Neuroendoscopic biopsy of pediatric brain tumors with small ventricle

Purpose

Intraventricular endoscopic procedures to resect or biopsy peri- or intraventricular tumors may have not been used in patients with small ventricles due to the presumed difficulties with ventricular cannulation and the perceived risk of morbidity. The purpose of this study is to review the feasibility and safety of neuroendoscopic procedures in the biopsy of pediatric brain tumors with a small ventricle.

Methods

Between January 2006 and January 2013, 72 children were identified with brain tumors confirmed by transventricular endoscopic biopsy. Patients were divided into non-hydrocephalus and hydrocephalus groups, and the ratio of the two groups was 20:52.

Results

In 20 pediatric brain tumors with small ventricle, the targeted lesion was successfully approached under the guidance of neuronavigation. Navigational tracking was especially helpful in entering small ventricles and in approaching the third ventricle through the narrow foramen of Monro. The histopathologic diagnosis was established in all 20 patients: nine germinomas, three mixed germ cell tumors, two pilomyxoid astrocytomas, and two pilocytic astrocytomas. The tumor biopsy sites were the suprasellar area (n?=?10), pineal area (n?=?4), lateral ventricular wall (n?=?4), and mammillary body (n?=?1). There were no major morbidities related to the endoscopic procedure.

Conclusion

Neuroendoscopic biopsy or resection of peri- or intraventricular tumors in pediatric patients without hydrocephalus is feasible. Navigation-guided neuroendoscopic procedures improved the accuracy of the neuroendoscopic approach and minimized brain trauma. The absence of ventriculomegaly in patients with brain tumor may not serve as a contraindication to neuroendoscopic tumor biopsy.     

Clinical application and future prospect of neuroendoscopic surgery]

The clinical application and future prospect of neuroendoscopic surgery are described. In the historical trend, it is emphasized that the neuroendoscopic surgery has become one of the major or leading procedures in "minimally-invasive approaches" to the intracranial lesions. The presently-available instrument include procedures using an endoscope of three different types: rigid-rod, steerable/flexible-fiber-rod and semi-rigid-rod. To use a rigid-rod or fiber-rod scope, it is available to apply forceps, laser, a microballoon and other fine instruments. The indication for neuroendoscopic surgery has been expanded to almost all neurosurgical procedures, as "endoscope-assisted" procedures are applied more to micro neurosurgical procedures (endoscope-assisted microsurgery). The realistic indication for "pure neuroendoscopic surgery" includes reconstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway such as third ventriculostomy, septostomy, foramen reconstruction, fenestration of septation; removal or biopsy of tumor/cystic lesion, mainly in the intraventricular regions; and removal of hematoma involving the cerebral parenchyma (intracerebral hematoma), ventricles/(intraventricular hematoma) or subdural space (subdural hematoma). The intraparenchymal or deep-seated intracisternal lesions can be the realistic indication for "pure neuroendoscopic surgery" when the instrument are further developed in future. Neuroendoscopic surgery will play a promising and major role in the "minimally-invasive neurological procedure" in the 21st century.     

Transventricular Biopsy of Brain Tumor without Hydrocephalus Using Neuroendoscopy with Navigation

Objective

It is usually difficult to perform the neuroendoscopic procedure in patients without hydrocephalus due to difficulties with ventricular cannulation. The purpose of this study was to find out the value of navigation guided neuroendoscopic biopsy in patients with peri- or intraventricular tumors without hydrocephalus.

Methods

Six patients with brain tumors without hydrocephalus underwent navigation-guided neuroendoscopic biopsy. The procedure was indicated for verification of the histological diagnosis of the neoplasm, which was planned to be treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as the first line treatment, or establishment of the pathological diagnosis for further choice of the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Results

Under the guidance of navigation, targeted lesion was successfully approached in all patients. Navigational tracking was especially helpful in entering small ventricles and in approaching the third ventricle through narrow foramen Monro. The histopathologic diagnosis was established in all of 6 patients : 2 germinomas, 2 astrocytomas, 1 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor and 1 pineocytoma. The tumor biopsy sites were pineal gland (n = 2), suprasellar area (n = 2), subcallosal area (n = 1) and thalamus (n = 1). There were no operative complications related to the endoscopic procedure.

Conclusion

Endoscopic biopsy or resection of peri- or intraventricular tumors in patients without hydrocephalus is feasible. Image-guided neuroendoscopic procedure improved the accuracy of the endoscopic approach and minimized brain trauma. The absence of ventriculomegaly in patients with brain tumor may not be served as a contraindication to endoscopic tumor biopsy.     

