[Neuroendoscopic biopsy of a brain tumor]

Neuroendoscopic biopsy is one of the techniques that can be used for histological verification of a suspected brain tumor. The use of neuroendoscopy is particularly useful for cystic tumors and para- and intraventricular brain tumors that are risky for stereotactic biopsy. The technique of navigated neuroendoscopy enables biopsy sampling under visual control, haemostasis of biopsy site and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid pathways obstruction.

Neuroendoscopic technique was used for biopsy in one patient with a solid brain tumor. 23 patients (12 males, mean age 49.7 years, range 21-75 years and 11 females, mean age 59.1 years, range 22-76 years) with a suspected cystic brain tumor underwent neuroendoscopic biopsy. Suspected intra- or paraventricular brain tumor presented indication for neuroendoscopic biopsy in 36 patients (20 males, mean age 43.9 years, range 6-80 years and 16 females, mean age 46.2 years, range 11-78 years).

High grade glioma was most frequently diagnosed in patients with cystic brain tumors, followed by low grade gliomas and metastatic tumors. Diagnostic sample was obtained from all patients. Tumor resection was performed in 7 patients with a cystic tumor after neuroendoscopic biopsy and histological findings were identical in 70.1% of them. Similarly, high grade glioma was most frequently diagnosed in patients with intra or paraventricular tumors, followed by tumors originating from pineal region tissues. Diagnostic sample was obtained from 94.3% of patients. Tumor resection was performed in 5 patients after neuroendoscopic biopsy and histological findings of the resected tissue was identical with neuroendoscopic biopsy in 4 of them (80%).

Neuroendoscopy is a safe biopsy technique for a subset of patients who are high risk for the use of stereotactic biopsy, with comparable results. Neuroendoscopy also provides for cerebrospinal fluid circulation obstruction treatment. The use of neuronavigation or stereotactic planning is particularly useful for the planning of an optimal surgical approach, helps to maintain anatomical orientation in distorted anatomy and facilitates haemostasis in case of intraoperative bleeding.