Intraventricular Lesions Research Articles

Bilateral Xanthogranuloma of the Choroid Plexus in an Infant.

ABSTRACTXanthogranuloma of the choroid plexus is a rare, usually incidentally detected and commonly bilateral intraventricular lesion found in the pediatric population. Its characteristic imaging features are described.

Delving Inside the Enigmatic Central Neurocytoma: Electronic Hospital Database Retrieval.

Introduction:Central neurocytomas (CNCs) appear as a rare benign intraventricular lesions involving <0.5% of primary brain tumors. There are no consensus guidelines for the optimal management strategy, so that this entity still enigmatic.Aim:This review aims to highpoint the entity of central neurocytoma in patients managed by our department and the unique surgical considerations, to review the epidemiology and demographics in patients treated in our institution.Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing tall patients managed at King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC) and their medical records. Patient reports were retrieved from the electronic hospital database for a 14-year period (2004 _ 2018). The review was permitted by the Royal Medical Services Institutional ethics committee. As this study was a retrospective chart review, the requirement for consent was waived.Results:Study revealed 33- patients who had Central neurocytoma as the underlying cause for admission. Of the final population 42.4% of the patients were males. Mean age at diagnosis was 29.48±9.78 years. Two cases were extra-ventricular, to cases were anaplastc. Only one patient developed recurrence.Conclusion:We have one the large series of Central neurocytomas in literature. They are benign and total resection is feasible. New adjuvant therapies are flourishing. Supplementary studies are required clarify the cardinal factors responsible for its pathogenesis; diagnosis; and to consolidate management approaches protocol.

Intraventricular metastases from rectal carcinoma: case report and literature review.

Intraventricular metastases are a rare occurrence, particularly from a primary colorectal malignancy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intraventricular metastasis from rectal cancer. A 72-year-old male presented with a new diagnosis of multiple intraventricular lesions, an anterior mediastinal mass and a rectal mass. His workup revealed rectal adenocarcinoma with intraventricular metastases and an incidental thymoma. Ommaya reservoir placement was performed via an awake procedure rather than under general anesthesia due to airway concerns. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology was positive for malignancy and consistent with adenocarcinoma. Two weeks postoperatively, the patient underwent whole brain radiation. Although rare, this diagnosis should always be considered in the differential for solitary or multiple intraventricular lesions. CSF sampling is a useful alternative to intraventricular biopsy for diagnosis of intraventricular metastases. Awake placement of Ommaya reservoir is a safe option in the management of patients with intraventricular metastases, especially those who cannot undergo general anesthesia.

Watch out for the special location of intraventricular silicone oil following an intraocular tamponade - a 10-year follow-up case report based on CT/MRI

BackgroundIntraventricular silicone oil is a relatively rare complication resulted from silicone oil tamponade to treat retinal detachment. It is occasionally reported in previous literature. To the best of our knowledge, the long-term longitudinal comparisons of silicone oil both in the brain and in the postoperative eyeball based on CT/MRI were lacking, and intraventricular silicone oil accumulation beside lesions has been reported rarely.Case presentationA 63-year-old male patient underwent an intraocular tamponade with silicone oil in June 2009. Eight CT examinations and 2 MRI examinations were acquired between 2011 and 2018.The changes of silicone oil in the brain in CT/MRI as below: Silicone oil initially migration to bilateral lateral ventricular anterior horn was found in November 2011, it was aslo found at right side of suprasellar cisterna, and there was no change in location 6 h later; Silicone oil at the anterior horn of right lateral ventricle disappeared but remained at left lateral ventricle and right side of suprasellar cisterna in July 2014, and there was no change in location in a short-term reexamination. It was found at the middle of left lateral ventricle (adjacent to the real cause) in march 2018, but disappeared 3 months later, while remained at anterior horn of left lateral ventricular and right side of suprasellar cisterna all the time. There was no change in location in the next 2 follow-up (September and October in 2018). The CT values of silicone oil distributed throughout the brain were dynamically changed with time.ConclusionIt is important to recognize intraventricular silicone oil in a particular location.More important is to discover “the real murderer”, which is the main cause of symptoms in the vicinity of special location. Moreover, the migration of silicone oil between eyeball and brain may not be always in a single direction.

