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We present an overview of the history, development, technological advancements, current application, and future trends of cranial endoscopy. Neuroendoscopy provides a safe and effective management modality for the treatment of a variety of intracranial disorders, either tumoral or non-tumoral, congenital, developmental, and degenerative, and its knowledge, indications, and limits are fundamental for the armamentarium of the modern neurosurgeon.

Ultra-early surgical treatment in which associated brain injury is minimized and maximal volume of hematoma is removed shortly after onset with secure hemostasis is expected to be established. We developed a transparent guiding sheath and other surgical instruments for endoscopic surgery and established a novel, ultra-early stage surgical procedure using those instruments. This procedure has the following characteristics: (a) burr hole opening under local anesthesia is possible; (b) a transparent sheath improves the visualization of the surgical field in the parenchyma and the hematoma; (c) free-hand surgery without fixing an endoscope and a sheath to a frame facilitates three-dimensional operation; (d) secure hemostasis by electric coagulation is possible; (e) relatively simple surgical instruments are easy to prepare. We have performed this procedure in 82 patients with intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage (44 with putaminal hemorrhage, 12 with thalamic hemorrhage, 8 with subcortical hemorrhage, 8 with cerebellar hemorrhage, 10 with intraventricular hemorrhage). Twenty-four of those patients received our treatment in the ultra-early stage (within 3 hours after onset). The mean duration of surgery was 63 minutes, the mean hematoma reduction rate was 96%, and no peri-operative hemorrhage with deterioration of symptoms and/or signs occurred. Therefore, we believe that endoscopic hematoma evacuation with our surgical procedure is a promising ultra-early stage treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage and that it may improve the long-term prognosis in patents with intracerebral hemorrhage.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of neuroendoscopic cyst partial resection (ECPR) combined with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for cystic craniopharyngiomas.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 22 craniopharyngioma patients undergoing ECPR combined with SRT were included. This combination therapy was indicated for suprasellar cystic craniopharyngiomas in patients whose pituitary function was preserved but would be difficult to preserve in direct surgery. The outcomes of combination therapy, including tumor control and postoperative visual and pituitary functions, were investigated.ResultsECPR was safely performed, and cyst shrinkage was accomplished in all cases. After ECPR, visual function improved in 12 of 13 patients (92%) with visual field disturbance and did not deteriorate in any patients. Pituitary function was preserved in 14 patients (64%) and deteriorated in eight patients (36%) after ECPR. As a complication of ECPR, meningitis occurred because of a wound infection in one patient. In 18 of 22 patients (82%), the tumor was controlled without further treatment 19 – 87 months (median, 33 months) after SRT. Hypopituitarism was an adverse event after SRT in two of the 18 patients who achieved tumor control. Four patients (18%) had enlarged cysts after SRT. Postoperative pituitary function was significantly more likely to deteriorate in cases of extensive detachment from the ventricular wall, and retreatment was significantly more common in cases with hypothalamic extension.ConclusionAlthough limited to some cases, ECPR combined with SRT is a less invasive and useful therapeutic option for suprasellar cystic craniopharyngiomas. However, its long-term prognosis requires further evaluation.