The preliminary study of using neuro-endoscope assisted atlanto occipital decompression to treat Chiari type I malformation with syringomyelia / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore and evaluate the methodology of neuro-endoscope assisted atlanto occipital decompression in Chiari type I malformation with syringomyelia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between January 2007 to January 2008, 8 patients underwent neuro-endoscope assisted atlanto occipital decompression, including 2 male patients and 6 female patients (aged 13 to 52 years). During the operations, the surgical fields were lightened by the illuminator of endoscope. All the manipulations were done outside the sheath of neuroendoscope. The decompression bone window was about 2.0 cm × 2.0 cm. After the atlanto occipital fascia was cleared thoroughly, dura were opened in 6 cases and intact in 2 cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no complications observed in this study. Seven patients were determined as excellent in recovery according to the Tator criteria because of apparent improvements in superficial sensation. Five of the seven patients had improvements in muscle strength. One patient was assessed as good because of stable symptom without deterioration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Neuro-endoscope assisted atlanto occipital decompression is a potential technique worthy of employing in the mini-invasive neurosurgical technology.</p>