Benefits of endoscope-assisted microsurgery in the management of pediatric brain tumors

OBJECTIVE Microsurgical and endoscopic techniques are vastly utilized in brain tumor surgery. Combining both the same procedure has different forms applications. The aim of this work was to discuss usefulness describe technical benefits endoscope-assisted microsurgery (EAMS) treating pediatric tumors various anatomical locations. METHODS medical records 106 children who had undergone EAMS for at Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE-57357) between January 2009 2017 were reviewed. patients’ ages ranged from 1 16 years (mean age 7.5 years). Technical variations, difficulties, complications, strategies, extent resection addressed according location. RESULTS In general, enabled closer inspection extension surrounding vital structures, especially hidden corners not appreciable by microscope alone, such as internal auditory canal cerebellopontine angle contents 14 cases, all which totally excised, undersurface optic apparatus 65 craniopharyngiomas. Total excision achievable 51 craniopharyngiomas; residual intentionally left behind under guidance remaining patients ensure better hypothalamic function. Vision improved 15 initially presented with visual defects. Only 4 new-onset postoperative endocrinopathies. For intraventricular tumors, allowed earlier recognition pedicle and, hence, control blood supply safer total 12 lateral ventricle, 6 pineal third 9 fourth ventricle tumors. tandem use endoscope dissections that performed more confidence situations pure microscopic either or less safe. pitfalls, precautions categorized described per CONCLUSIONS is a promising, user-friendly tool complements management these complex lesions. 2D endoscopy added stereoscopic perception. helpful during removal Simultaneous approaches may have potential functional outcomes through visualization preservation structures microscope.