Cerebrospinal fluid disturbances after transcallosal surgery: incidence and predictive factors.

CSF dynamics after transcallosal resection of intraventricular lesions can be altered, and the need for shunt implantation complicates the management of these patients. Because the pathophysiological mechanism and contributing factors are poorly understood and the incidence has largely not been described, the authors conducted a study to elucidate these factors. The authors retrospectively reviewed data from patients who had been operated on at their institution via a transcallosal approach between March 2002 and December 2016. They evaluated the need for a shunt implantation up to 3 months after surgery by assessing clinical variables. These variables were age at surgery, the need for perioperative external CSF drainage, histology of the lesion, and the following radiological parameters: pre- and postoperative Evans index, maximal postoperative extension of subdural effusions (SDEs) measured on axial images, and maximal interhemispheric fissure (IHF) width measured on coronal images assessed at 4 different points in time (preoperatively, day 1, days 2-4, and days 4-8 after surgery). To identify potential risk factors, univariate and multivariate regression models were constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for significant predictors, as well as the area under the curve (AUC), were calculated. Seventy-four patients (40 female and 34 male) were identified; their median age at surgery was 17.6 years (range 4 months to 76 years). Shunt implantation was necessary in 13 patients (ventriculoperitoneal [VP] shunt, n = 7; subdural peritoneal [SDP] shunt, n = 6) after a median interval of 24 days (range 10 days to 3 months). Univariate logistic regression models revealed a significant effect of IHF width on days 4-8 (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.66; p = 0.027), extension of SDE on days 2-4 (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11-1 0.60; p = 0.003), and age (OR 0.932, 95% CI 0.88-0.99; p = 0.02). In the multiple regression model, the effect of the independent variable extension of the SDE remained significant. ROC curves for the predictors IHF width on days 4-8 and extension of SDE on days 2-4 revealed an AUC equal to 0.732 and 0.752, respectively. Before shunt implantation, the ventricles were smaller compared to the preoperative size in 9 of the 13 patients (SDP shunt, n = 5; VP shunt, n = 4). The rate of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus 3 months after surgery in this heterogeneous group of patients was 17.6% (95% CI 9.7%-28.2%). The authors identified as predictive factors the variables extension of the convexity space, IHF 1 week after surgery, and younger age.

Primary central nervous system small lymphocytic lymphoma in the bilateral ventricles: two case reports

BackgroundPrimary central nervous system (CNS) small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), as a type of low-grade lymphoma, is extremely rare. The diagnosis of CNS SLL is challenging due to its variable clinical and radiological features, which may overlap with those of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Primary CNS SLL differs from DLBCL in that it has an indolent clinical course and a good prognosis. Thus, it is important to distinguish SLL from DLBCL. By reviewing the literature, only two cases of low-grade SLL, primarily located in the CNS and involving the brain parenchyma and dura, have been reported. To our knowledge, primary CNS SLL in the bilateral ventricles has never been reported. Interestingly, the two cases in our report are identical in terms of the clinical presentations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, pathological results and prognoses.Case presentationBoth patients presented with headaches. MRI suggested solid lesions located in the bilateral ventricles that were isointense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. After the injection of contrast agent (gadolinium, Gd), the intraventricular lesions were homogeneously enhanced and hyperperfused. CSF cytology revealed malignant cells. Brain biopsy revealed diffuse proliferation of small lymphocytes with positive labelling of B-cell immunomarkers. The primary origin in the CNS was confirmed with no evidence of systemic lymphoma. Two patients were given high doses of methotrexate-based chemotherapy and were free from symptoms and progression for more than 1-year of follow-up.ConclusionsThe presence of homogeneously enhanced intraventricular MRI lesions should raise the suspicion of primary CNS SLL.

