Terson's syndrome after endoscopic removal of a colloid cyst.

An extremely rare complication of endoscopic colloid cyst removal is presented. Terson's syndrome related to endoscopic resection of a colloid cyst has been reported only twice before in the literature and it could be explained by intracranial hypertension related to rinsing during the procedure. The case is described and the complications in the neuroendoscopic removal of colloid cyst are reviewed from the literature.

Minimally invasive approach for skull base meningiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Skull base meningiomas constitute a complex group of skull base tumors. The endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) and endoscopic Keyhole have a minimally invasive philosophy with high effectiveness, safety, and a significant decrease in postoperative morbidity in these tumors. OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of the use of minimally invasive approaches to skull base meningiomas. METHOD: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out in 140 patients at the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital who underwent surgery for cranial base meningiomas using minimally invasive approaches to the cranial base. The degree of tumor resection, tumor recurrence, reinterventions, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: ESA were used in 72.8% of the study, while endoscopic Keyholes were used in 26.4% and combined approaches in 0.7%. In relation to total tumor resection, 91.9% was generally achieved. Overall tumor recurrence and reinterventions were less than 8.5% and 4%, respectively. Complications in ESA were: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula (2.1%), diabetes insipidus, hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction, surgical site hematoma, worsening of cranial nerves I-IV (1.4%) respectively. While in the Keyhole type approaches: seizures (2.9%), hydrocephalus (1.4%), CSF fistula (1.4%), worsening of Nerves IX-XII (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The following study reaffirms that minimally invasive approaches for skull base meningiomas constitute advanced surgical techniques for these tumors, associated with a low rate of postoperative complications.

Cirugía neuroendoscópica intraventricular en pacientes adultos con hidrocefalia obstructiva. Serie corta de casos

Introducción: la hidrocefalia es una patología neuroquirúrgica que presenta varias alternativas de tratamiento. A pesar de esto, el índice de disfunción y reintervención de los pacientes es considerablemente elevado. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la cirugía neuroendoscópica intraventricular en pacientes operados de hidrocefalia obstructiva. Materiales y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, de serie de casos, en el que se describen variables clínicas, de imagen y quirúrgicas de pacientes operados mediante neuroendoscopia intraventricular. Después de aplicar criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la muestra quedó conformada por cinco pacientes. Resultados: la escala de coma de Glasgow de los pacientes al momento de la cirugía, fue mayor de 12 puntos en todos los casos. El 60 % de los casos presentó un grado 4 en la escala de Frisen para evaluar la gravedad del papiledema. El promedio del índice de Evans medido por tomografía fue de 0,39; el del tercer ventrículo fue de 14,75 mm, mientras que el promedio de los cuernos temporales fue de 4,1 mm. En tres casos se presentaron variedades anatómicas dilatadas de los forámenes de Monro, mientras que en dos presentaban diámetros medianos. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 45 minutos. Entre las complicaciones posoperatorias estuvo la disfunción del estoma quirúrgico en un paciente con tercer ventriculostomía. Conclusiones: la cirugía neuroendoscópica intraventricular es un método efectivo para tratar pacientes con hidrocefalia obstructiva en pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: hydrocephalus is a neurosurgical pathology that presents several treatment alternatives. Despite this, the rate of dysfunctions and re-interventions of the patients is considered high. Objective: to describe the results of intraventricular neuro-endoscopic surgery in patients operated on for obstructive hydrocephalus. Materials and methods: this is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, of case series, where clinical, imaging and surgical variables of patients operated by intraventricular neurosurgery are described. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample was made up of five patients. Results: the Glasgow coma scale of the patients at the moment of surgery was greater than 12 points in all cases. 60% of the cases presented a grade 4 on Frisen scale to assess the severity of papilledema. The average Evans index, measured by tomography was 0.39; that of the third ventricle was 14.75 mm, while the average of the temporal horns was 4.1 mm. In three cases there were dilated anatomical variants of the foramens of Monro f, while in two they presented medium diameters. The average surgical time was 45 minutes. Surgical stoma dysfunction in one patient with a third ventriculostomy was among the postoperative complications. Conclusions: intraventricular neuro-endoscopic surgery is an effective method for treating patients with obstructive hydrocephalus in selected patients.

