Single-port endoscopic removal of intraventricular central neurocytoma

Central neurocytoma is a rare benign intraventricular tumor which occurs in young adults. Craniotomy with tumor removal is associated with relatively high rates of morbidity and mortality. To improve the efficiency of endoscopic surgery for removal of this tumor, we used a polypropylene tube combined with a working channel endoscope. From January 2006 to October 2008, three patients with intraventricular central neurocytoma with acute hydrocephalus were treated by endoscopic surgery in our hospital. The tumor was almost totally removed. At 6-month follow-up no recurrence was found. One patient required a permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt due to hydrocephalus during follow-up. We report that a working channel endoscope combined with a polypropylene endoscopic sheath facilitates the removal of intraventricular central neurocytoma. Endoscopic neurosurgery is a safe method for removing a central neurocytoma with low risk of permanent neurological deficits.