Anatomic Study on Neuroendoportal Transcortical Approach to Lateral Ventricles

Resection of intraventricular lesions remains a challenge for modern neurosurgery. Endoscopy has provided great advantages in ventricular surgery, even if limited in terms of operability, due to the restricted working channel and impossibility for bimanual surgical manipulation. Tubular approaches have been considered as an option, enabling the use of microsurgical techniques, minimizing violation of brain tissue. The aim of our study was to describe and critically evaluate the use of portal surgery to access lateral ventricles in terms of surgical exposure and operability. A microanatomic laboratory cadaver study was conducted with a stepwise description of the surgical technique. The operability score was applied for quantitative analysis of surgical operability, and an illustrative case is reported. Through the anterior approach, the neuroport provides maximal operability at the foramen of Monro and the posterior aspect of the frontal horn, while through the posterior approach maximal operability is achieved in the paratrigonal area. Endoscopic assistance does not affect operability but provides adjunctive exposure in blind spots, as the roof of the frontal horn, the most anterior aspect of the temporal and occipital horn. Ventricular tubular systems provide adequate visualization, with minimal brain retraction, improving operability as compared with endoscopy. Endoscopic assistance critically widens surgical exposure in blind spots without providing concomitant significant advantage in terms of surgical operability.

Visual-Controlled Endoscopic Biopsy of Paraventricular Intraparenchymal Tumors

Frame-based stereotaxy represents the gold standard for biopsy of deep-seated lesions. Visual control of possible bleeding in these lesions is not possible. Neuroendoscopic biopsy represents an alternative procedure for tissue sampling in deep-seated intraventricular lesions. The authors present a technique for transventricular-navigated endoscopic biopsy of lesions that are located in the paraventricular region. Biopsy of paraventricular pathologies was performed in 6 male and 6 female patients between March 2013 and September 2018. The patient age ranged from 18 to 82 years. All patients underwent a pure endoscopic procedure over a burr hole trepanation supported by frameless navigation of the sedan probe. Histologic diagnoses were established in all biopsies. In all patients, a direct control of the biopsy area was feasible, and hemostasis could be obtained. In 5 patients, endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed first due to obstructive hydrocephalus. In 1 patient suffering from obstructive hydrocephalus, a pellucidotomy was performed. In 9 cases, the initial postoperative course was uneventful. Three patients suffered from persistent hydrocephalus and had to be treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Endoscopically conducted biopsies with the aid of navigated tracking of the probe represent a possible additional technique in selected paraventricular intraparenchymal pathologies. The endoscopic approach enables the direct visualization of the intraventricular surface and its vessels. In contrast to standard stereotactic biopsy, direct visual control of hemostasis can be obtained even in paraventricular tumors.

Abstract WP436: White Matter Lesion Severity is Associated With Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Both intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and white matter lesion (WML) severity are associated with higher rates of death and disability among cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Prior reports suggest higher WML burden is associated with propensity of IVH. However, those analyses were not stratified by location. Our objective was to investigate the hypothesis that a higher degree of WML would be associated with a higher risk of IVH after controlling for ICH location. Methods: The Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Hemorrhagic Stroke (GERFHS) III study was a prospective study of hemorrhagic stroke in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. We utilized the interviewed cohort from the study and systematically graded WML using the Van Swieten Scale (0-4) and presence or absence of IVH in baseline head CT scans. Additional variables included ICH volume, location of ICH and vascular risk factors. We used multiple logistic regression with backward elimination to adjust for relevant covariates. Results: Among the included 426 ICH patients (mean± SD age 71.2± 13.8; 49% females), 161 (38%) had presence of IVH. In patients with IVH, the proportion of severe WML (39.7%) was significantly higher compared with patients without IVH (27.2%) (p=0.0044). The median volume of ICH was 14.4 mL (IQR, 4.9-46.3) in patients with IVH as compared with 8.9 ml (IQR, 2.6-20.8) in patients without IVH (p&lt;0.0001). In multivariate analysis, moderate WML, severe WML, deep ICH location, and increasing ICH volume were independently associated with presence of IVH. Conclusion: Moderate to severe white matter lesions are a risk for intraventricular hemorrhage. Further studies are needed to determine if greater severity of IVH or subsequent rupture into IVH are associated with higher grades of WML.

