Pure endoscopic removal of pineal region tumors.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Endoscopic resection of pineal tumors using an endoscope with a mounted rigid suction that allows bimanual handling of the tumor for resection. This contrasts to the established method of biopsy of pineal tumors through intraventricular approach.

METHODS:

Two patients, one with a cystic lesion in the pineal region and one with a large pineal tumor, were operated in sitting position through a subtorcular approach. Endoscope was held in the left hand with suction tip extending beyond the tip through its instrument channel. Regular microsurgical instrumentation/CUSA/Nico Aspirator was used with the right hand for dissection, cutting, and removing the tumor under endoscopic vision.

RESULT:

Surgeon comfort was superior to when microscope is used in sitting position. Complete resection was achieved in all cases.

CONCLUSION:

The two-handed endoscopic technique using a mounted suction on the endoscope as described is a safe and effective strategy for resecting pineal region tumors.

• Authors: Sandeep Sood, Mark Hoeprich, Steven D Ham
• Journal: Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (Childs Nerv Syst) Vol. 27 Issue 9 Pg. 1489-92 (Sep 2011) ISSN: 1433-0350 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 21607639 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Brain Neoplasms (surgery)
• Child
• Humans
• Neuroendoscopy (methods)
• Pineal Gland (surgery)
• Pinealoma (surgery)