Neuroendoscopic techniques in treatment of intracranial lesions

SummaryThe Marburg experience of a decade of intracranial neuroendoscopy is presented. Various endoscope systems and auxiliary instruments which were used over this period are discussed and the results of the basic anatomical research is described. During 1988–1997 more than 400 neuroendoscopic interventions were performed to treat intracranial pathologies. The main indications were: stereotactic endoscopic biopsies for unclarified space-occupying lesions, third ventriculostomy in the treatment of occlusive hydrocephalus; endoscopic interventions on ventricular shunts; fenestration and evacuation of intracranial cysts; evacuation of intracerebral haematoma and brain abscesses; and endoscopic evacuation of septated chronic subdural haematoma. The overall operative morbidity rate was around 2% and the mortality rate < 1%. Neuroendoscopy is now an established minimal invasive technology for the operative treatment of well-circumscribed intracranial pathologies.