Resección de astrocitoma fibrilar cerebeloso con apoyo endoscópico. Presentación de un caso

Se presentó paciente femenina de 7 años de edad, con antecedentes de salud aparente, atendida en el Hospital Pediátrico Docente "Pedro Agustín Pérez", de provincia Guantánamo. Al interrogatorio, la madre refirió semana de evolución con cefalea y vómitos. Cumplió tratamiento con analgésicos y antieméticos sin resolución de dicho cuadro. El estudio de resonancia magnética nuclear de cráneo informó en T1, corte axial, una lesión ocupativa de espacio, hipointensa, de aspecto quístico de fosa posterior, en hemisferio cerebeloso derecho, que comprimía el IV ventrículo, lo que causó una hidrocefalia obstructiva secundaria. Se realizó ventriculostomía con derivación ventriculoperitoneal y resección macroscópica de lesión con apoyo endoscópico. Se confirmó por estudio histopatológico el diagnóstico de astrocitoma fibrilar cerebeloso.

A seven years old female patient was evaluated at the Hospital Pediátrico Docente "Pedro Agustín Pérez", in Guantánamo, with a history of an apparent health situation. The patient´s mother referred a week with headache and vomiting. Patient underwent an analgesics and antiemetics treatment without resolution of symptoms. A magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain showed in T1 scan, in the axial section, a space-occupying, hypointense, and appearance of posterior fossa cystic lesion, in the right cerebellar hemisphere, which was compressing the IV ventricle, causing obstructive hydrocephalus secondary. Ventriculostomy routing ventriculoperitoneal shunt and macroscopic resection of lesion with endoscopic support included was performed. Cerebellar fibrillary astrocytoma was the diagnosis confirmed by histopathological study.

Paciente do sexo feminino, 7 anos, com histórico aparente de saúde, atendida no Hospital Pediátrico Docente "Pedro Agustín Pérez", na província de Guantánamo. Ao ser questionada, a mãe relatou uma semana de evolução com cefaléia e vômitos. Efetuou tratamento com analgésicos e antieméticos sem resolução dos referidos sintomas. O estudo de ressonância magnética nuclear do crânio relatou em T1, corte axial, lesão hipointensa, expansiva, de aspecto cístico em fossa posterior, no hemisfério cerebelar direito, que comprimia o quarto ventrículo, causando hidrocefalia obstrutiva secundária. Foi realizada ventriculostomia com derivação ventriculoperitoneal e ressecção macroscópica da lesão com suporte endoscópico. O diagnóstico de astrocitoma fibrilar cerebelar foi confirmado pelo estudo histopatológico.

Lesión penetrante intracraneana transorbitaria, con compromiso de seno cavernoso en paciente pediátrico / Transorbital penetrating intracranial injury, with cavernous sinus involvement

Las lesiones traumáticas penetrantes transorbitarias-intracraneanas son infrecuentes en población pediátrica, pudiendo ocurrir en el contexto de accidentes domésticos, deportivos o escolares. Pueden extenderse a la base del cráneo y comprometer estructuras vasculares como el seno cavernoso y carótida interna. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 6 años de edad, que sufre lesión penetrante transorbitaria intracraneal con un lápiz de madera, con trayecto cruzado desde borde medial de órbita izquierda, transetmoidal y transesfenoidal, ingresando a región selar derecha e improntando a arteria carótida derecha (porción cavernosa). Luego de los estudios prequirúrgicos, se realizó extirpación de cuerpo extraño con cirugía endoscópica+control endovascular en caso de lesión carotidea. Posterior a resecar cuerpo extraño, se reparó fístula de LCR evidenciada intraoperatoriamente. La paciente se recuperó adecuadamente, sin déficit neurológico, sin fístula postoperatoria de LCR, sin infección del SNC ni alteración oculomotora (AU)

Transorbitary intracranial penetrating traumatic injuries are uncommon in the pediatric population, and may occur in the context of domestic, sporting or school accidents. They can extend to skull base and compromise vascular structures such as cavernous sinus and internal carotid. We present a case of 6 years-old girl that suffered an intracranial transorbital penetrating injury with a wooden pencil that crossed from the medial edge of left orbit, transetmoidal and trans-sphenoidal, entering the right sellar region and leaving its end in contact with carotid artery (cavernous segment). After pre-surgical studies, foreign body removal was performed with endoscopic surgery+endovascular control in case of carotid injury. After removing the foreign body, a CSF fistula occurred and was repaired. Patient recovered adequately, without neurological deficit, without postoperative CSF fistula, without CNS infection or oculomotor alteration (AU)

