Video: Intracranial Cysts Containing CSF-like Fluid: Results of Endoscopic Neurosurgery Video 4

This video demonstrates that the endoscopic fenestrations may be as wide and extended as the microsurgical ones. As soon as the neurovascular structures are identified, the arachnoid dissection is conducted in the optico-carotid cistern with the progressive exposure of optic nerve, ICA, MCA, and ACA.

Video: Intracranial Cysts Containing CSF-like Fluid: Results of Endoscopic Neurosurgery Video 3

This video demonstrates the neuronavigator is useful to approach precisely the target, but the final step has to be performed sailing by sight. In this case of opaque cyst wall, the fenestration is performed under endoscopic control basing on the neuronavigator information. There is no “shift effect” and the fenestration is precisely performed where it has been preoperatively planned.

Video: Intracranial Cysts Containing CSF-like Fluid: Results of Endoscopic Neurosurgery Video 2

In this video, through the same burr hole of video 1, the endoscope points upwards and the cyst is fenestrated towards the pre-pontine cisterns.

Video: Intracranial Cysts Containing CSF-like Fluid: Results of Endoscopic Neurosurgery Video 1

In this video, through a burr hole in the occipital squama, the endoscope points downwards and a posterior fossa cyst is fenestrated towards the foramen magnum and the upper cervical canal.

Ahead of Print: Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: Evidence of an Operative Learning Curve

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Paul Leach, FRCS, Ahmed A. Abou-Zeid, MD, Tara Kearney, MD, Julian Davis, PhD, Peter Trainer, PhD, Kanna K. Gnanalingham, PhD

BACKGROUND: The use of the fiberoptic endoscope is a recent innovation in pituitary surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the evidence of an operative learning curve after the introduction of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in our unit.

METHODS: The first 125 patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary fossa lesions between 2005 and 2007 performed by 1 surgeon were studied. Changes in a number of parameters were assessed between 2 equal 15-month time periods: period 1 (53 patients) and period 2 (72 patients).