Intraventricular meningioma: Neurosurgical challenge worth taking

Intraventricular meningiomas (IVM) are rare and constitutes only 1% of all such tumours, intracranially. This is supported by the fact that there had only been two case series from India. Both these studies are from major centres and have reported just nine and twelve cases of IVM respectively, over a span of twelve years. As compared to larger lesions, smaller ones do not manifest early, due to sufficient accommodating space provided by the ventricular system. Large lesions often present with features of raised intracranial pressure, with or without localising signs, and sometimes with visual field cuts. We encountered one such large intraventricular lesion, in the trigone of left lateral ventricle of a thirty-five-year-old female, who had a hydrocephalic attack & operated upon early. Lesion was confirmed to be a fibroblastic meningioma. Appropriate & timely surgical intervention has potential to save life of these patient. Possibility of such encapsulated lesion should always be kept in mind with clinico-radiological coherence.

Endoscopic Resection of an Intraventricular Tumor With Second Window Indocyanine Green: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

A 26-year-old woman presented to our clinic with years of headaches and mental clouding. She had a nonfocal neurological examination including benign ophthalmological examination. Head computed tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated asymmetry of the lateral ventricles due to a lesion arising from the foramen of Monro. At the top of our differential diagnosis were choroid plexus tumor and colloid cyst. We offered the patient treatment via an endoscopic approach. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of using tumor-localizing dyes such as indocyanine green (ICG) in conjunction with endoscopes equipped with lasers to localize and treat intraventricular lesions. While ICG is FDA approved, the technique presented here is investigational and the dye is being used off-label. The laser-equipped endoscope is also being used off-label. To treat the ventricular asymmetry, we performed an endoscopic septostomy between the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. For our tumor-localizing dye technique, we injected the patient with ICG 24 hours before the planned surgery. We were able to clearly visualize the lesion at the foramen of Monro as it was intensely fluorescent. The dye also appeared to localize to the presumably normal choroid plexus. We resected the lesion endoscopically and permanent pathology revealed that the lesion was a choroid plexus papilloma. The postoperative MRI showed improvement in her ventricular asymmetry and complete resection of the enhancing lesion at the foramen of Monro. The patient recovered well and was uneventfully discharged. She was seen in follow-up and has had improvement in her headaches.Consent for surgery was obtained from the patient. Consent for publication of the operative video was also obtained from the patient.

Endoscopic Treatment of Hydrocephalus with Minimal Resources: Resource Utilization and Indigenous Innovation in Developing Countries like India.

Context:Neuroendoscopic surgeries need specialized equipments, unavailable in neurosurgical departments of majority of public healthcare institutions of India. Aims: Neuroendoscopic treatment of hydrocephalus in the setting of minimal resources using utilization of available resources, inter-departmental co-ordination and indigenous innovations.Methods:Study was carried out at a public sector institute of India with scarce resources. Senior author (DKJ) used indigenously designed stainless steel working sheath along with equipments of ‘awake endoscopic intubation system’ of department of neuroanesthesia and 18 cm, 4 mm, 0° rigid telescope for neuroendoscopic surgeries for various intraventricular pathologies.Results:Thirty-four neuroendoscopic surgeries in 32 patients were done over last 3 years. There were 18 males and 14 females with average age of 23 years. It included hydrocephalus due to tubercular meningitis (n = 19), neurocysticercosis (NCC) (n = 4), intra-ventricular (n = 2) and para-ventricular (n = 2) space occupying lesions, aqueduct stenosis with (n = 2) or without (n = 1) shunt malfunction and one case each of pyogenic meningitis and right cerebellar infarction. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) (n = 28), septostomy (n = 6), removals of cystic lesions (n = 3) and biopsies of intraventricular lesions (n = 2) were done in a total of 34 neuroendoscopic surgeries. Overall there were four failures of ETVs, which were managed by ventriculo-peritoneal shunts. Two mortalities in the study group were unrelated to the surgical procedures.Conclusion:Indigenous innovations and interdisciplinary co-ordination are the way ahead to tackle resource scarcity in public sector healthcare institutions of India in the scenario of plenty of neuroendoscopic trainings opportunities for young neurosurgeons and paucity of equipments required.

