The long-term effect on functional outcome of endoscopic brainwashing for intraventricular hemorrhage compared to external ventricular drainage alone: A retrospective single-center cohort study.

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a complex condition with both mechanical and chemical effects, resulting in mortality rates of 50-80%. Recent reports advocate for neuroendoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic brainwashing (EBW), but long-term functional outcomes remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to outline the step-by-step procedure of EBW as applied in our institution, providing results and comparing them with those of external ventricular drainage (EVD) alone. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients with IVH who underwent EBW and patients submitted to EVD alone at our institution. All medical records were reviewed to describe clinical and radiological characteristics. Results: Although both groups had similar baseline factors, EBW patients exhibited a larger hemoventricle (median Graeb score 25 vs. 23 in EVD, P = 0.03) and a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Short-term mortality was lower in EBW (52% and 60% at 1 and 6 months) compared to EVD (80% for both), though not statistically significant (P = 0.06). At one month, 16% of EBW patients achieved a good outcome (Modified Rankin scale < 3) versus none in the EVD group (P = 0.1). In the long term, favorable outcomes were observed in 32% of EBW patients and 11% of EVD patients (P = 0.03), with no significant difference in shunt dependency. Conclusion: Comparing EBW and EVD, patients submitted to the former treatment have the highest modified Graeb scores and, at a long-term follow-up, have better outcomes, demonstrated by the improvement of the patients in the follow-up.

Third ventricle colloid cysts: An endoscopic case series emphasizing technical variations.

BACKGROUND: Colloid cyst treatment with purely endoscopic surgery is considered to be safe and effective. Complete capsule removal for gross total resection is usually recommended to prevent recurrence but may not always be safely feasible. Our objective was to assess the results of endoscopic surgery using mainly aspiration and coagulation without complete capsule resection and discuss the rationale for the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 45 consecutive symptomatic patients with third ventricle colloid cysts that were surgically treated with purely endoscopic surgery from 1997 to 2018. RESULTS: Mean age was 35.4 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Clinical presentation included predominantly headache (80%). Transforaminal was the most used route (71.1%) followed by transeptal (24.5%) and interforniceal (4.4%). Capsule was intentionally not removed in 42 patients (93.3%) and cyst remnants were absent on postoperative MRI in 36 (85%). Mild complications occurred in 8 patients (17.8%). Surgery was statistically associated with cyst volume and ventricular size reduction. There were no serious complications, shunts or deaths. Follow-up did not show any recurrence or remnant growth that needed further treatment. CONCLUSION: Gross total resection may not be the main objective for every situation. Subtotal resection without capsule removal seems to be safer while preserving good results, especially in a limited resource environment. Remnants left behind should be followed but tend to remain clinically asymptomatic for the most part. Surgical planning allows the surgeon to choose among the different resection routes and techniques available. Decisions are predominantly based on preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings.

Unilateral Hydrocephalus Due to Lateral Ventricle Colloid Cyst Treated by Neuroendoscopic Approach.