Transventricular endoscopic biopsy of suprasellar tumors: a pediatric case series

Background and purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of transventricular neuroendoscopic biopsies in pediatric patients with suprasellar tumors.

Methods

Twenty-three pediatric patients (12 males and 11 females) with suprasellar tumors underwent transventricular neuroendoscopic biopsy at our institute by a single surgeon from 2000 to 2011. Neuronavigation has been combined with endoscopic procedures since 2008. Neuroendoscopic biopsies were performed to verify the histopathological diagnosis of neoplasms and to plan appropriate treatment strategies.

Results

Neuroendoscopic biopsy specimens were appropriate for diagnosis in 22 of the 23 patients (95.7 %) and revealed 14 germ cell tumors (12 germinomas, one choriocarcinoma, and one immature teratoma), seven astrocytomas, and one craniopharyngioma. Subsequent treatment modalities including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or microscopic surgery were determined according to the pathological findings. Seventeen of the 23 patients (73.9 %) showed ventriculomegaly. Among them, ventriculomegaly in 14 patients was resolved after an endoscopic procedure and/or adjuvant chemotherapy, but the remaining three patients (17.6 %) required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to relieve the ventriculomegaly. The pathologic diagnosis of these three patients was uniformly a large astrocytoma. Navigational tracking was helpful to enter small ventricles and the narrow foramen of Monro in patients without hydrocephalus. No mortalities were related to the procedures, but three transient diabetes insipidus (13.0 %) cases occurred but fully recovered before the patients received adjuvant therapy.

Conclusion

Endoscopic biopsy is feasible and shows acceptable operation-related complications to obtain tissue from suprasellar tumors in pediatric patients. Navigation-assisted neuroendoscopic procedure improves the accuracy of the endoscopic approach. An associated endoscopic procedure can resolve hydrocephalus, but it has limitations with large ventricle-occupying tumors.     

神经内镜技术的临床应用

目的探讨神经内镜的临床应用。方法应用内镜手术治疗各种颅内病变22例，其中透明隔囊肿3例，脑积水2例，鞍上囊肿1例，单侧室间孔阻塞1例，垂体瘤13例，脑脊液鼻漏1例，桥小脑角胆脂瘤1例。结果用单纯内镜手术治疗7例颅内囊性病变及脑积水，6例症状改善，1例脑积水改行分流手术。用内镜控制的显微神经外科治疗垂体瘤13例，全切10例，次全切3例；脑脊鼻漏修补1例，效果良好。用内镜辅助显微神经外科全切1例桥小脑胆脂瘤。22例病人中2例出现一过性尿崩，1例出现一过性脑脊液鼻漏，1例出现视力恶化，经治疗后均愈。结论内镜治疗颅内囊性病变，手术副损伤小，疗效确切；内镜下经鼻腔切除垂体瘤，微创、安全、有效；神经内镜辅助显微外科可提高手术疗效。     

神经内镜在丘脑出血破入脑室手术中的应用

目的 探讨神经内镜下早期脑室内血肿清除联合第三脑室底造瘘术（ETV）治疗丘脑出血破入脑室的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2011年7月至2015年7月收治的68例丘脑出血破入脑室的临床资料。36例（观察组）行神经内镜血肿清除术联合ETV,术后留置脑室外引流管;32例（对照组）行脑室外引流术（EVD）并联合尿激酶血肿腔注入。术后随访12~26个月,平均（23±2.1）个月。结果 观察组有效率（86.1%,31/36）明显高于对照组（62.5%,20/32;P<0.05）。观察组留置脑室外引流管时间[（1.8±1.1） d]较对照组[（4.8±1.8） d]明显缩短（P<0.05）。观察组术后脑积水发生率（12.9%,5/36）明显低于对照组（37.5%,12/32;P<0.05）。观察组术后颅内感染发生率（0%）与对照组（6.3%）无统计学差异（P>0.05）。两组均未发生过度引流、脑疝、再次出血。结论 神经内镜下早期血肿清除联合ETV治疗丘脑出血破入脑室安全有效,可明显降低术后分流依赖性脑积水发生率,显著改善病人预后。     

神经内镜技术治疗脑积水14例报告

目的 分析神经内镜技术应用于治疗脑积水的疗效及价值。方法 回顾性地分析总结了14例脑积水病例，均行神经内镜技术治疗，11例行内镜第三脑室造瘘术(ETV)，1例行分流管侧脑室端校正术，2例交通性脑积水行分流管脑室端校正及脉络丛烧灼术。结果 所有病例均取得了满意的疗效，未出现术后并发症。结论 神经内镜技术治疗脑积水具有微创性、视野好、操作简单等优点，结合神经导航系统，计算机三维成像等新技术，可设计最佳手术人路，避免副损伤，术中往往只需一小骨孔，最大限度地减小了手术创伤。ETV的良好疗效及少有并发症充分显示了神经内镜技术治疗脑积水的优越性。     