Kir6.2, the Pore-Forming Subunit of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels, Is Overexpressed in Human Posttraumatic Brain Contusions.

Brain contusions (BCs) are one of the most frequent lesions in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). BCs increase their volume due to peri-lesional edema formation and/or hemorrhagic transformation. This may have deleterious consequences and its mechanisms are still poorly understood. We previously identified de novo upregulation sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) 1, the regulatory subunit of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and other channels, in human BCs. Our aim here was to study the expression of the pore-forming subunit of KATP, Kir6.2, in human BCs, and identify its localization in different cell types. Protein levels of Kir6.2 were detected by western blot (WB) from 33 contusion specimens obtained from 32 TBI patients aged 14-74 years. The evaluation of Kir6.2 expression in different cell types was performed by immunofluorescence in 29 contusion samples obtained from 28 patients with a median age of 42 years. Control samples were obtained from limited brain resections performed to access extra-axial skull base tumors or intraventricular lesions. Contusion specimens showed an increase of Kir6.2 expression in comparison with controls. Regarding cellular location of Kir6.2, there was no expression of this channel subunit in blood vessels, either in control samples or in contusions. The expression of Kir6.2 in neurons and microglia was also analyzed, but the observed differences were not statistically significant. However, a significant increase of Kir6.2 was found in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells in contusion specimens. Our data suggest that further research on SUR1-regulated ionic channels may lead to a better understanding of key mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of BCs, and may identify novel targeted therapeutic strategies.

Purely neuroendoscopic resection of intraventricular tumors with an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator.

Surgery for intraventricular tumors remains a controversial and evolving field, with endoscopic resection becoming more popular. We present a series of nine consecutive cases of purely endoscopic resection of intraventricular tumors with the aid of an ultrasonic aspirator specific for neuroendoscopy. Nine patients (five men, four women) aged 18-74years (mean 43.7) underwent surgery. The most common symptom was headache. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging showed single supratentorial intraventricular lesions (five lateral ventricle, four third ventricle). The average maximum diameter was 20.5mm (range 11-42). Associated hydrocephalus was found in eight cases at diagnosis. Five patients underwent complete macroscopic resection. Three underwent subtotal resection and one underwent partial resection (two thirds of the tumor). The mean endoscopic procedure time was 70min (37-209). The eight patients with associated hydrocephalus also underwent endoscopic septostomy to improve cerebral spinal fluid circulation, with one patient additionally requiring endoscopic third ventriculostomy and another requiring Monro foraminoplasty. One patient required ventriculoperitoneal shunting. The mean post-operative follow-up was 15.1months (range 2-33). At the time of analysis, no patient showed recurrence or regrowth of the operated lesion. The histological diagnoses and degree of resection were three subependymomas with complete resection, three colloid cysts with two complete and one subtotal resection, one pilocytic astrocytoma with partial resection (approximately two thirds of the lesion), one epidermoid tumor with subtotal resection, and one central neurocytoma with subtotal resection. The endoscopic ultrasonic surgical aspirator can be a safe and effective tool for the removal of intraventricular tumors, even in firmer solid lesions.

Role of Neuroendoscopy in Management of Intraventricular Lesions

Objective: Intraventricular (IV) lesions are easily being approached with the endoscope through the ventricular system, because intraventricular tumors often cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway obstruction and hydrocephalus. The aims of endoscopy in intraventricular tumors are usually the restoration of CSF pathway obstruction, clarification of the histology, and if possible, a complete tumor removal. Methods: Twenty five consecutive cases with IV lesions were removed or biopsied with or without ETV and septum pellucidostomy. Patient information was retrospective entered into a database. Outcomes were evaluated by life table analysis. Results: Twenty five patients had completed with ETV in 16 cases; six cases by cyst fenestration, seven cases tumor biopsy 10 cases cyst removal, two cases hematoma were evacuated. 16 cases improved post-operative (clinical and radiological), three cases needed VP shunt, Three cases with same clinical as pre-operative, One case presented with paresis, Two cases operated microscopically after one year. Conclusions: The advantages of the endoscopic approach are minimal dissection and brain retraction. Reach to the target is rapid. The method of choice for removal of colloid cysts, arachnoid cysts and restore CSF pass way obstructed by lesions at the same operation.

