Endoscopic Assistance Research Articles

Preoperative findings in relation to the usefulness of endoscopic assistance for microvascular decompression.

Endoscopy is known to be a useful adjunct for microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery, assisting observation in blind spots such as Meckel's cave in cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and the root exit zone (REZ) in hemifacial spasm (HFS). However, few reports have discussed the usefulness of endoscopy in relation to individual patient characteristics or preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 109 patients (98 with HFS and 11 with TN, 85 women, median age 55years) who had undergone endoscopically assisted MVD at our institution between 2017 and 2021. The usefulness of endoscopy in individual cases was scored by three neurosurgeons using a grading scale: 2, essential and indispensable; 1, useful and helpful; 0, not necessary. The mean value of the assigned scores was taken as an indicator of "usefulness," and endoscopy was considered to have been "useful" in cases with a score of > 1.0. Endoscopic assistance was judged to have been useful in 69% of the patients. The proportion of patients evaluated as useful was significantly lower for TN (18.2%) than for HFS (74.5%). Patients with superior cerebellar artery compression had significantly lower scores than patients with other vessels. Endoscopy was considered useful in a significantly higher proportion of patients with anatomically complicated offending vessels (bifurcation or strong meandering) in the REZ detected by preoperative MRI (P < 0.005). Endoscopy for MVD is useful for patients with HFS, especially when preoperative MRI shows bifurcation or strongly meandering vessels in the REZ.

Utilization of Endoscopic and Exoscopic Assistance During Excision of Temporomandibular Joint Pathologies With Skull Base Extension: Review of Seven Cases from Massachusetts General Hospital

Utilization of Endoscopic and Exoscopic Assistance During Excision of Temporomandibular Joint Pathologies With Skull Base Extension: Review of Seven Cases from Massachusetts General Hospital

Clinical Efficacy Analysis of Functional Rhinoplasty Assisted by Nasal Endoscopy.

To analyze the clinical effect of endoscopy-assisted functional rhinoplasty. Endoscopy-assisted functional rhinoplasty was performed in all patients. Deviated nasal septum was corrected, nasal septum cartilage graft was prepared through open access under the assistance of endoscopy, the nasal frame structure was adjusted with the endoscopy-assisted rhinoplasty combined with middle and inferior turbinoplasty, and the patient's nasal ventilation function and external nose cosmetology were restored. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), nasal acoustic reflex, and nasal resistance were examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), nasal appearance deviation value, and morphological measurement of the external nose were used to assess the external nasal appearance. Finally, postoperative satisfaction was used for overall evaluation. In terms of nasal ventilation evaluation, the VAS and NOSE scores of nasal obstruction decreased significantly at 6 months after the operation compared with that before the operation (1.96 ± 0.84 vs 6.68 ± 1.28, 4.25 ± 1.80 vs 12.25 ± 2.50; P < .05). Among the objective indexes, MCA1, MCA2 and NV5 were significantly increased whereas RT, MCA1a/MCA1b, MCA2a/MCA2b, MD1a/MD1b, and MD2a/MD2b were significantly decreased compared with those before the operation (P < .05). The MD1 and MD2 levels before and after operation had no significant differences (P > .05). In the evaluation of external nose morphology, postoperative ROE was significantly increased, and the deviation value of nasal appearance was significantly decreased [(16.93 ± 2.61 vs 10.64 ± 3.01), (1.46 ± 1.11 mm vs 5.72 ± 2.30 mm), P < .05]. In terms of postoperative patient satisfaction: 26 cases (92.9%) were very satisfied with nasal ventilation function, 2 cases (7.1%) were satisfied with nasal ventilation function, 24 cases (85.7%) were very satisfied with nasal appearance, and 4 cases (14.3%) were satisfied with nasal appearance. Nasal endoscopy-assisted functional rhinoplasty can improve the nasal ventilation function and external nasal morphology at the same time. Moreover, its clinical effect is good, and the patient satisfaction is high.

