Neuroendoscopic Resection of Intraventricular Tumors and Cysts through a Working Channel with a Variable Aspiration Tissue Resector : A Feasibility and Safety Study

Abstract EN

Pure neuroendoscopic resection of intraventricular lesions through a burr hole is limited by the instrumentation that can be used with a working channel endoscope.

We describe a safety and feasibility study of a variable aspiration tissue resector, for the resection of a variety of intraventricular lesions.

Our initial experience using the variable aspiration tissue resector involved 16 patients with a variety of intraventricular tumors or cysts.

Nine patients (56%) presented with obstructive hydrocephalus.

Patient ages ranged from 20 to 88 years (mean 44.2).

All patients were operated on through a frontal burr hole, using a working channel endoscope.

A total of 4 tumors were resected in a gross total fashion and the remaining intraventricular lesions were subtotally resected.

Fifteen of 16 patients had relief of their preoperative symptoms.

The 9 patients who presented with obstructive hydrocephalus had restoration of cerebrospinal fluid flow though one required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Three patients required repeat endoscopic resections.

Use of a variable aspiration tissue resector provides the ability to resect a variety of intraventricular lesions in a safe, controlled manner through a working channel endoscope.

Larger intraventricular tumors continue to pose a challenge for complete removal of intraventricular lesions.