Ultrasound stereotaxic endoscopy in neurosurgery

Abstract

Stereotaxic endoscopy assisted by laser- and video technique can be used in a circumscribed number of intracerebral lesions. In the present series of patients, ultrasound imaging has been used as a stereotaxic method to guide the tip of the endoscope to a target area in the depth of the brain via a burr hole in the cranial vault. Initial experience has been obtained in the evacuation of various intracerebral and ventricular as well as cerebellar haematomas; moreover, ventricular tumours can be laser-coagulated and resected. In cases of cystic hemispheric tumours biopsies can be taken under visual control and the inner surface coagulated with laser. The method is less traumatic compared to conventional neurosurgery.