Endoscopy-assisted purely total outer wall excision for pediatric Sylvian arachnoid cysts

BackgroundTo present a novel endoscopy-assisted surgical strategy of Sylvian arachnoid cysts (ACs).Case presentationEndoscopy-assisted surgery was performed on 9 children (May 2019–December 2021). All patients were evaluated with CT and/or MRI and had regular follow-up examinations. The procedure consisted of performing a small temporal craniotomy (2 cm) behind the hairline. After dural opening, the surgery was performed with the assistance of a rigid 30-degree transcranial endoscope, self-irrigating bipolar forceps, and other standard endoscopic instruments. Steps included total excision of the AC outer wall and dissection of arachnoid adhesion around the cystic edge to communicate the residual cyst cavity with subdural space. Compared with the microscopical procedure, a 30-degree transcranial endoscope provides a wider view, especially for the lateral part exposure of the outer wall.The average age of the patients was 27.7 months (range 13–44 months). The Sylvian AC was in the right hemisphere in three patients and six in the left, respectively. 1 patient suffered transient postoperative epilepsy. There was no mortality or additional postoperative neurological deficit in this series. All of the patients achieved significant clinical improvement after surgery. Radiological examination after the operation showed a significant reduction in all cases (100%, 9/9) and disappearance in one case (11.1%, 1/9). Postoperative subdural fluid collection occurred in six cases and completely resolved spontaneously in 9 months.ConclusionThe study demonstrated the minimally invasive, safety, and effectivity of the endoscopy-assisted purely total outer wall excision.

From white to blue light: evolution of endoscope-assisted intracranial tumor neurosurgery and expansion to intraaxial tumors.

Intraoperative use of the endoscope to assist in visualization of intracranial tumor pathology has expanded with increasing surgeon experience and improved instrumentation. The authors aimed to study how advancements in endoscopic technology have affected the evolution of endoscope use, with particular focus on blue light-filter modification allowing for discrimination of fluorescent tumor tissue following 5-ALA administration. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection at a single institution between February 2012 and July 2021 was performed. Patients were included if the endoscope was used for diagnostic tumor cavity inspection or therapeutic assistance with tumor resection following standard craniotomy and microsurgical tumor resection, with emphasis on those cases in which blue light endoscopy was used. Medical records were queried for patient demographics, operative reports describing the use of the endoscope and extent of resection, associations with tumor pathology, and postoperative outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative MR images were reviewed for radiographic extent of resection. A total of 52 patients who underwent endoscope-assisted craniotomy for tumor were included. Thirty patients (57.7%) were men and the average age was 52.6 ± 16.1 years. Standard white light endoscopes were used for assistance with tumor resection in 28 cases (53.8%) for tumors primarily located in the ventricular system, parasellar region, and cerebellopontine angle. A blue light endoscope for detection of 5-ALA fluorescence was introduced into our practice in 2014 and subsequently used for assistance with tumor resection in 24 cases (46.2%) (intraaxial: n = 22, extraaxial: n = 2). Beyond the use of the surgical microscope as the primary visualization source, the blue light endoscope was used to directly perform additional tumor resection in 19/21 cases as a result of improved fluorescence detection as compared to the surgical microscope. No complications were associated with the use of the endoscope or with additional resection performed under white or blue light visualization. Endoscopic assistance to visualize intracranial tumors had previously been limited to white light, assisting mostly in the visualization of extraaxial tumors confined to intraventricular and cisternal compartments. Blue light-equipped endoscopes provide improved versatility and visualization of 5-ALA fluorescing tissue beyond the capability of the surgical microscope, thereby expanding its use into the realm of intraaxial tumor resections.

Surgical techniques for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: a mini-review.

Chronic subdural hematoma is one of the most common neurosurgical pathologies with over 160,000 cases in the United States and Europe each year. The current standard of care involves surgically evacuating the hematoma through a cranial opening, however, varied patient risk profiles, a significant recurrence rate, and increasing financial burden have sparked innovation in the field. This mini-review provides a brief overview of currently used evacuation techniques, including emerging adjuncts such as endoscopic assistance and middle meningeal artery embolization. This review synthesizes the body of available evidence on efficacy and risk profiles for each critical aspect of surgical technique in cSDH evacuation and provides insight into trends in the field and promising new technologies.