Colloid cysts (CCs) are rare brain tumors that cause nonspecific neurological signs associated with acute or chronic increased intracranial pressure. They are usually located in the third ventricle and rarely in the lateral ventricle. This is a report of an unusual case of CC located in the lateral ventricle. A 36-year-old male patient presented a story of progressive holocranial headache that would get worse with head mobilization and cough. Radiological analysis demonstrated enlargement of the right lateral ventricle due to a cyst blocking the right foramen of Monro. The patient underwent endoscopic neurosurgery and the cyst was totally resected. Histological evaluation diagnosed a CC. Postoperative images showed no cyst remaining and normalized ventricular size. The patient evolved with total improvement of the symptoms. Literature review shows that it is a very uncommon entity. Lateral ventricle CCs as a cause for unilateral hydrocephalus is a very rare entity. Neuroendoscopic approach is a first-line treatment option for this condition.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for pediatric craniopharyngiomas: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze our series of pediatric patients who underwent craniopharyngioma resection using the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETA). METHODS: We collected clinical and surgical data from the charts of 20 children who underwent craniopharyngioma removal surgery using the EETA from 2007 to 2017. From the charts, we collected demographic information, results of imaging tests (size and extension of the tumor), and information regarding the surgical procedure and postoperative complications. RESULTS: From the 20 patients included in this series (12 women and eight men), 17 underwent EETA as a primary procedure, and the remaining three underwent EETA as a secondary procedure due to a relapsing tumor following previous transcranial surgery. The mean age of the patients at the time of the surgical procedure was 7.5 years (range 3-18 years). Regarding their location, 12 tumors were in the sellar and suprasellar regions, three extended into the third ventricle, and five were exclusively intrasellar. We achieved a gross total resection (GTR) of the tumor in 14 patients (70%), subtotal in five (25%), and partial in one (5%). One patient (5%) developed a cerebrospinal fluid fistula after the surgical procedure. In the postoperative follow-up period (mean time = 5.3 years; range = 2-9 years), 11 (55%) patients developed panhypopituitarism, and a relapsing tumor was later found in three (15%) patients. Regarding visual impairment, four patients had visual abnormalities preoperatively (amaurosis, n = 2; bilateral visual acuity decrease, n = 1; bilateral visual field defect, n = 1), and those did not improve or worsened postoperatively. None of the patients who did not have vision problems before the surgery developed those postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the EETA is a safe and effective approach for removing craniopharyngiomas in children, as it associated with low operative morbidity and complication rates. Also, our data demonstrated that the EETA may be performed regardless of the size of the nasal cavity, pneumatization of the sphenoid sinuses, and location or extension of the tumors.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Associated with Symptomatic Perineural Cysts: Presentation of 2 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension refers to cases of intracranial hypertension and normal brain parenchyma without ventriculomegaly or any kind of mass lesion. Perineural cysts are cerebrospinal fluid-filled cysts that usually arise from nerve roots near the dorsal ganglia. Often asymptomatic, they rarely cause mass effect symptoms. The association of these conditions is discussed herein. METHODS: We describe 2 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and symptomatic sacral perineural cysts. In both cases the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension ameliorated the sacral perineural cyst symptoms, and in 1 case we observed shrinking of the sacral perineural cysts. RESULTS: On the basis of this review, it is impossible to conclude whether there is an association between idiopathic intracranial hypertension and symptomatic perineural cysts. However, as an initial observation, this report can reveal a possible association. CONCLUSIONS: In some instances, idiopathic intracranial hypertension can be associated with symptomatic sacral perineural cysts. In this clinical scenario, the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension may improve perineural cyst symptoms.

Intrasphenoid septations inserted into the internal carotid arteries: a frequent and risky relationship in transsphenoidal surgeries / Septações intraesfenoidais inseridas nas artérias carotídeas internas: uma relação frequente e arriscada nas cirurgias transesfenoidais

Abstract Introduction: When an expanded endonasal transsphenoidal surgical approach is performed, intrasphenoid septations must be completely resected. If these structures are close to the internal carotid artery (ICA), then their manipulation might cause vascular injury. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the internal carotid artery protuberance (ICAp). Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 421 patients were analysed. Intrasphenoid septations (classified as intersphenoid or accessory) and their relationship to the ICAp were described. Additionally, a sphenoid sinus classification was performed based on their degree of pneumatisation to determine whether a difference exists in the frequency of intrasphenoid septations inserted into ICAp with regard to sinus type. Results: The patient mean age was 39 ± 21.4 years. Overall, 219 patients (52%) had septations in the ICAp; 359 patients (85.3%) had intersphenoid septations; of the latter, 135 (37.6%) had septations in the ICAp. This frequency was higher among patients with sphenoid sinus type 4 or 5 (44.7% and 43.5%, respectively). Accessory septations were found in 255 patients (60.6%); 140 of these septations (54.9%) were in the ICAp. Among 351 patients with types 3, 4 or 5 sphenoid sinuses (i.e., only well-pneumatised sphenoid sinuses), 219 (62.4%) had septations in the ICAp. These frequencies are higher than those reported in most previous studies. Conclusion: The frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the ICAp found is considerable. It is higher among patients with more pneumatised sinuses. This finding justifies an appropriate pre-operative study, and careful attention must be paid during transsphenoidal surgery.