Suprasellar arachnoid cyst: a 20- year follow-up after stereotactic internal drainage: case report and review of the literature

Approximately 9 to 15% arachnoid cysts occur in the sellar or suprasellar region. The optimal management of symptomatic suprasellar cysts continues to pose a challenge to neurosurgeons. This case report describes a patient with a suprasellar arachnoid cyst who presented at the age of 3 and was followed for 20 years after cystoventriculostomy. A girl was referred to neurosurgery department by a pediatric clinic because computed tomography demonstrated a suprasellar cystic lesion. The neurological examination and all routine blood tests including hormone profiles were normal. The physical examination was unremarkable except premature thelarche. Stereotactic ventriculocystostomy was performed using a catheter providing permanent internal drainage. Postoperative cystoventriculography showed contrast medium in both the cyst and the ventricles. Control computed tomography confirmed that the ventricular cyst catheter was within the cyst. During a follow-up of 20 years, signs of precocious puberty disappeared and the girl showed normal sexual development. Endocrine profiles and visual function remained normal. The stereotactic approach to suprasellar arachnoid cysts is a safe procedure in experienced hands.     

Application of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for endoscopic biopsy of intraventricular tumors

Background

Many reports have already indicated the benefit of pathological diagnosis of intra- and periventricular tumors with neuroendoscopic biopsy. However, it is also well known that studies can be occasionally inconclusive because of the small and/or inadequate samples for identification of abnormal tissues. The application of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for endoscopical tumor biopsy under the intraventricular surroundings is a new area not previously reported. We attempted visual differentiation of intraventricular lesions from the surrounding structure using ICG fluorescence and considered the most appropriate region for biopsy.

Methods

Three cases (13–14 year-old boys) with secondary hydrocephalus caused by intra- and periventricular tumors were operated for endoscopic transventricular biopsy combined with endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Final pathological diagnoses were suprasellar malignant lymphoma and germ cell tumors in two patients, both associated with intraventricular dissemination. Enhanced tumor visualization with 12.5 mg of ICG administration was obtained using the D-light P light equipment and ICG telescope 5.8 mm/19 cm.

Results

It was possible to identify the tumor mass margins themselves and detect the differences of intratumoral ICG accumulation. The areas of tumor dissemination were identifiable by neuroendoscopy but unable to be visualized by ICG fluorescence.

Conclusions

We were able to obtain an ICG fluorescence imaging inside the cerebral ventricles by new D-light P system comprised of a camera head telescope. ICG fluorescence with neuroendoscopy can provide useful information for choosing the point of biopsy of intra- and periventricular tumors. However, we need to assess if the ICG accumulation site is the most appropriate for biopsy.     

Role of galeal–pericranial flap in reducing postoperative CSF leak in patients with intracranial endoscopic procedures

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe a simple technique to reduce the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following endoscopic third ventriculostomy and other neuroendoscopic procedures. METHODS: After the scalp incision, the galea and pericranium are reflected in a single layer after the scalp incision which is then closed in a watertight fashion after the procedure is completed. The securely closed flap prevents minor CSF leaks which would have otherwise required intermittent CSF drainage procedures. CONCLUSION: This simple procedural modification is effective in children with thin cortical mantle and large ventricles who are otherwise highly susceptible for CSF leak in the postoperative period.     

Institutional experience of endoscopic suprasellar arachnoid cyst fenestration

Introduction

Suprasellar arachnoid cysts can differ from other arachnoid cysts in several ways, making a separate analysis of these cysts worthwhile. Herein, we present the outcome and perform volumetric analysis of six children with suprasellar arachnoid cysts treated with endoscopic ventriculocystocisternostomy in order to evaluate the long-term outcomes.

Patients and methods

Operative and postoperative data were retrospectively reviewed for six patients harboring suprasellar arachnoid cysts. Imaging was then used to follow success of surgical intervention.

Results

Six patients with suprasellar arachnoid cysts underwent ventriculocystocisternostomy. Presenting symptoms were headaches in three patients, developmental delay in another, and an incidental finding in the remaining patients. All patients had enlarged lateral and third ventricles on initial imaging. Average age at presentation was 145.7 months (65.4–250.2). Follow-up was an average of 46.5 months (3–84). The average cyst size was 153.96 cm³ (42.98–369.20) preoperatively and an average of 39.92 cm³ (3.20–101.47) at follow-up.

