Application of neuroendoscope in intraventricular tumor surgery

Abstract

Objective To investigate the surgical techniques for neuroendoscopic treatment of intraventricular tumors. Methods The clinical data and surgical efficacy of 15 patients with intraventricular tumor treated with neuroendoscope at the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from July 2005 to February 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Seven patients had lateral ventricle tumors, 7 had the third ventricle tumors, and 1 had intraventricular multiple tumor. The patients were operated under the guidance of navigation. They were followed up routinely after procedure and were assessed by the Karnofsky scores. Results Of the 15 patients, 5 took a biopsy under the neuroendoscope and 3 had a total tumor removal, and 1 had a subtotal resection; 3 had a total tumor removal under a neuroendoscope and a microscope, and 3 had near total resection. Of the 10 tumor patients with hydrocephalus, 9 underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy and 2 underwent pellucid septostomy simultaneously. The intracranial hypertension symptoms were relieved significantly after procedure. Six patients received chemotherapy and 3 received radiotherapy after procedure. They were followed up for 2 to 36 months (mean 15.8 months) after procedure. The Karnofsky score was >80 in 12 cases, 60 to 80 in 2, and 0 (died) in 1. Conclusions The surgical treatment of intraventricular tumors with a neuroendoscope is safe and effective. It can not only clearly identify the pathological nature through biopsy, but also choose a tumor resection alone or tumor resection with a microscope according to the size and nature of tumors. Key words: Neuroendoscopes; Intraventricular neoplasms