Dry-field maneuver for controlling the massive intraventricular bleeding during neuroendoscopic procedures

Endoscopic-Assisted Trans-Lateral Ventricular Transchoroidal Fissure Trans-Aqueductal Approach for Evacuation of Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most fatal types of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially when the third and the fourth ventricles are involved. The use of external ventricular drainage is limited for evacuation of hemorrhage in the lateral ventricles. Endoscopic surgery can provide visualized evacuation of the hemorrhage in the lateral and third ventricles. However, it is usually challenging to access the fourth ventricle using a routine endoscopic approach.

METHODS

We have reported 3 cases of severe IVH with cast fourth ventricles treated using an endoscopic-assisted trans-lateral ventricular transchoroidal fissure trans-aqueductal approach.

RESULTS

The average preoperative Graeb score was 11, and the average IVH volume was 75.12 mL. The IVH evacuation rate was 97.5%-100%. The average Glasgow coma scale score had increased to 12 at discharge from 6.6 at admission. At 3 months after surgery, the average modified Rankin scale score was 3. No cerebrospinal fluid shunt had been required and no surgery-related complication had occurred in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have shown that the endoscopic-assisted trans-lateral ventricular transchoroidal fissure trans-aqueductal approach is a feasible and safe endoscopic option that can achieve one-off complete removal of clots in all 4 ventricles in patients with severe IVH.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy - A Review

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become a proven modality for treating obstructive and selected cases of communicating hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the indications, preoperative workup, surgical technique, results, postoperative care, complications, advantages, and limitations of an ETV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough review of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. This review is based on the relevant articles and authors' experience.

RESULTS

ETV is indicated in obstructive hydrocephalus and selected cases of communicating hydrocephalus. Studying preoperative imaging is critical, and a detailed assessment of interthalamic adhesions, the thickness of floor, arteries or membranes below the third ventricle floor, and prepontine cistern width is essential. Blunt perforation in a thin floor, while bipolar cautery at low settings and water jet dissection are preferred in a thick floor. The appearance of stoma pulsations and intraoperative ventriculostomography reassure stoma and basal cistern patency. The intraoperative decision for shunt, external ventricular drainage, or Ommaya reservoir can be taken. Magnetic resonance ventriculography and cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging can determine stoma patency. Good postoperative care with repeated cerebrospinal fluid drainage enhances outcomes in selected cases. Though the complications mostly occur in an early postoperative phase, delayed lethal ones may happen. Watching live surgeries, assisting expert surgeons, and practicing on cadavers and models can shorten the learning curve.

CONCLUSION

ETV is an excellent technique for managing obstructive and selected cases of communicating hydrocephalus. Good case selection, methodical technique, and proper training under experts are vital.

Endoscopic and Endoscopically-Assisted Resection of Intraventricular Lesions Using a Neuroendoscopic Ultrasonic Aspirator

The development of minimally invasive neuroendoscopy has advanced in recent years. The introduction of the neuroendoscopic ultrasonic aspirator (NUA) broadened the treatment spectrum of neuroendoscopy. We aim to describe our experience with the use of NUA for the resection of intraventricular lesions. Here, we present consecutive retrospective case series of adult and pediatric patients undergoing resection of an intraventricular lesion with a NUA (Endoscopic Neurosurgical Pen, Söring GmbH, Quickborn, Germany) between January 2019 and April 2020. Eight patients between the age of 0.5 and 73 years underwent surgery using NUA and were included in this study. In four patients, an endoscopic assisted (EA) resection of the lesion was undertaken, while in four patients, the lesion was removed using purely endoscopic (PE) resection. In all cases, gross/near total resection was achieved. The average blood loss was 142.5 ± 90.4 mL (range 50–300 mL). Transient morbidity was seen in four patients (50%), while permanent morbidity or mortality did not occur. The NUA seems to be a safe and valuable tool for the minimally invasive resection of intraventricular lesions in selected cases. The type, size, consistency, and vascularization of the lesion limit at times the purely endoscopic use of the NUA.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy in an Untreated Vein of Galen Malformation Presenting Lately with Acute Obstructive Hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Mural-type vein of Galen malformations (VoGMs) mostly manifest in later stages of infancy as macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, or failure to thrive unless previously diagnosed and treated. Literature is extremely limited on the success and safety of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by an untreated VoGM. Thus, we aimed to present a case for demonstrating the possible efficacy and safety of ETV under such conditions.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 22-month-old boy presenting with acute-onset headache, vomiting, and lethargy was diagnosed with a mural-type VoGM and acute obstructive hydrocephalus. He was treated satisfactorily with ETV and endovascular embolization. We observed a shrinkage in malformation sac diameter of >20 mm in the magnetic resonance imaging angiography at postoperative year 1. The child showed normal motor and mental development at his outpatient clinic visit at postoperative month 15.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature with an untreated VoGM presenting with acute obstructive hydrocephalus who was treated with the combination of ETV and endovascular embolization and had an adequate follow-up period.

Management of severe intraoperative hemorrhage during intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures: the dry field technique

OBJECTIVE

The unexpected intraoperative intraventricular hemorrhage is a rare but feared and life-threatening complication in neuroendoscopic procedures because of loss of endoscopic vision. The authors present their experience with the so-called “dry field technique” (DFT) for the management of intraventricular hemorrhages during purely endoscopic procedures. This technique requires the aspiration of the entire intraventricular CSF to achieve clear visualization of the bleeding source.

METHODS

More than 500 neuroendoscopic intraventricular procedures were retrospectively analyzed over the last 24 years for documented severe hemorrhages, which were treated by the application of the DFT.

RESULTS

The technique was required in 6 cases, including tumor resection/biopsy, cyst resection, and intraventricular lavage. Additionally, the technique was applied as part of the planned strategy in 3 cases of endoscopic tumor removal. The hemorrhage was stopped in all cases and no associated postoperative deficits occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Although severe hemorrhages are rare, the neurosurgeon needs to be aware of them and has to establish strategies for their management. Most hemorrhages can be stopped by constant irrigation and coagulation. In the other rare cases, the DFT is a safe, reliable technique and can be easily incorporated into endoscopic surgery.