Preoperative 3D volume reconstruction of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus with Horos: A free, simple and reliable tool in endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery / Reconstrucción volumétrica 3D preoperatoria de la pared posterior del seno esfenoidal con Horos: una herramienta gratuita, sencilla y fiable en la cirugía endoscópica endonasal transesfenoidal

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to create computer-aided design models of the sphenoid sinus with a free-source software in order to perform a preoperative planning during trans-sphenoidal endoscopic surgery (TES) and clarify the three-dimensional anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus and its surrounding structures.MethodsFor each patient a 3D volume rendering of the sphenoid sinus was obtained from a thin slice head and maxilla-facial CT scan using a free-source DICOM viewer. The 3D models obtained preoperatively were examined preoperatively by six neurosurgeons in order to identify the boundaries of the sella.ResultsFor the main anatomical landmark, all of the observers were able to recognize the anatomical structure at a rate ranging from 80 to 98%, 28 to 60% and 25 to 58% for expert (n=3), inexpert (n=3) and the entire group of observers (n=6), respectively. The analysis of the data shows that both observation groups presented a lower recognition rate of the following parameters: right and left medial and lateral optocarotid recesses and tumor prominence, however, the sellar prominence, clival recess, planum sphenoidalis, right and left ICA prominence, right and left optic prominences represent the main anatomical landmarks to be recognized during TES immediately before the opening of the sellar floor.ConclusionsThe use of a preoperative 3D imaging is not in itself a novelty in the literature, however the fact that a simple tool obtained with a free-source software like Horos can represent a considerable help in surgical practice without resorting to the use of more complex software and expensive represents the real utility of this work (AU)

AntecedentesEl objetivo del estudio es crear modelos de diseño asistido por ordenador del seno esfenoidal con software de código abierto para realizar la planificación preoperatoria durante la cirugía transesfenoidal endoscópica (TES) y dilucidar las características anatómicas tridimensionales del seno esfenoidal y las estructuras que lo rodean.MétodosPara cada paciente, se obtuvo una representación volumétrica en 3D del seno esfenoidal, a partir de una tomografía computarizada maxilofacial de corte fino utilizando un visor DICOM de fuente libre. Los modelos 3D obtenidos antes de la cirugía fueron revisados por seis neurocirujanos para identificar los límites de la silla turca.ResultadosPara el principal punto de referencia anatómico, todos los observadores fueron capaces de reconocer la estructura anatómica en un rango de 80 a 98%, 28 a 60% y 25 a 58% para los experimentados (n=3), los inexpertos (n=3) y todo el grupo de observadores (n=6), respectivamente. El análisis de los datos muestra que ambos grupos de observación presentaron una tasa de reconocimiento menor de los siguientes parámetros: recesos optocarotídeos medial y lateral izquierdo y prominencia tumoral, sin embargo, prominencia selar, receso clival, plano esfenoidal, prominencia ICA derecha e izquierda. Las prominencias ópticas derecha e izquierda representan los principales puntos de referencia anatómicos que deben reconocerse durante la TES inmediatamente antes de la apertura del suelo selar.ConclusionesEl uso de una imagen 3D preoperatoria no es en sí mismo una novedad en la literatura, sin embargo, el hecho de que una simple herramienta obtenida con un software de código abierto como Horos pueda representar una importante ayuda en la práctica quirúrgica, sin tener que recurrir al uso de un software más complejo y costoso, representa la verdadera utilidad de este trabajo (AU)

