Pure Neuroendoscopic Resection of Cystic Cerebellar Tumors.
BACKGROUND
We describe the resection of cerebellar cystic tumors using pure neuroendoscopy. This technique consists of performing all of the procedures under an endoscopic view, with the instruments introduced into the operative field coaxially to the endoscope through a trocar.


METHODS
Three cases of cerebellar cystic lesions (two pilocytic astrocytomas and one hemangioblastoma) were approached using the pure neuroendoscopic technique. Under general anesthesia and prone positioning, a suboccipital burr hole was created. The endoscope was introduced into the tumor cavity, and a reddish nodule was identified. The monopolar electrode was used to coagulate and dissect the surrounding nodular tissue. Grasping forceps were used to remove the nodule. There were no complications related to tumor removal, and the patients recovered from their symptoms. The follow-up images showed reduction of the cavity with no contrast enhancement.


CONCLUSIONS
The pure neuroendoscopic technique was shown to be minimally invasive and a successful and secure method to treat cystic cerebellar tumors.
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Service of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Electronic address: agjg@terra.com.br.
Alexandre Varella
AV
Giannetti
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Michel Dantas
MD
Rocha
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Rafael Stein
RS
Rosseto
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Hugo Abi-Sáber Rodrigues
HA
Pedrosa
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D020234:Gait Ataxia / Q000209:etiology; D018325:Hemangioblastoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
Astrocytoma; Cerebellar tumor; Hemangioblastoma; Neuroendoscopy