Abstract
Background:Endoscopic biopsy of brain tumors is an important part of the armamentarium of management of intra- and periventricular tumors that is generally considered an acceptable and, in some situations, a preferred method for tissue sampling. The diagnostic yield of the procedure has been variably reported. Technical aspects of the procedure should undoubtedly reflect on its success rate and accuracy. Such impact on diagnostic yield of endoscopic brain biopsy is infrequently discussed in the literature.Methods:A search of the medical literature was conducted for publications on endoscopic brain biopsy. These reports were analyzed regarding the various technical aspects.Results:In the 43 publications analyzed, lenscopes were exclusively used in 22 reports and a tissue diagnosis was possible in 362 out of 387 endoscopic biopsies with a diagnostic yield of 93.54%. Only fiberscopes were used in 8 reports and a tissue diagnosis was possible in 100 out of 132 endoscopic biopsies with a diagnostic yield of 75.76%. The diagnostic yield in the mixed and unspecified groups was 88.95 and 88.04%, respectively. Very few details on the histopathological methods and tumor molecular genetics could be found.Conclusion:Endoscopic biopsy of brain tumors has a higher diagnostic yield when lenscopes are used. Neuronavigation seems to add to the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure. Studies detailing molecular genetic features of biopsied tumors are necessary in the future.
Highlights
ObjectivesThe objective of this review was not to investigate all variables related to the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic brain biopsy, it is important to point out that tumor location seems to play a role in the success rate of the biopsy
Endoscopic biopsy of brain tumors is an important part of the armamentarium of management of intra‐ and periventricular tumors that is generally considered an acceptable and, in some situations, a preferred method for tissue sampling
Fukushima was the first to introduce endoscopic brain biopsy in 1973 using a flexible fiberoptic ventriculofiberscope.[12]. He reported a series of 21 endoscopic biopsies for intraventricular tumors, of which a correct histopathological diagnosis was achieved in 11 patients.[13]
Summary
The objective of this review was not to investigate all variables related to the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic brain biopsy, it is important to point out that tumor location seems to play a role in the success rate of the biopsy
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