Conclusions

Based on our experience, suprasellar arachnoid cyst treatment with ventriculocystocisternostomy is an adequate surgical intervention. Suprasellar and third ventricular size does respond to the surgical intervention at long-term follow-up.     

Neuroendoscopic surgery in empty ventricular system under continuous gas infusion experimental study of pressure changes and complications

Introduction  

The most important limitations to endoscopic procedures in the ventricular system of the brain are due to the constraint of working inside a fluid. The evacuation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ventricles is performed often in microsurgical interventions using a surgical microscope. This study aimed at studying the evacuation of CSF during neuroendoscopic surgery in animals while infusing gas to avoid ventricular collapse.     

Study of tryptophan metabolism via serotonin in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with noncommunicating hydrocephalus using a new endoscopic technique

By a recent minimally invasive neuroendoscopic technique, the cerebral ventricles have been reached in a quick, reliable, and harmless way, making possible the study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the lateral ventricles and, above all, the CSF adjacent to the walls of the third ventricle. Tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in CSF by HPLC equipment. Twenty-six patients affected with noncommunicating hydrocephalus were enrolled in the study and, as controls, 28 subjects not suffering from any neurological disease. The concentrations of tryptophan were higher in right ventricular CSF than in lumbar CSF (P < 0.01). 5-HT was detectable in the CSF of the right ventricle of hydrocephalic patients. 5-HIAA was higher in right ventricular CSF than in cisternal and lumbar CSF (P < 0.01), both in controls and in hydrocephalic patients. However, there was a higher concentration of 5-HIAA in right ventricular (P < 0.05) and cisternal (P < 0.01) CSF in hydrocephalic patients in comparison with controls. In the CSF samples withdrawn during neuroendoscopy, 5-HT presented the highest concentrations in the pineal recess. The highest amounts of 5-HIAA were found in the choroid plexus, third and right ventricles, pituitary recess, and aqueduct, and the lowest in pineal recess, subarachnoid space, infundibulum, and interpeduncolar cistern. These results provide new insight into the fate of tryptophan and its metabolites via serotonin in the CSF and suggest the feasibility of the new neuroendoscopic technique for brain metabolic studies.     

神经内窥镜锁孔技术清除重度原发性脑室出血

目的 探讨神经内窥镜锁孔技术在原发性重度脑室出血中的治疗作用。方法 对由CT确诊的26名原发性重度脑室出血患者采用神经内窥镜锁孔技术经侧脑室额角入路进行脑室内血肿清除手术。结果 术后无一例死亡或植物生存；26患者均获得随访，随访时间为3个月到6个月，达到日常生活能力量表（ADL）分级 Ⅰ级15人，Ⅱ级6人，Ⅲ级5人。结论 神经内窥镜锁孔技术是微侵袭、安全、有效的治疗重度原发性脑室出血的方法。     

脑室内肿瘤合并脑积水的神经内镜治疗

目的探讨神经内镜手术治疗脑室内肿瘤合并脑积水的方法与技巧。方法回顾性分析10例脑室内肿瘤合并脑积水的临床资料,其中肿瘤位于侧脑室5例,第三脑室4例,脑室内多发肿瘤1例。均在神经导航指引下行内镜手术,同时行第三脑室造瘘术9例,透明隔造瘘术1例。结果肿瘤全切除8例,次全切除1例,仅行活检1例。术后颅高压症状均缓解,发现不同程度发热3例,无癫间疒发作及其他严重并发症。术后脑脊液磁共振电影成像(Cine MRI)显示所有病人脑脊液循环动力学均不同程度改善。随访3～24个月,平均10.6个月,死亡1例,无肿瘤复发;复查MRI显示脑室体积轻度缩小2例,无明显变化8例。结论神经内镜手术既可切除肿瘤,又能重建脑脊液循环,可作为脑室内肿瘤合并脑积水的首选治疗方法。应根据脑室形态和肿瘤位置、大小、性质等在导航引导下选择个体化的手术入路切除肿瘤。     

