Clinical application of neuroendoscopic techniques.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Neurosurgical diseases, including intracranial cysts, brain cysticercosis, hydrocephalus, and epidermoid cysts, present significant treatment challenges.
• Traditional microneurosurgery may involve extensive manipulation and trauma for deep-seated or complex lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of neuroendoscopic techniques in treating a diverse range of neurosurgical conditions.
• To assess the role of neuroendoscopy in enhancing microneurosurgical procedures and improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 126 patients with various neurosurgical diseases underwent endoscopic neurosurgery, endoscopy-controlled microneurosurgery, or endoscopy-assisted microneurosurgery.
• Indications included intracranial cysts (51), brain cysticercosis (10), hydrocephalus (31), and epidermoid cysts (34).
• Follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean 9 months).

Main Results:

• 115 out of 126 patients (91.3%) experienced improvement in their initial symptoms post-operatively.
• Four patients (3.2%) developed complications, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intraventricular hemorrhage.
• Seven patients showed no change in their condition.

Conclusions:

• Neuroendoscopic techniques are highly valuable for treating deep-seated intracranial diseases and lesions within the ventricles and cisterns.
• These techniques significantly enhance microneurosurgery, leading to improved surgical quality and patient outcomes.
• Benefits include reduced surgical trauma, milder postoperative reactions, lower costs, and shorter hospitalizations.