Resumo Introdução: Quando uma abordagem cirúrgica transesfenoidal endonasal ampliada é feita, septações intraesfenoidais devem ser completamente ressecadas. Se essas estruturas estiverem próximas à artéria carótida interna (ACI), a manipulação pode causar lesão vascular. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a frequência de septações intraesfenoidais na protuberância da artéria carótida interna (pACI). Método: Exames de tomografia computadorizada (TC) de 421 pacientes foram analisados. As septações intraesfenoidais (classificadas como interesfenoidais ou acessórias) e sua relação com a pACI foram descritas. Além disso, uma classificação do seio esfenoidal foi feita com base no seu grau de pneumatização para determinar se existe uma diferença na frequência de septações intraesfenoidais inseridas em pACI em relação ao tipo de seio. Resultados: Pacientes com idade média de 39 ± 21,4 anos foram incluídos. No geral, 219 pacientes (52%) apresentavam septações na pACI; 359 (85,3%) septações interesfenoidais; 135 (37,6%) septações na pACI. Essa frequência foi maior entre os pacientes com seio esfenoidal tipo 4 ou 5 (44,7 e 43,5%, respectivamente). As septações acessórias foram encontradas em 255 doentes (60,6%); 140 dessas septações (54,9%) estavam na pACI. Entre 351 pacientes com seios esfenoidais tipos 3, 4 ou 5 (isto é, apenas seios esfenoidais bem pneumatizados), 219 (62,4%) tinham septações na pACI. Essas frequências são superiores às relatadas na maioria dos estudos. Conclusão: A frequência de septações intraesfenoidais na pACI encontrada é considerável, é maior entre pacientes com seios mais pneumatizados. Esse achado justifica um estudo pré-operatório adequado e uma atenção especial deve ser dada durante a cirurgia transesfenoidal.

Intrasphenoid septations inserted into the internal carotid arteries: a frequent and risky relationship in transsphenoidal surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: When an expanded endonasal transsphenoidal surgical approach is performed, intrasphenoid septations must be completely resected. If these structures are close to the internal carotid artery (ICA), then their manipulation might cause vascular injury. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the internal carotid artery protuberance (ICAp). METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 421 patients were analysed. Intrasphenoid septations (classified as intersphenoid or accessory) and their relationship to the ICAp were described. Additionally, a sphenoid sinus classification was performed based on their degree of pneumatisation to determine whether a difference exists in the frequency of intrasphenoid septations inserted into ICAp with regard to sinus type. RESULTS: The patient mean age was 39±21.4 years. Overall, 219 patients (52%) had septations in the ICAp; 359 patients (85.3%) had intersphenoid septations; of the latter, 135 (37.6%) had septations in the ICAp. This frequency was higher among patients with sphenoid sinus type 4 or 5 (44.7% and 43.5%, respectively). Accessory septations were found in 255 patients (60.6%); 140 of these septations (54.9%) were in the ICAp. Among 351 patients with types 3, 4 or 5 sphenoid sinuses (i.e., only well-pneumatised sphenoid sinuses), 219 (62.4%) had septations in the ICAp. These frequencies are higher than those reported in most previous studies. CONCLUSION: The frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the ICAp found is considerable. It is higher among patients with more pneumatised sinuses. This finding justifies an appropriate pre-operative study, and careful attention must be paid during transsphenoidal surgery.

Endoscopic Treatment of a Third Ventricular Epidermoid Cyst.

Epidermoid cyst is a benign and congenital lesion of ectodermal origin. Traditionally, microsurgical techniques are used to treat these lesions, and their occurrence in the third ventricle is rare. Here, the authors report a case of epidermoid cyst in the third ventricle that presented with signs and symptoms of intracranial hypertension, which was treated safely and effectively using neuroendoscopic surgery.

Surgical treatment of non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas by the endoscopic endonasal approach in the elderly.

Over the past three decades, surgical series of elderly patients treated for pituitary adenomas have been published, all of which used the microscopic transsphenoidal or transcranial approach. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the surgical results of our first 25 elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFPM) operated by the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Preoperative visual loss was found in 92.8% of the cases, and 70.8% experienced visual improvement following surgery. Preoperative pituitary dysfunction was found in 69.2% of the cases and postoperative pituitary recovery occurred in 22.2% of them. Mean hospital stay was 6.7 days. The results of this study suggest that surgery remains the first line of treatment for NFPM in the elderly. Because age alone is not a barrier for surgery, patients should be selected for surgical treatment based on their symptoms and clinical condition, as defined by comorbidities.

Surgical treatment of non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas by the endoscopic endonasal approach in the elderly / Tratamento cirúrgico dos macroadenomas não secretores de hipófise por via endoscópica endonasal em idosos

Over the past three decades, surgical series of elderly patients treated for pituitary adenomas have been published, all of which used the microscopic transsphenoidal or transcranial approach. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the surgical results of our first 25 elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFPM) operated by the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Preoperative visual loss was found in 92.8% of the cases, and 70.8% experienced visual improvement following surgery. Preoperative pituitary dysfunction was found in 69.2% of the cases and postoperative pituitary recovery occurred in 22.2% of them. Mean hospital stay was 6.7 days. The results of this study suggest that surgery remains the first line of treatment for NFPM in the elderly. Because age alone is not a barrier for surgery, patients should be selected for surgical treatment based on their symptoms and clinical condition, as defined by comorbidities.