Predictors of Multi‐Vessel Identification, Outcome, and Optimal Surgical Timing for Microvascular Decompression in Hemifacial Spasm

Objectives and BackgroundHemifacial spasm (HFS) is a disabling condition that imposes significant burden upon patients. Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for HFS, but outcomes following this surgery may vary based on a variety of clinical and operative factors. A more thorough understanding of the variables that impact patient outcome after MVD surgery is needed. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of Medline, Embase, and Central was conducted (n = 2108 screened; n = 86 included) with the goal of determining the impact of the following variables on outcome: duration of disease, geographic location, intraoperative use of an endoscope, and intraoperative finding of single versus multi-vessel neurovascular compression. ResultsMost cases of hemifacial spasm occur on the left side (53.9%, p < 0.001) and are more common in women than men (66.5% versus 33.5%, p < 0.0001). The offending vessel frequencies were: 40.8% anterior inferior cerebellar artery [AICA], 24.9% posterior inferior cerebellar artery [PICA], 17.2% multiple vessels, and 4.7% vertebral artery [VA]. Multiple vessel combinations involved: 26.5% PICA + AICA, 24.6% PICA + VA, 23.1% AICA + VA, and 4.7% AICA + PICA + VA. Relative to the Americas, AICA was less frequent in Europe (p = 0.005), while PICA more frequent in Europe (p = 0.009) and Asia (p < 0.0001). With endoscope assistance, frequency of multiple vessels identified was 31.7% (versus 14.7% with non-endoscopic, p = 0.005), and 27.4% for AICA (43.5% with non-endoscopic, p = 0.003). Spasm improvement was 94.1% near discharge and 96.0% at maximum follow-up. Complications occurred in 16.5% of cases, with spasm recurrence in 2.4%. Greatest frequency of spasm improvement (p < 0.0001) and lowest spasm recurrence rates (p = 0.0005) were reported in series from Asia. For every additional month of pre-operative spasm, the effect size of post-operative improvement decreased (p = 0.04). With every subsequent postoperative month, the effect size of spasm improvement increased (p = 0.0497). The frequency of spasm improvement was significantly higher in series published after 2005 (94.4% versus 97.4%, p = 0.005). ConclusionClinical outcomes following MVD for HFS have improved since 2005. Consideration should be given to earlier operation (shorter disease duration) and use of an endoscope may increase detection of multiple offending vessels. Further studies are needed to understand regional differences in culprit vessel incidence and surgical outcomes in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Anatomic Variations of the Lateral Branch of the Supraorbital Nerve Observed in Endoscopic Forehead Surgery.

Surgeons dissect carefully in the medial third of the supraorbital rim to preserve the supraorbital nerve (SON) during surgical forehead rejuvenation. However, the anatomic variations of SON exit from the frontal bone have been researched in cadaver or imaging studies. In this study, we report a variation in the lateral branch of SON observed in an endoscopic view during forehead lifts. A retrospective review of 462 patients who underwent endoscopy-assisted forehead lifts between January 2013 and April 2020 was performed. Data, including the location, number, and form of the exit point and thickness of SON and its lateral branch variant, were recorded and reviewed intraoperatively, utilizing high-definition endoscopic assistance. Thirty-nine patients and 51 sides were included, and all patients were female, with a mean age of 44.53 (18-75) years. This nerve exited a foramen in the frontal bone ~8.82 ± 2.79mm lateral to SON and ~1.89 ± 1.34mm from the supraorbital margin vertically. Observed thickness variations of the lateral branch of SON included 20 small, 25 medium, and 6 large nerves. This study revealed various positional and morphologic variations of the lateral branch of SON in an endoscopic view. Thus, surgeons can be alerted of the anatomic variations of SON and establish careful dissection during procedures. In addition, the findings of this study will be useful in planning nerve blocks, filler injections, and migraine treatments in the supraorbital region.

Double Pituitary Adenomas in Patients With Cushing's Disease.

