title: Application of a 980-nanometer diode laser in neuroendoscopy: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ventricular neuroendoscopy represents an important advance in the treatment of hydrocephalus. High-power (surgical) Nd:YAG laser and low-level laser therapy (using 685-nm-wavelength diode laser) have been used in conjunction with neuroendoscopy with favorable results. This study evaluated the use of surgical 980-nm-wavelength diode laser for the neuroendoscopic treatment of ventricular diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine patients underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure with 980-nm diode laser. Complications and follow-up were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three in-hospital postoperative complications were recorded (1 intraventricular hemorrhage and 2 meningitis cases). The remaining 6 patients had symptom improvement after endoscopic surgery and were discharged from the hospital within 24-48 hours after surgery. Patients were followed for an average of 14 months: 1 patient developed meningitis and another died suddenly at home. The other patients did well and were asymptomatic until the last follow-up consultation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 980-nm diode laser is considered an important therapeutic tool for endoscopic neurological surgeries. This study showed its application in different ventricular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Residency Program, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo SP;
authors.forename: Rodolfo Casimiro
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: Division of Functional Neurosurgery of the Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo;
authors.forename: Manoel Jacobsen
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Teixeira
authors.affiliation: Núcleo de Pesquisa e Ensino de Fototerapia nas Ciências da Saúde - NUPEN, São Carlos SP; and.
authors.forename: Marilia Wellichan
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.affiliation: Núcleo de Pesquisa e Ensino de Fototerapia nas Ciências da Saúde - NUPEN, São Carlos SP; and.
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Almeida-Lopes
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Residency Program, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo SP;
authors.forename: Matheus Fernandes
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Cerebral Hydrodynamics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando Campos Gomes
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Pinto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D044582:Neuroendoscopes; D044583:Neuroendoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D059906:Neuroimaging / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: CW = continuous wave; ETV = endoscopic third ventriculostomy; hydrocephalus; laser; neuroendoscopy; surgical technique; μA(H2O) = absorption coefficient of water