Intraventricular schwannoma: Case report and review of literature

We report here a case of intraventricular schwannoma. This location is rare. Our patient was a 68-year-old female with a large intraventricular lesion of the body of the lateral ventricle on the right side. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed this lesion. After a right parietotemporal craniotomy, microsurgical excision using neuronavigation was performed to completely remove the tumor. Histological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of intraventricular schwannoma devoid of atypical features. Postoperative MRI showed macroscopically complete tumor removal with no recurrence after 12 months of follow-up. A review of the literature identified 32 such cases published to date.

Minimally Invasive Brain Port Approach for Accessing Deep-Seated Lesions Using Simple Syringe

Retraction-related injury is a recognized complication in neurosurgery. Use of tubular retractors that distribute the pressure on brain tissue was introduced to minimize brain injury. We developed a modified technique using a simple plastic syringe with a Foley catheter to achieve atraumatic cannulation in accessing deep lesions. A retrospective pilot study was conducted to assess safety of the syringe transtubular technique for accessing deep lesions as a cost-effective substitute for commercial brain port methods and to identify retraction-related injury using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging postoperatively. Nine patients were operated on using the syringe technique. Lesions selected were intraparenchymal, deeply located in the supratentorial compartment. Lesions were located in the insula (n= 2), thalamus or basal ganglia (n= 5), subcortical frontoparietal (n= 1) lobe, and right temporal lobe (n= 1). Patients with hematomas, intraventricular lesions, superficially located lesions; pediatric patients less than 12 years old; and patients undergoing redo surgeries were excluded. Surgical goals were achieved in 8 patients. Three patients had transient deficits; one patient had significant morbidity, which was diagnosed postoperatively as toxoplasmosis. Diffusion restriction was noted in all patients at the surgical cavity but not in the cannulation path. Transtubular approaches have a good safety profile and can help achieve surgical goals. Larger studies are needed to compare this approach with other methods, including its effect on hospital stay and survival. The syringe technique is an alternative safe method that can be used in certain neurosurgical centers where commercial tube systems are unavailable.

Clinical features and long-term outcomes of pediatric intraventricular meningiomas: data from a single neurosurgical center.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with intraventricular meningioma. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 30 pediatric patients with intraventricular meningiomas who were surgically treated at our department between January 2005 and June 2016 and analyzed their clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes. Among the 160 pediatric patients with intracranial meningioma, 33 (20.6%) had intraventricular lesions. However, only 30 patients had complete demographic and clinical data. A male predilection (male/female=1.5:1) was observed, and the mean age of our patient cohort was 12.6years. The lateral ventricle was the most common lesion site (88.6%). In addition, the most common initial symptom was headache or dizziness, and the average interval from symptom onset to admission was 19.17months (0.25-72months). Twenty-six patients (86.7%) achieved a Simpson grade of I. Based on the WHO classification, 28 (93.3%) meningiomas were classified as grade I, and the remaining two cases were grades II and III. During the follow-up period (0.67-10.08years), 3 patients experienced tumor recurrence (15, 18, and 83months, respectively), and 1 patient died of recurrence. Pediatric and adult intraventricular meningiomas present similar clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes; however, intraventricular meningiomas compose a higher percentage of pediatric meningiomas and have a male predilection. Compared with general pediatric meningiomas, pediatric intraventricular meningiomas tend to have higher incidence of benign subtypes. They are also more likely to be completely resected and have lower recurrence and mortality rates.

Transcortical Endoscopic Surgery for Intraventricular Lesions.