Background and objective Double and multiple pituitary adenomas (PAs) are discovered in 2.6-3.3% of patients with Cushing's disease and in approximately1% of autopsies. Undiagnosed and unremoved second PA may be the cause of unsuccessful surgical treatment of Cushing's disease. In this study, we aimed todescribe our experience with the detection and treatment of patients with double PAs. Methods All patients in our series underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with endoscopic and neuronavigation assistance. Before 2017, we completely relied on MRI findings while planning surgery. From 2017 onwards, a broad revision of the sella turcica was conducted during surgeries regardless of the MRI data. Results Overall, 81 patients were included in the study: 51 before 2017 and 30 in 2017 after. In the pre-2017 group of patients, three out of 51had double adenomas, and all of them were seen on MRI images. We encountered four more double PAs during the next period. Only two of them had been predicted by MRI. The remission rate was higher after 2017 and amounted to 90% (27 out of 30 patients). In contrast, before the implementation of total revision (pre-2017), our success rate was 82% (42 out of 51 cases). Both neoplasms in cases of double PAs yielded similar histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features but were consistent with multiple PAs. Conclusions Although the improvement in our results in recent years cannot be clearly attributed to a targeted search for the second microadenoma, we still recommend performing a broad inspection of the sella turcica after the excision of the pituitary microadenoma regardless of preoperative MRI data.

Endoscope-assisted microsurgical clipping and reduction of post-clipping cerebral infarction: historical comparison using diffusion-weighted images

Endoscopic assistance for aneurysm clipping and its possible benefits have been suggested in previous studies, but its clinical significance has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to present the efficacy of endoscopy-assisted clipping in reducing post-clipping cerebral infarction (PCI) and clinical outcomes via a historical comparison of patients in our institution from January 2020 to March 2022. A total of 348 patients were included, 189 of whom underwent endoscope-assisted clipping. The overall incidence of PCI was 10.9% (n = 38); it was 15.7% (n = 25) before applying endoscopic assistance and decreased to 6.9% (n = 13) after endoscope application (p = 0.010). The application of a temporary clip (odds ratio [OR]: 2.673, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.291-5.536), history of hypertension (OR: 2.176, 95% CI: 0.897-5.279), history of diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.530, 95% CI: 1.079-5.932), and current smoker (OR: 3.553, 95% CI: 1.288-9.802) were independent risk factors of PCI, whereas endoscopic assistance was an independent inverse risk factor (OR: 0.387, 95% CI: 0.182-0.823). Compared to the location of the unruptured intracranial aneurysms, internal carotid artery aneurysms showed a significant decrease in the incidence of PCI (5.8% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.019). In terms of clinical outcomes, PCI was a significant risk factor for longer admission duration, intensive care unit stay, and poor clinical outcomes. However, endoscopic assistance itself was not a significant risk factor for clinical outcomes on the 45-day modified Rankin Scale. In this study, we noted the clinical significance of endoscope-assisted clipping in preventing PCI. These findings could reduce the incidence of PCI and improve the understanding of its mechanisms of action. However, a larger and longer-term study is required to evaluate the benefits of endoscopy on clinical outcomes.

Endoscopy-Assisted Microneurosurgery for Sella and Optic Foramen Invading Anterior Cranial Fossa Base Meningiomas

Anterior skull base meningioma produces symptoms as a result of mass effect and neurovascular compression. The bony anatomy of the anterior skull base is complex and houses the critical cranial nerves and vessels. Traditional microscopic approaches remove these tumors effectively but require extensive brain retraction and bone drilling. Endoscope assistance offers the advantages of a smaller incision, less brain retraction, and bone drilling. The most significant advantage of endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery for lesions invading the sella and optic foramen is the complete resection of the sellar and foraminal components frequently responsible for recurrence. In this report, we describe the technique of endoscope-assisted microneurosurgical resection of anterior skull base meningiomas invading the sella and foramen. We present 10 cases and 3 case examples of endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery for meningiomas invading the sella and optic foramen. This report presents the operating room setup and surgical details to resect sellar and foraminal tumors. The surgical procedure is presented as a video. Endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery yielded excellent clinical and radiologic results and no recurrence at the last follow-up of meningiomas invading the sella and optic foramen. The present article discusses the challenges faced with endoscope-assisted microneurosurgery, techniques, and challenges in the procedure. Endoscope assistance enables complete tumor excision under vision with less retraction and bone drilling in anterior cranial fossa meningioma, invading the chiasmatic sulcus, optic foramen, and sella. The mixed use of microscope and endoscope makes it safer and saves time and is like bringing out the best of both worlds.

Effect of optimizing the use of endoscope on the efficiency of microdynamic bromhidrosis removal operation.

