Frameless neuronavigation applied to endoscopic neurosurgery

We retrospectively analyzed the indications, surgical techniques, and applicability of frameless neuronavigation to endoscopic procedures in a heterogeneous group of 15 patients.

In 8 patients indications for surgery were cystic lesions, in 3 patients intraventricular tumors, and in 4 patients occlusive hydrocephalus. The mean age was 39 years (range 9-76 years). The follow-up period ranged from 5-24 months (mean 10 months). Frameless neuronavigation was accomplished with the "operating arm system" in 10 cases and with the "optical tracking system" in 5 cases (RADIONICS, Burlington, USA).

In all 15 cases, neuronavigation sufficiently provided anatomical orientation, preoperative planning, and intraoperative realization of the approach. The calculated mean calibration error was 2.1 mm. There have been no permanent morbidities and no mortalities related to the use of endoscopes and neuronavigation.

In endoscopic neurosurgery, frameless neuronavigation is a useful tool in planning and realizing the approach and improving intraoperative orientation in selected cases. Indications are small or hidden lesions, impaired visual conditions, abnormal anatomy, and narrow ventricles. Endoscopic procedures include fenestration and resection of intraventricular or intraparenchymal cysts, biopsy of intraventricular tumors, and third ventriculostomy in selected cases.