title: Endoscopic excision of a lateral ventricular epidermoid-A case report of a novel technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Epidermoids of the lateral ventricle are relatively rare tumours. As these tumours are soft and relatively avascular, they appear to be ideally suited for endoscopic surgical excision. At present the instruments available are specifically designed for endoscopic intra ventricular surgeries, limitations being inability to rapidly debulk the tumour and achieve adequate haemostasis. We present a case of lateral ventricular epidermoid that was excised endoscopically using a system originally designed for endoscopic disc surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a female patient who presented with recurrent headache and occasional episodes of vomiting since 6 years. Preoperative diagnosis of lateral intra ventricular epidermoid was made with the help of an Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Intraoperatively, an incision was made over the right Kocher's point and a 2.5cm dural opening was made following a small craniotomy and the Destaudeau endoscope was introduced. A 30° scope and gentle manipulation were used to view the ventricular cavity and ensure near total excision of the tumour. Here we record this novel technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lateral intra-ventricular tumours are usually approached through a trans-cortical or intra hemispheric approach, under microscope. The use of endoscopes have been largely restricted because of non-availability and relative difficulty in controlling troublesome bleeding, incase of vascular tumours.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A multi portal endoscope that allows use of routine pituitary instruments would enable the surgeon to achieve haemostasis effectively and, in our opinion, should be a viable alternative to microscope for excision of intra ventricular tumours.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: Arjun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal University, Manipal, India. Electronic address: rajeshnair39@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: Pradeep
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tripathi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: Vinod
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Upadhyaya
keywords: Endoscopic excision; Lateral ventricular epidermoid