Bromhidrosis, also known as body odor, is a common disease in life, which often occurs in young adults. The histological basis of bromhidrosis is the hyperplasia of apocrine sweat glands. To compare the effects of different methods of endoscopy in microdynamic axillary osmidrosis removal on curative effect, complications, and surgical efficiency. A total of 149 patients with axillary osmidrosis were treated in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021. They were treated with endoscopic assistance in the whole process of operation (Group A) and endoscope-assisted exploration after blind rotary cutter suction (Group B), respectively, and the curative effect, complication rate, and surgical efficiency were evaluated. There was no significant difference in the curative effect and complication rate between the two groups, but the endoscope-assisted exploration group after suction with rotary cutter (Group B) had higher surgical efficiency. On the basis of professional use of rotary cutter, it is efficient to choose endoscope to check the excision of sweat gland in the operation area and stop bleeding in time after blind suction.

Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic One-Stage Resection of Left Atrial Myxoma and Right Upper Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: Case Report

We report a case of a 74-year-old man with diagnosis of concomitant primary cardiac tumor and right upper lobe of lung cancer. Both tumors were evaluated to be resectable with no further metastasis. A one-stage resection of both tumors through right mini-thoracotomy with endoscopic assistance was performed. The cardiac tumor resection during cardiopulmonary bypass was performed first, followed by right upper lobectomy and lymph nodes dissection with the same incision and position. Short-term results were satisfying and previous literature was reviewed to evaluate this method.

Endoscope-Assisted Greater Occipital Nerve Decompression for Migraines, Occipital Neuralgia, and New Daily Persistent Headaches.

In the occipital trigger site for migraine, the greater occipital nerve (GON) is thought to be irritated by surrounding structures, including the semispinalis capitis muscle and occipital artery (OA), producing headaches in the back of the neck. Thus, standard decompression involves removal of surrounding tissue and dissection away from the vessel. The authors noticed a consistent pattern between the GON and OA more distally: the OA approaching laterally and diving under the GON, the OA looping back over the GON and intertwining with the medial branch of the GON, and lastly the OA traveling parallel to the GON. The technique described uses a modified endoscopic approach with a counter incision, endoscopic assistance, and radical artery lysis to address distal sites in addition to the standard release. At the counter incision, distal intertwining between vessel and nerve was released. A high-definition endoscope was used to address dynamic compression points more proximally, including hidden areas where the vessel dives under the GON, as well as to facilitate cautery and removal of the vessel. Without the use of an endoscope and counterincision, it is difficult to achieve complete decompression of the nerve distally without injury to the proximal body of the nerve.

Outcomes of the facelift incisional approach to neck dissection without endoscopic or robotic assistance

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> : The facelift incisional approach to neck dissection offers several advantages including improved cosmesis, increased patient satisfaction, and decreased morbidity. This approach has been previously described using robotic or endoscopic instrumentation, but the clinical outcomes of this approach using standard instrumentation have not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine if the facelift incisional approach to neck dissection can be performed without endoscopic or robotic assistance and achieve improved oncologic and cosmetic outcomes. <h3>Study Design</h3> : Retrospective cohort study over 4 years. <h3>Setting</h3> : A national comprehensive cancer center. <h3>Methods</h3> <b>:</b> 104 subjects received 113 oncologic neck dissections, of which 35 were performed using a facelift approach. Primary outcomes included rate of negative margins, recurrence, incidence of nerve weakness, and incidence of lymphedema. <h3>Results</h3> : The mean age of the cohort was 60.1 ± 12.7 years and 72.6% were male. Mean follow up was 23.1 ± 19.1 months (p=0.21). 104 subjects (92.9%) had negative margins on final pathology, with no difference between approaches (88.2% vs 94.9% respectively, p=0.24). 34 subjects (97.1%) in the facelift group had no evidence of disease at study conclusion. There was no difference in marginal mandibular nerve weakness (p=0.10) nor shoulder weakness (p=0.59) between groups. There was no difference between post-operative lymphedema (38.2% vs 29.2% for the facelift vs standard incision groups, p=0.35). <h3>Conclusion</h3> : A facelift approach to neck dissection using standard instrumentation without robotic or endoscopic assistance achieves acceptable clinical and oncologic outcomes compared to the standard incisional approach with an additional benefit of improved cosmesis.