To review recent advances in endoscopic techniques for treating intraventricular lesions via transcortical passage. Articles in PubMed published since 2000 were searched using the keywords ‘endoscopy,’ ‘endoscopic,’ and ‘neuroendoscopic.’ Of these articles, those describing intraventricular lesions were reviewed. Suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SACs) can be treated with ventriculo-cystostomy (VC) or ventriculo-cysto-cisternostomy (VCC). VCC showed better results compared to VC. Procedure type, fenestration size, stent placement, and aqueductal patency may affect SAC prognosis. Colloid cysts can be managed using a transforaminal approach (TA) or a transforaminal-transchoroidal approach (TTA). However, TTA may result in better exposure compared to TA. Intraventricular cysticercosis can be cured with an endoscopic procedure alone, but if pericystic inflammation and/or ependymal reaction are seen, third ventriculostomy may be recommended. Tumor biopsies have yielded successful diagnosis rates of up to 100%, but tumor location, total specimen size, endoscope type, and vigorous coagulation on the tumor surface may affect diagnostic accuracy. An ideal indication for tumor excision is a small tumor with friable consistency and little vascularity. Tumor size, composition, and vascularity may influence a complete resection. SACs and intraventricular cysticercosis can be treated successfully using endoscopic procedures. Endoscopic procedures may represent an alternative to surgical options for colloid cyst removal. Solid tumors can be safely biopsied using endoscopic techniques, but endoscopy for tumor resection still results in considerable challenges.

Initial experience with a robotically operated video optical telescopic-microscope in cranial neurosurgery: feasibility, safety, and clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE The move toward better, more effective optical visualization in the field of neurosurgery has been a focus of technological innovation. In this study, the authors' objectives are to describe the feasibility and safety of a new robotic optical platform, namely, the robotically operated video optical telescopic-microscope (ROVOT-m), in cranial microsurgical applications. METHODS A prospective database comprising patients who underwent a cranial procedure between April 2015 and September 2016 was queried, and the first 200 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the cohort for a retrospective chart review. Only adults who underwent microsurgical procedures in which the ROVOT-m was used were considered for the study. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were retrieved from electronic medical records. The authors address the feasibility and safety of the ROVOT-m by studying various intraoperative variables and by reporting perioperative morbidity and mortality, respectively. To assess the learning curve, cranial procedures were categorized into 6 progressively increasing complexity groups. The main categories of pathology were I) intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs); II) intraaxial tumors involving noneloquent regions or noncomplex extraaxial tumors; III) intraaxial tumors involving eloquent regions; IV) skull base pathologies; V) intraventricular lesions; and VI) cerebrovascular lesions. In addition, the entire cohort was evenly divided into early and late cohorts. RESULTS The patient cohort comprised 104 female (52%) and 96 male (48%) patients with a mean age of 56.7 years. The most common pathological entities encountered were neoplastic lesions (153, 76.5%), followed by ICH (20, 10%). The distribution of cases by complexity categories was 11.5%, 36.5%, 22%, 20%, 3.5%, and 6.5% for Categories I, II, II, IV, V, and VI, respectively. In all 200 cases, the surgical goal was achieved without the need for intraoperative conversion. Overall, the authors encountered 3 (1.5%) major neurological morbidities and 6 (3%) 30-day mortalities. Four of the 6 deaths were in the ICH group, resulting in a 1% mortality rate for the remainder of the cohort when excluding these patients. None of the intraoperative complications were considered to be attributable to the visualization provided by the ROVOT-m. When comparing the early and late cohorts, the authors noticed an increase in the proportion of higher-complexity surgeries (Categories IV-VI), from 23% in the early cohort, to 37% in the late cohort (p = 0.030). In addition, a significant reduction in operating room setup time was demonstrated (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The feasibility and safety of the ROVOT-m was demonstrated in a wide range of cranial microsurgical applications. The authors report a gradual increase in case complexity over time, representing an incremental acquisition of experience with this technology. A learning curve of both setup and execution phases should be anticipated by new adopters of the robot system. Further prospective studies are required to address the efficacy of ROVOT-m. This system may play a role in neurosurgery as an integrated platform that is applicable to a variety of cranial procedures.