Nas últimas três décadas, foram publicadas casuísticas de pacientes idosos operados por adenomas de hipófise, nas quais foram utilizadas as vias transcraniana ou transesfenoidal microcirúrgicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar retrospectivamente os resultados dos nossos primeiros 25 pacientes idosos com macroadenomas não secretores de hipófise, operados pela via endoscópica endonasal. O déficit visual pré-operatório foi encontrado em 92,8% dos casos e 70,8% apresentaram melhora da visão depois da cirurgia. O hipopituitarismo pré-operatório foi encontrado em 69,2% dos casos e a sua recuperação ocorreu em 22,2% destes casos. A estadia hospitalar média foi de 6,7 dias. Este estudo sugere que a cirurgia permanece como o tratamento de primeira escolha para pacientes idosos com macroadenomas não secretores de hipófise e a idade por si só não é contraindicação para cirurgia.

New anatomical simulator for pediatric neuroendoscopic practice.

INTRODUCTION: The practice of neuroendoscopic procedures requires many years of training to obtain the adequate skills to perform these operations safely. In this study, we present a new pediatric neuroendoscopic simulator that facilitates training. DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATOR: This realistic simulator was built with a synthetic thermo-retractile and thermo-sensible rubber called Neoderma® which, when combined with different polymers, produces more than 30 different formulae, which present textures, consistencies, and mechanical resistances similar to many human tissues. Silicon and fiberglass molds, in the shape of the cerebral ventricles, constitute the basic structure of the neuroendoscopic training module. The module offers the possibility for practicing many basic neuroendoscopic techniques such as: navigating the ventricular system to visualize important anatomic landmarks (e.g., septal and thalamostriate veins, foramen of Monro, temporal horns, aqueduct, and fourth ventricle), performing third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization, and resecting intraventricular "tumors" that bleed. CONCLUSION: It is important to emphasize that it is possible to perform with this simulator not only the rigid but also the flexible endoscopy, with good correspondence to reality and no risks. Notable future perspectives can be considered regarding this new pediatric simulator, for example, to improve the learning curve for nonexperienced neurosurgeons and to spread the flexible endoscopy technique.

Safety and diagnostic accuracy of neuroendoscopic biopsies: an international multicenter study.

OBJECT: Analysis of the safety and morbidity of neuroendoscopic biopsies (NEBs), as well as the reliability in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, has until now been based on studies with relatively small sample sizes. Through the cooperative efforts of several international medical centers, authors of the present study collected data on a large number of patients to obtain better insight into this issue. When possible, they compared pathology obtained through an NEB with the "gold-standard" pathology obtained in open surgery. METHODS: Thirteen randomly chosen medical centers in 9 countries collected data for patients who had undergone NEB, which were then analyzed for universal complications, bleeding, navigation technique, pathology, mismatch between biopsy results and final diagnosis, and a number of other potentially influential factors. RESULTS: Data for 293 patients were analyzed. Sixty percent of the patients were male, and patient ages ranged from 0.1 to 78.7 years (median age 20.4 years). The most common tumor locations were pineal (33.1%), thalamic (16.7%), tectal (13%), and hypothalamic (4.4%). Fifty percent of the tumors were larger than 20 mm, 36% were between 10 and 20 mm, and 14% were smaller than 10 mm. Intraoperative bleeding was seen in 275 patients (94%). The amount of blood was noted as mild in 75%, moderate in 13%, and severe in 6%. Infection occurred in 8 patients (3%). Death occurred in 1 patient (0.3%), which was caused by severe intraoperative bleeding. Biopsies were informative in 265 patients (90.4%). Seventy-eight patients (26.6%) had open surgery following the NEB. For these patients, the pathology results from the NEB were compared with those from the open surgery that followed. In 14 cases (17.9%) there was disagreement on the pathology. Of these cases, a meaningful mismatch, in which the erroneous NEB pathology could have led to an inappropriate management decision, occurred in 9 cases (11.5%). Most of these meaningful mismatches were lesions diagnosed as low-grade or pilocytic astrocytoma on the NEB and later proved to be high-grade astrocytoma (4 cases) and 1 case each of meningioma, cavernoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, neurocysticercosis, and pineocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, NEBs can be performed with low morbidity and mortality, providing meaningful pathological data for the majority of patients with a wide range of tumor types, locations, and presentations. These biopsies also offer other advantages, such as the ability to perform concomitant endoscopic third ventriculostomy and septum pellucidotomy. However, due caution must be maintained, since pathology obtained from an NEB, as with stereotactic biopsies, may be subject to sampling errors, especially when the results seem to indicate a low-grade glial tumor.

