Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Single-Entry Point Endoscopic Intraventricular Approach for Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy
Published on: June 28, 2024
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point
Sefa Ozturk1, Cafer Ikbal Gulsever2, Duran Sahin2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine; drsefaozturk@hotmail.com.
Insights
Pediatric pineal gland tumors require prompt diagnosis. Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery can simultaneously relieve obstructive hydrocephalus and obtain tissue diagnosis for effective treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neuro-oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric oncology
Background:
- Pineal neoplasms are rare but impactful childhood brain tumors, accounting for 3-11% of pediatric cases.
- These tumors are classified into germ cell, parenchymal, or related anatomical structure types.
- Accurate diagnosis is vital due to varied treatments and risks of complete resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis for pediatric pineal tumors.
- To present minimally invasive endoscopic surgery as a solution for hydrocephalus and diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of pediatric pineal tumor cases.
- Discussion of minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.
- Simultaneous hydrocephalus management and tissue acquisition.
Main Results:
- Obstructive hydrocephalus in pineal tumors necessitates urgent intervention.
- Endoscopic approaches offer a dual benefit of relieving hydrocephalus and obtaining histological diagnosis.
- This facilitates comprehensive tumor understanding and treatment strategy.
Conclusions:
- Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is a valuable approach for pediatric pineal tumors with obstructive hydrocephalus.
- This technique enables prompt management of hydrocephalus and simultaneous histological diagnosis.
- It aids in optimizing treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Pineal neoplasms have a significant impact on children although they are relatively uncommon. They account for approximately 3-11% of all childhood brain tumors, which is considerably higher than the <1% seen in adult brain tumors. These tumors can be divided into three main categories: germ cell tumors, parenchymal pineal tumors, and tumors arising from related anatomical structures. Obtaining an accurate and minimally invasive tissue diagnosis is crucial for selecting the most appropriate treatment regimen for patients with pineal gland tumors. This is due to the diverse treatment options available and the potential risks associated with complete resection. In cases where patients present with acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal gland tumor, immediate treatment of the hydrocephalus is necessary. The urgency stems from the potential complications of hydrocephalus, including increased intracranial pressure and neurological deficits. To address these challenges, a minimally invasive endoscopic approach provides a valuable opportunity. This technique allows clinicians to promptly relieve hydrocephalus and obtain a histological diagnosis simultaneously. This dual benefit enables a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor and assists in determining the most effective treatment strategy for the patient.
