Neuroendoscopy surgery- Dr. Palak Jaiswal

WHAT IS NEUROENDOSCOPY SURGERY?

Brain surgery to remove brain tumors can be performed with a minimally invasive technique called a neuroendoscopy. During a neuro endoscopy, your neurosurgeon will access your brain through small (dime-sized) holes in the skull or through the nose or mouth. When used in the right patients, a neuro endoscopy can result in fewer complications, less pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring compared to traditional brain surgery.

Neuroendoscopy involves the use of an endoscope a long flexible tube that has a video camera and a light source to perform diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the brain, spine, or peripheral nervous system. The endoscope can be equipped with specialized instruments to perform various procedures.

Depending upon the location of a tumor(s), an endoscope can be maneuverer

• through the nose (for diseases of the skull base)
• through small incisions in the top of the head (for brain tumors or craniofacial conditions)
• through small incisions in the back (for spinal disease)

What is endoscopic brain surgery?

Endoscopic brain surgery is a procedure used primarily to treat brain tumors. It is considered a minimally invasive brain surgery that allows neurosurgeons to identify and treat conditions that are deep within the brain.

When is neuroendoscopy recommended?

Neuroendoscopy is a popular choice of neuro physicians and surgeons, to treat serious conditions of the Central Nervous System which includes the brain and spinal cord, or repair any craniofacial damage. It helps surgeons access those parts of the brain which are hard to access through traditional, incisional surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon makes one or two dime-sized incisions or holes on the skull to insert the endoscope. Alternatively, he/she may use the mouth or nose cavities to access the brain through the sinuses. The procedure can be done to remove a small sample of the suspected tumor for further diagnosis. This is called a biopsy. Later, once the tissue is confirmed to be a tumour, the procedure can be done to remove the tumour altogether. Neuroendoscopy is used to treat a wide range of tumours and cancers, cysts, neurological disorders, neurovascular conditions and trauma-induced damage. Brain tumors that can be treated with minimally invasive brain surgery include:

• Pituitary tumors
• Tumors in the pineal region
• Rathke’s cleft cysts
• Tumors in the base of the skull
• Ventricular tumors

Benefits of Neuro Endoscopy over traditional surgery:

• Access those areas of the brain that are hard to reach with traditional surgery
• Remove a tumor without damaging other parts of the brain or skull
• Quicker or shorter recovery times
• Reduced risk of side effects and low rate of complications
• Smaller Incisions or cuts
• Lesser pain and quicker healing
• Reduced risk of infection
• Reduced risk of brain trauma, that is lesser disruption to surrounding tissues and muscles
• Shorter hospital stays

Risks of neuro endoscopy

Although neuro endoscopy is safer than traditional brain surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure. Complications associated with a neuro endoscopy include:

• Brain hemorrhage
• Severe bleeding
• Increased intracranial pressure
• Infection

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