Neurocysticercosis.

OBJECTIVE: Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitosis of the central nervous system. Many forms, especially those inside the ventricles, carry a poor prognosis. Drug therapy is far from ideal. METHODS: We propose and comment on the use of the endoscope to remove cysts, treat hydrocephalus, and to perform membrane fenestration as a way to simplify treatment. RESULTS: Many patients, especially those with obstructive forms, benefit from the adjunctive use of neuroendoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocysticercosis treatment remains challenging and multimodal. Endoscopes can be helpful in this setting.

Neuroendoscopic surgery for unilateral hydrocephalus due to inflammatory obstruction of the Monro foramen.

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral hydrocephalus (UH) is characterized by enlargement of just one lateral ventricle. In this paper, the authors will demonstrate their experiences in the neuroendoscopic management of this uncommon type of hydrocephalus. METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed a series of almost 800 neuroendoscopic procedures performed from September 1995 to July 2010 and selected seven adult patients with UH. Clinical and radiological charts were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients had intraventricular neurocysticercosis and one patient had congenital stenosis of the foramen of Monro. Headaches were the most common symptom. A septostomy restored cerebrospinal fluid circulation. During follow-up period (65.5 months, range 3-109) no patient has presented clinical recurrence as well as no severe complications have been observed. CONCLUSION: UH is a rare condition. A successful treatment can be accomplished through a neuroendoscopic approach avoiding the use of ventricular shunts.

Quality assessment of a new surgical simulator for neuroendoscopic training.

OBJECT: Ideal surgical training models should be entirely reliable, atoxic, easy to handle, and, if possible, low cost. All available models have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of one or another will depend on the type of surgery to be performed. The authors created an anatomical model called the S.I.M.O.N.T. (Sinus Model Oto-Rhino Neuro Trainer) Neurosurgical Endotrainer, which can provide reliable neuroendoscopic training. The aim in the present study was to assess both the quality of the model and the development of surgical skills by trainees. METHODS: The S.I.M.O.N.T. is built of a synthetic thermoretractable, thermosensible rubber called Neoderma, which, combined with different polymers, produces more than 30 different formulas. Quality assessment of the model was based on qualitative and quantitative data obtained from training sessions with 9 experienced and 13 inexperienced neurosurgeons. The techniques used for evaluation were face validation, retest and interrater reliability, and construct validation. RESULTS: The experts considered the S.I.M.O.N.T. capable of reproducing surgical situations as if they were real and presenting great similarity with the human brain. Surgical results of serial training showed that the model could be considered precise. Finally, development and improvement in surgical skills by the trainees were observed and considered relevant to further training. It was also observed that the probability of any single error was dramatically decreased after each training session, with a mean reduction of 41.65% (range 38.7%-45.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopic training has some specific requirements. A unique set of instruments is required, as is a model that can resemble real-life situations. The S.I.M.O.N.T. is a new alternative model specially designed for this purpose. Validation techniques followed by precision assessments attested to the model's feasibility.

[Hormonal control of pituitary adenomas by transsphenoidal surgery: results of the first five years of experience]. / Controle hormonal dos adenomas hipofisários pela cirurgia transesfenoidal: evolução dos resultados nos primeiros cinco anos de experiência.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial results of a surgical team in the hormonal control of secreting pituitary adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five years 51 functioning adenomas were operated (31 GH-secreting, 14 ACTH-secreting, 5 PRL-secreting and 1 TSH-secreting). Hormonal control was defined as GH < 2,5 ng/mL, normal free-urinary cortisol, lower prolactin and normal T3 and FT4. RESULTS: Control rates were 36% in acromegaly, and 57% in Cushing's disease. Two prolactinomas normalized prolactin levels. Thyroid hormone levels were normalized in the TSH-secreting adenoma. Control of hypercortisolism was positively correlated with years of experience (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results, although restricted to the beginning of our experience, lie below the reported range of other surgical series with much longer experience. During these years, there was a significant improvement in initial post surgery urinary cortisol levels in Cushing's disease as a function of surgical experience.

