Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point
Published on: June 28, 2024
Pure endoscopic removal of pineal region tumors
Sandeep Sood1, Mark Hoeprich, Steven D Ham
1Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, 48201, USA. ssood@med.wayne.edu
Purpose:
Endoscopic resection of pineal tumors using an endoscope with a mounted rigid suction that allows bimanual handling of the tumor for resection. This contrasts to the established method of biopsy of pineal tumors through intraventricular approach.
Methods:
Two patients, one with a cystic lesion in the pineal region and one with a large pineal tumor, were operated in sitting position through a subtorcular approach. Endoscope was held in the left hand with suction tip extending beyond the tip through its instrument channel. Regular microsurgical instrumentation/CUSA/Nico Aspirator was used with the right hand for dissection, cutting, and removing the tumor under endoscopic vision.
Result:
Surgeon comfort was superior to when microscope is used in sitting position. Complete resection was achieved in all cases.
Conclusion:
The two-handed endoscopic technique using a mounted suction on the endoscope as described is a safe and effective strategy for resecting pineal region tumors.
