title: Thecaloscopy part III: first clinical application.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have already dealt with the technical and anatomical basics for thecaloscopy. The first results of clinical application are presented and the indications for its diagnostic and therapeutic use are described. The aetiology of aseptic arachnitis and the term "Wide spinal canal syndrome" are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve patients who fulfilled the criteria for entry to the study were selected and the criteria were chosen according to German medical and legal rules. All patients underwent an endoscopic inspection and, if necessary, therapeutic manipulation under general anaesthesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases the procedure was safely and successfully performed. The pathomorphology of the arachnoid was detected and endoscopically treated in almost all cases. Arachnoid cysts were successfully fenestrated and an intraspinal meningocoele treated with endoscopic assistance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thecaloscopy is a safe procedure if skilfully performed. It provides an opening for a wide range of new diagnostic and therapeutic options.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgical Department, Paracelsus Klinik, Zwickau, Germany. warnkeJ@gmx.de
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Warnke
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Köppert
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bensch-Schreiter
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dzelzitis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tschabitscher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D001100:Arachnoiditis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*