神经内镜经鼻入路治疗异形生长侵袭性垂体腺瘤的临床分析

目的探讨异形生长的侵袭性垂体腺瘤神经内镜经鼻手术入路的选择及临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2019年4月至2020年5月首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院神经外科采用神经内镜经鼻入路治疗的117例异形生长的侵袭性垂体腺瘤患者的临床资料。其中肿瘤向鞍上侵袭105例,向侧方侵及海绵窦并包绕颈内动脉80例,向蝶鞍后方侵及脑干19例,向蝶鞍下方侵袭89例。根据垂体腺瘤异形生长的特点分别采用神经内镜经鼻蝶窦-鞍结节-蝶骨平台入路(35例)、神经内镜经筛窦-翼突-蝶窦-海绵窦入路(32例)、神经内镜经鼻蝶窦-斜坡入路(5例)、神经内镜经鼻多通道入路(45例)。术后随访内容包括临床症状、体格检查、头颅MRI及内分泌检验。结果117例患者中,肿瘤全切除67例,次全切除36例,大部分切除14例。无手术相关死亡病例,术后头痛、头晕的缓解率为67.6%(25/37),视力、视野的改善率为66.7%(52/78)。117例患者的中位随访时间为13个月(3~24个月),其中肿瘤复发2例,术后长期垂体功能低下5例,失嗅12例。结论对于异形生长的侵袭性垂体腺瘤,根据肿瘤的生长特点选择不同的神经内镜经鼻入路手术,可减少创伤,提高肿瘤的切除率,临床效果良好。     

第四脑室囊虫的内镜治疗(附二例报告)

目的 探讨电子神经内镜手术治疗第四脑室囊虫的价值.方法 应用电子神经内镜对2例第四脑室内囊虫经中脑导水管进行手术摘除.其中1例术前MRI检查提示第四脑室内囊性病变;另1例术前检查提示病变位于第三脑室内,术中脑室探查时发现病变已经进入第四脑室.结果 2例第四脑室内囊虫均在神经内镜下完整摘除,术后患者无任何不良反应,脑脊液电影检查枕骨大孔区脑脊液流动良好.结论 应用电子神经内镜能够方便地对脑室系统进行全面探查,神经内镜手术摘除第四脑室内囊虫创伤小,并发症少,住院时间短,费用低,应作为第四脑室囊虫的首选治疗.     

Craniopharyngioma of the pineal region

Craniopharyngiomas generally develop either in the suprasellar region or in both suprasellar and intrasellar regions. We report on a nontypical location of the craniopharyngioma in the pineal region. An 8-year-old boy was admitted to the department of pediatric neurosurgery in a grave condition. An MRI scan of the brain was performed after the neurological examination and revealed a large neoplasm situated in the posterior part of the III ventricle and in the pineal region, measuring 8.5×6.5×5 cm. The size of the tumor and its location meant it was occluding three ventricles, with subsequent hydrocephaly. Total removal of the tumor was carried out. Microscopic investigation of the tissue removed showed the typical structure characteristic for craniopharyngioma of the adamantinomatous type. Results of a consultation 6 months after the operation revealed that the patient was feeling well, attending school regularly and had finished the first semester with excellent results. On control MRI scan no tumor was found. Received: 14 January 1998     

Neuroendoscopic techniques in the treatment of arachnoid cysts in children and comparison with other operative methods

Objective: The authors intended to evaluate the application of neuroendoscopic techniques for the treatment of arachnoid cysts in children and compare it with other operative methods. Methods: The analysis covered the results of treatment of 44 children with arachnoid cysts who were subjected to neuroendoscopic procedures and 62 patients who underwent other operations. Results: The neuroendoscopic treatment of arachnoid cysts was very effective because of low rate of reoperative treatment (six out of 44 patients), no need to change the operative method (40 effective out of total 44 operative procedures), and low rate of persistent worsening (none of 44 patients worsened). Conclusions: Summing up all the mentioned aspects of neuroendoscopic techniques, the neuroendoscopic techniques were the most suitable operative procedures in the treatment of arachnoid cysts in the presented group of patients, providing that the connection between the lumen of the arachnoid cyst and the cerebrospinal fluid cisterns was of good quality.     

Effectiveness of neuroendoscopic procedures in the treatment of complex compartmentalized hydrocephalus in children

OBJECTIVE: The main object of the work is to assess the suitability of neuroendoscopic techniques for the treatment of complex compartmentalized hydrocephalus. METHODS: For this purpose the authors compared two groups of children treated in the Research Institute of the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital from March 1997 to January 2002. The first group of 47 children, treated using neuroendoscopic procedures, was compared with the second, which comprised 80 children treated conventionally by complicated shunt implantations. RESULTS: The children treated neuroendoscopically needed on average 1.7660 procedures during the entire therapy, and 1.0232 operations a year. The same parameters in the conventionally-treated group were as follows: the total number of procedures was 7.050, and the rate of reoperation was 3.949 procedures a year. The proportion of patients who suffered from complications connected with operative treatment and who had a bad outcome was higher in the conventionally-treated group than in the neuroendoscopic one.