Neuroendoscopic surgery for unilateral hydrocephalus due to inflammatory obstruction of the Monro foramen / Cirurgia neuroendoscópica para tratamento da hidrocefalia unilateral secundária à obstrução inflamatória do forame de Monro

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral hydrocephalus (UH) is characterized by enlargement of just one lateral ventricle. In this paper, the authors will demonstrate their experiences in the neuroendoscopic management of this uncommon type of hydrocephalus. METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed a serie of almost 800 neuroendoscopic procedures performed from September 1995 to July 2010 and selected seven adult patients with UH. Clinical and radiological charts were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients had intraventricular neurocysticercosis and one patient had congenital stenosis of the foramen of Monro. Headaches were the most common symptom. A septostomy restored cerebrospinal fluid circulation. During follow-up period (65.5 months, range 3-109) no patient has presented clinical recurrence as well as no severe complications have been observed. CONCLUSION: UH is a rare condition. A successful treatment can be accomplished through a neuroendoscopic approach avoiding the use of ventricular shunts.

OBJETIVO: Hidrocefalia unilateral (HU) é caracterizada pelo alargamento de apenas um dos ventrículos laterais. Neste estudo, os autores demonstraram sua experiência no manejo deste tipo incomum de hidrocefalia. MÉTODO: Foram revisados, de uma série de quase 800 cirurgias neuroendoscópicas realizadas entre Setembro de 1995 e Julho de 2010, sete pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de HU. Dados clínicos e radiológicos foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Seis pacientes tinham neurocisticercose intraventricular e um apresentava uma estenose congênita do forame de Monro. Cefaléia foi o sintoma clínico mais comum. Uma septostomia restabeleceu o fluxo liquórico. Durante o seguimento (65,5 meses, de 3-109), nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência clínica assim como nenhuma complicação grave foi observada. CONCLUSÃO: HU é uma condição rara. O tratamento satisfatório pode ser alcançado por meio de uma abordagem neuroendoscópica evitando, desta maneira, o uso de sistemas de derivação ventricular.

Controle hormonal dos adenomas hipofisários pela cirurgia transesfenoidal: evolução dos resultados nos primeiros cinco anos de experiência / Hormonal control of pituitary adenomas by transsphenoidal surgery: results of the first five years of experience

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados iniciais de uma equipe cirúrgica no controle hormonal dos adenomas hipofisários secretores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Em cinco anos, foram operados 51 adenomas secretores (31 GH, 14 ACTH, 5 prolactina, 1 TSH). O controle hormonal foi GH basal < 2,5 ng/dL, cortisol livre urinário normal, redução dos níveis de prolactina, e T3 e T4 livre normais. RESULTADOS: As taxas de controle foram 36 por cento na acromegalia e 57 por cento no Cushing. Dois prolactinomas (40 por cento) normalizaram a prolactina. Os hormônios tiroidianos normalizaram no adenoma secretor de TSH. O controle do hipercortisolismo correlacionou-se com o tempo de experiência da equipe (p = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados, limitados aos primeiros anos de experiência cirúrgica, situam-se abaixo da variação reportada em grandes casuísticas com maior tempo de experiência. Ao longo do tempo, observou-se melhora progressiva nos níveis de cortisol urinário no pós-operatório inicial da doença de Cushing em função da experiência cirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial results of a surgical team in the hormonal control of secreting pituitary adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five years 51 functioning adenomas were operated (31 GH-secreting, 14 ACTH-secreting, 5 PRL-secreting and 1 TSH-secreting). Hormonal control was defined as GH < 2,5 ng/mL, normal free-urinary cortisol, lower prolactin and normal T3 and FT4. RESULTS: Control rates were 36 percent in acromegaly, and 57 percent in Cushing's disease. Two prolactinomas normalized prolactin levels. Thyroid hormone levels were normalized in the TSH-secreting adenoma. Control of hypercortisolism was positively correlated with years of experience (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results, although restricted to the beginning of our experience, lie below the reported range of other surgical series with much longer experience. During these years, there was a significant improvement in initial post surgery urinary cortisol levels in Cushing's disease as a function of surgical experience.

Application of neuroendoscopy to intraventricular lesions.

We present an overview of the history, development, technological advancements, current application, and future trends of cranial endoscopy. Neuroendoscopy provides a safe and effective management modality for the treatment of a variety of intracranial disorders, either tumoral or non-tumoral, congenital, developmental, and degenerative, and its knowledge, indications, and limits are fundamental for the armamentarium of the modern neurosurgeon.