Эффективность невролиза плечевого сплетения под видеоэндоскопической ассистенцией при лечении брахиоплексопатий у взрослых

Introduction The method of endoscopic revision, neurolysis and decompression of the brachial plexus is a current minimally invasive method of treatment. It is able to completely preserve the anatomical structures (skin, fascia, muscles, clavicle, arteries, veins, nerves) and minimize damage to the structures of the brachial plexus, since neurolysis is carried out along the trunks and bundles of the plexus through a low-invasive transaxillary approach. However, the effectiveness of this type of operation has not been studied previously. The aim of the study To evaluate the effectiveness of brachial plexus neurolysis under video endoscopic assistance in the treatment of brachioplexopathies in adults Materials and methods The study involved patients hospitalized in the Tyumen Federal Center for the period from 2017 to 2022 with a diagnosis of brachial plexus palsy, who, for medical reasons, underwent neurolysis of the brachial plexus under video endoscopic assistance. The number of patients gave informed concent was 25 subjects. The results of treatment were assessed with score systems and questionnaires; neurological examination was performed and muscle strength was assessed according to the British scale (M5-M0), the type of sensory disorders and their degree on a scale from 0 to 10, where 10 is the complete preservation of sensitivity, and 0 is its complete absence and were confirmed by the data of functional diagnostics (stimulation ENMG) 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Office 365) and Stattech 2.0 software package. For quantitative traits, the arithmetic mean (M) and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated. To assess the statistical significance of the results obtained, the parametric t-Student's test was used. Differences were considered significant at p &lt; 0.05. Results The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 15 years, gender ratio (m/f) was 18/7, the affected side (right/left) ratio was 12/13. A positive result was achieved in 75 % of cases (n = 19), the absence of positive dynamics was noted in 25 % of cases (n = 6); there were no cases of poor results. When comparing the indicators in groups with a positive result and its absence, it was revealed that the degree of limb dysfunction and the degree of paresis affect the treatment outcome (p &lt; 0.05). In all patients with a positive result, a positive trend was observed starting from 5.89 ± 0.93 (range 1-15) weeks after surgery. Conclusion The proposed method of neurolysis of the brachial plexus is an effective method for the treatment of patients with brachial plexus palsy of various etiologies. The main factor influencing the outcome of reatment is limb dysfunction, the severity of which is inversely proportional to the function recovery in the postoperative period. Based on the results obtained, neurolysis was not effective in paresis of the affected muscles scoring 0-1 points. If there is no positive effect from the intervention within 3 months after its implementation, further waiting tactics is not advisable. Other treatment options should be considered.

Trends in the surgical management of parapharyngeal space tumors: A single-center retrospective analysis.

Surgery remains the mainstay treatment for parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors. Given the rapid advance and increasing usage of endoscopic and robotic techniques, we aimed to investigate the surgical trends of PPS tumors in our institution and analyze their impact on patients' treatment outcomes. All patients who underwent surgical resection of PPS tumors from 2014 to 2021at the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively reviewed. Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to compare the surgical outcomes between groups. Of the included 389 patients, the recipients of endoscopic surgery have largely increased in our center, with 17 of 134 cases (12.7%) in the group 2014-2017 and 187 of 255 cases (73.3%) in the group 2018-2021. The use of transoral and trans-nasal approaches increased in recent years (5.2% in 2014-2017 vs. 26.0% in 2018-2021), while that of trans-mandibular and lateral skull base approaches decreased (5.9% in 2014-2017 vs. 0.8% in 2018-2021). Decreased blood loss of operation and decreased risks of postoperative neurovascular complications were observed in the group 2018-2021. Similar findings were observed among patients receiving endoscopic surgery when compared with those receiving conventional surgery. In our institution, the overall trends in the surgical management of PPS tumors moved towards minimally invasive approaches with the assistance of endoscopy or surgical robots. The two surgical techniques were feasible and safe, and to a great extent, contributed to the improved surgical outcomes we observed in recent years.

