[Endoscopic treatment of intracranial lesions. Apropos of 8 cases]

The authors describe their initial experience involving endoscopic techniques used in the treatment of eight patients with varied brain lesions. Two tumours and a colloid cyst of the third ventricle, two paraventricular symptomatic cysts, one arachnoid cyst, one chronic intracerebral hematoma and one case of free catheter extraction in the lateral ventricle. The common characteristics of all these lesions were their liquid character and/or intraventricular location. Rigid endoscopes were used, with 9 and 6 mm work channels and independent aspiration and irrigation systems. The optic elbow makes direct visualization and adaptation to the TV monitor possible. The endoscope was manually directed at the lesion through a 12 mm burr hole in five cases and by means of a stereotactic frame in three cases. Biopsies were obtained in six cases. In three cases a communication between the cyst and the ventricular system or adjacent cisterns was established and in two cases vaporization of the lesion using a CO2 laser was performed. Tolerance to the endoscopic procedures was good in all cases. In the authors' opinion, endoscopic techniques constitute a low risk method, midway between stereotactic techniques and the microsurgical approach, and are especially indicated in the treatment of cystic brain lesions or those situated in or near the ventricular system. Their most notable advantages are: providing direct visualization of the lesion without interference from the instruments in the operating field; non-repercussion of the spatial changes derived from the liquid outlet and possibility of lesion coagulation and manipulation. Their disadvantages, related to the use of very long instruments and from a reduced work channel, must be overcome by specialized training.