Neuroendoscopy

Neuroendoscopy is one of the most exciting recent advances in neurosurgery. It is ultra-minimally invasive and allows surgeons to operate through a slim tube guided by television images from inside the brain.

Neuroendoscopy can be used in the treatment of:
 
Hydrocephalus
Intraventricular brain cysts and tumours
Cerebral haematomas
Pituitary tumours
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks or fistulas
Syringomyelia
Intervertebral disc disease
Carpal tunnel syndrome

The most common neuroendoscopic operation is endoscopic third ventriclostomy.  This creates a bypass hole inside the brain of patients with obstructive hydrocephalus using a balloon (like angioplasty). The bypass allows normal circulation of brain fluid (CSF) and avoids the insertion of a valve and plastic tubing into the patient. The operation is illustrated on the adjacent panel and by video.

For a complete description of endoscopic methods in neurosurgery please consult:
 
Torrens M.J. Endoscopic Neurosurgery. Neurosurgery Quarterly 5:18-33, 1995.

Torrens M, Kazanas S. Endonasal endoscopic approaches. In M J Torrens, O Al Mefty and S Kobayashi (Eds), ‘OPERATIVE SKULL BASE SURGERY’ Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1997, Chapter 6, p 90-97.