A Novel Brain Retractor for Endoscopic Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Endoscopic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation is a safe and effective alternative to the conventional burr hole technique. Although a rigid endoscope has the advantage of good visualization, there are risks of brain damage due to limited space to accommodate the scope and frequent lens soiling. This technical note describes a novel brain retractor to overcome the limitations of rigid endoscopy. The novel brain retractor (by senior author) was made by dividing a silicon tube longitudinally into two halves, and tapered for easy introduction in the operative cavity. Sutures were placed at the outer end of the retractor to prevent migration and to assist in angulation. The novel retractor along with endoscopic assistance was used in 362 CSDH procedures. Endoscopy combined with this retractor provided additional help in complete removal of hematoma in organized/solid clots, septa, bridging vessels, and rapid expansion of brain in 83, 23, 21, and 24 patients, respectively (n = 151, 44%). Although there were three deaths (due to poor preoperative status), and two recurrences, there were no retractor-induced complications. The novel brain retractor assists endoscope in proper visualization of complete hematoma cavity by gentle and dynamic brain retraction, helps in thorough irrigation of hematoma cavity, protects the brain, and prevents lens soiling. It allows easy insertion of the endoscope and instruments using bimanual technique even in patients with a small width of hematoma cavity.

Breaking boundaries: laparoscopic and endoscopic collaboration in appendectomy.

Background The combination of endoscopy and laparoscopic assistance is gaining attention due to its minimally invasive approach and the potential to improve the safety of surgical treatment for potential malignant tumors at the base of the appendix. Methods Initially, we attempted an endoscopic resection for a patient with a large adenoma in the ileocecal region, with involvement of the appendiceal orifice. However, due to intraabdominal adhesions, a smooth resection was not possible. Therefore, in collaboration with the surgical team, we proceeded with the laparoscopic release of adhesions followed by endoscopic appendectomy. The surgical site was closed using endoscopic purse-string sutures, and intestinal and intraperitoneal dual drainage tubes were placed. Results The patient had a favorable recovery following the appendectomy, with no adverse complications. One year later, the follow-up endoscopy revealed excellent closure of the surgical site. Conclusions The integration of internal medicine and surgery has become an inevitable trend in the advancement of medical disciplines. The laparoscopic and endoscopic combined surgery enhances the cooperation between internal medicine and surgery, ultimately benefiting the patients. This significant attempt holds the promise of further supplementation and support from additional clinical data.

Endoscope-assisted visualization of 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence in surgery for brain metastases.

Fluorescence-guided resection of cerebral metastases has been proposed as an approach to visualize residual tumor tissue and maximize the extent of resection. Critics have argued that tumor cells at the resection margins might be overlooked under microscopic visualization because of technical limitations. Therefore, an endoscope, which is capable of inducing fluorescence, has been applied with the aim of improving exposure of fluorescent tumor tissue. In this retrospective analysis, authors assessed the utility of endoscope assistance in 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guided resection of brain metastases. Between June 2013 and December 2016, a standard 20-mg/kg dose of 5-ALA was administered 4 hours prior to surgery in 26 patients with suspected single brain metastases. After standard neuronavigated microsurgical tumor resection, a microscope capable of inducing fluorescence was used to examine tumor margins. The authors classified the remaining fluorescence into 3 grades (0 = none, 1 = weak, and 2 = strong). Endoscopic assistance was employed if no or only weak fluorescence was visualized at the resection margins under the microscope. Endoscopically identified fluorescent tissue at the margins was resected and evaluated separately via histological examination to prove or disprove tumor infiltration. Under the microscope, weakly fluorescent tissue was seen at the margins of the resection cavity in 15/26 (57.7%) patients. In contrast, endoscopic inspection revealed strongly fluorescent tissue in 22/26 (84.6%) metastases. In 11/26 (42.3%) metastases no fluorescence at the tumor margins was detected by the microscope; however, strong fluorescence was visualized under the endoscope in 7 (63.6%) of these 11 metastases. In the 15 metastases with microscopically weak fluorescence, strong fluorescence was seen when using the endoscope. Neither microscopic nor endoscopic fluorescence was found in 4/26 (15.4%) cases. In the 26 patients, 96 histological specimens were obtained from the margins of the resection cavity. Findings from these specimens were in conjunction with the histopathological findings, allowing identification of metastatic infiltration with a sensitivity of 95.5% and a specificity of 75% using endoscope assistance. Fluorescence-guided endoscope assistance may overcome the technical limitations of the conventional microscopic exposure of 5-ALA-fluorescent metastases and thereby increase visualization of fluorescent tumor tissue at the margins of the resection cavity with high sensitivity and acceptable specificity.