlled transsphenoidial surgery. Clinical symptoms in 88.9% (386/434) of these patients were improved. Another 5 patients were treated with endoscopy combined with navigation and stereotatic guidance with good results. The complications related to operation were found in only 2% of all the patients including hemorrhage, infection, and damage of important structure. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical application of neuroendoscopic techniques can decrease the damage caused by pure open surgery operation. It is possible to resect lesions at the utmost and protect normal tissue from lesions for using EN and EAM or endoscopy-controlled microneurosurgery (ECM). It is also helpful to enhance surgical quality and, reduce the complications.

Adolescent↗

Neuroendoscopic management of hydrocephalus secondary to midline and pineal lesions.

AIM: In patients with space-occupying lesions of the pineal region, increased intracranial pressure is due to direct compression of the sylvian aqueduct. Based on results of the recent literature, neuroendoscopic management of obstructive hydrocephalus, secondary to tumors of the pineal gland, has gained a preeminent role respect to shunting procedures. METHODS: In 14 select cases, hydrocephalus was secondary to midline and pineal lesions. The patient's age ranged from 1 to 56 years (mean 47.3+/-12.5), with a follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years after discharge. In 9 cases the endoscopic procedure represented the only surgical treatment. In 5 cases, microsurgical removal of the lesions and/or ventriculo-peritoneal shunts placement were performed, as additional treatment, while adjuvant radiotherapy was utilized in 4 cases; high dose chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation was performed in 3 cases. RESULTS: In our series, obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to midline and pineal lesions, was successful treated by neuroendoscopic approach alone in 9 cases, with an unremarkable course and good outcome, except in 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopic approach affords a minimally invasive way to obtain 4 objectives by one-step surgical approach, such as resolution of obstructive hydrocephalus by endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), cerebrospinal fluid sample to detect tumor markers and to perform cytological analysis, biopsy specimens and tissue diagnosis, associated to absence of shunt-related complications. Therefore, in experienced hands, ETV should be the treatment of first choice, in cases of hydrocephalus secondary to lesions of the pineal gland.

Adolescent↗

[Intratumoral hemorrhage in choriocarcinoma during neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy: case report].

The authors report a case of intratumoral hemorrhage in a pineal region choriocarcinoma during neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy. A 12-year-old boy who presented with headache and vomiting had precocious puberty. Neuroimagings revealed a pineal region tumor with obstructive hydrocephalus and his serum HCG level was 4,280 mIU/ml. He was diagnosed as having choriocarcinoma and underwent neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus. There were many tumor vessels observed on the tumor surface, some of which bled subcapsularly. Postoperative CT scan showed the tumor increased in size with the intratumoral hemorrhage. After irradiation and chemotherapy, the tumor disappeared with normalization of serum HCG level. His symptoms improved and no additional neurological deficit was observed in his clinical course. We might infer from this case that the intratumoral hemorrhage was induced by the intracranial pressure change during neuroendoscopic surgery. Perioperative management is very important for avoiding fetal intratumoral hemorrhage.

Brain Neoplasms↗