Navigation

Neuroendoscopy in Pediatrics

Author: ,

Neuroendoscopy in Pediatrics

Neuroendoscopy has been around since the beginning of the last century, however, changes in some standard neurosurgical procedures have only occurred in the last 10 years due to technological advances in imaging systems. Along with radical changes in the treatment of hydrocephalus, neuroendoscopy is becoming an alternative and effective treatment for arachnoid cysts. The first serious steps in the surgery of tumors and less significant intraventricular and vascular malformations have already been taken.

The 3.2 mm endoscope is a very useful and versatile instrument for pediatric endoscopy. Despite the very small outer diameter and due to its optical characteristics, this tool - like the larger models - is equipped with a 1 mm working channel. Thus, it is possible to carry out the same operations for which large endoscopes are usually needed, especially if minimally invasive techniques are required, for example, when operating on premature infants or during operations on small ventricles.

The use of endoscopy in pediatric neurosurgery improves visibility and accessibility during surgery, reduces trauma to healthy tissues, and shortens the time a child stays in the hospital.

 

Ventriculostomy of the 3rd ventricle

When using this method, an anastomosis is created between the bottom of the 3rd ventricle and the basal cisterns to prevent CSF from entering the cerebral aqueduct and the fourth ventricle. This intervention makes it possible to treat obstructive hydrocephalus due to malformations resulting from stenosis of the aqueduct of the brain (atresia of the aqueduct of the brain, arachnoid cysts in the area of the quadruple cistern), tumors (posterior cranial fossa, a tumor of the epiphysis or brain stem, hematoma in the roof of the midbrain ) and impaired outflow of cerebrospinal fluid caused by bleeding or inflammation.

 

Septostomy

This intervention is used to open the transparent septum of the brain in monoventricular or biventricular hydrocephalus and to open the pathological septum inside the ventricle in polycystic hydrocephalus.

 

Marsupialization of arachnoid cysts

Neuroendoscopy allows you to open the cyst wall inside the CSF cisterns or ventricular cavities. Thus, it is possible, for example, to establish direct communication between the cyst of the temporomandibular region and the arterial circle of Willis.

 

Biopsy and/or resection of intraventricular lesions

If the ventricles are wide enough, then using a minimally invasive method, it is possible to achieve large lesions such as tumors and vascular malformations, especially if they are located intra- or paraventricularly. This process makes it possible to biopsy and reduce or even remove very small lesions.

 

Catheter guidance

With virtual ventricles or ventricles with multiple septa, neuroendoscopy allows not only placing the catheter in the desired position but also establishing communication with the Ommaya reservoir for aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid or administration of medication.

 

Neuroendoscopy in conjunction with neuronavigation

In combination with neuronavigation, neuroendoscopy can be used for operations in small or virtual CSF pathways and in the treatment of deep-seated cystic lesions.

 

Functional neurosurgery

In epilepsy surgery, functional neurosurgery allows deafferentation of the harmatoma in the area of the gray tubercle and the treatment of gelastic and/or dacristic epilepsy.