Preoperative 3D volume reconstruction of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus with Horos: A free, simple and reliable tool in endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to create computer-aided design models of the sphenoid sinus with a free-source software in order to perform a preoperative planning during trans-sphenoidal endoscopic surgery (TES) and clarify the three-dimensional anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus and its surrounding structures. METHODS: For each patient a 3D volume rendering of the sphenoid sinus was obtained from a thin slice head and maxilla-facial CT scan using a free-source DICOM viewer. The 3D models obtained preoperatively were examined preoperatively by six neurosurgeons in order to identify the boundaries of the sella. RESULTS: For the main anatomical landmark, all of the observers were able to recognize the anatomical structure at a rate ranging from 80 to 98%, 28 to 60% and 25 to 58% for expert (n=3), inexpert (n=3) and the entire group of observers (n=6), respectively. The analysis of the data shows that both observation groups presented a lower recognition rate of the following parameters: right and left medial and lateral optocarotid recesses and tumor prominence, however, the sellar prominence, clival recess, planum sphenoidalis, right and left ICA prominence, right and left optic prominences represent the main anatomical landmarks to be recognized during TES immediately before the opening of the sellar floor. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a preoperative 3D imaging is not in itself a novelty in the literature, however the fact that a simple tool obtained with a free-source software like Horos can represent a considerable help in surgical practice without resorting to the use of more complex software and expensive represents the real utility of this work.

Re-ventriculostomía endoscópica de tercer ventrículo. Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 13 casos / Re-Do endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Retrospective analysis of 13 patients

Objetivos: La indicación de ventriculostomía endoscópica de tercer ventrículo (VET) en el tratamiento de la hidrocefalia no comunicante está extensamente aceptada. Existe controversia respecto a la indicación de un segundo procedimiento (re-VET) cuando el primero ha fallado. El objetivo de este trabajo es recoger los fallos de VET en una serie propia en los que se realizó re-VET y describir los factores relacionados con su pronóstico.MétodoEstudio retrospectivo de pacientes pediátricos con fallo de VET tratados mediante una re-VET entre 2003 y 2018. Se registró género, edad en primera y segunda VET, tiempo hasta fallo de primera VET, etiología de hidrocefalia, presencia previa de DVP, ETV-SS en primera y segunda VET, hallazgos intraoperatorios, éxito del segundo procedimiento y seguimiento. El resultado de ETV-SS se agrupó en puntuación alta (≥80), moderada (50-70) o baja (≤40). Se consideró fallo de procedimiento endoscópico el deterioro clínico o la ausencia de criterios radiológicos de mejoría (reducción de tamaño ventricular o presencia de artefacto de flujo de VET en área premamilar).ResultadosDe 97 VET realizadas en este periodo, se registraron 47 fallos, llevándose a cabo 13 re-VET. De ellas, 8 fueron clasificadas como éxito (61,53%). La re-VET fue exitosa en 4/4 casos cuya etiología fue tumoración tectal o estenosis de acueducto. En el grupo de alta puntuación ETV-SS hubo mayor porcentaje de éxito (75%) que en el grupo de moderada puntuación (40%). Nueve pacientes presentaban DVP previa a la primera VET y en ellos, el éxito fue del 66,6% frente al 50% en el grupo sin DVP previa. Todas las re-VET se llevaron a cabo sin complicaciones. En 11 de los 13 procedimientos se encontró una membrana premamilar cerrada y en los 2 casos restantes una apertura puntiforme. El seguimiento medio tras re-VET fue de 61,23 meses.ConclusiónLa re-VET es un procedimiento seguro y con una tasa de éxito del 61,5% en nuestra serie...(AU)

Objetives: Indication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment for noncommunicating hydrocephalus is widely accepted. There is controversy regarding the indication of a second procedure (re-ETV) when the first has failed. The objective of this work is to revise ETV failures in a series in which re-ETV was performed and to describe the factors related to its prognosis.MethodRetrospective study of pediatric patients with ETV failure treated by re-ETV between 2003 and 2018. Gender, age in first and second ETV, time to failure of first ETV, etiology of hydrocephalus, previous presence of shunt, ETV-SS in the first and second ETV, intraoperative findings, success of the second procedure and follow-up were collected. The ETV-SS result was grouped into high (≥80), moderate (50-70) or low (≤40) scores. Endoscopic procedure failure was considered clinical worsening or the absence of radiological criteria for improvement (reduction in ventricular size or presence of ETV flow artifact in the floor of third ventricle).ResultsOf 97 ETV carried out in this period, 47 failures were registered, with 13 re-ETV performed. Of these, 8 were classified as successful (61.53%). Re-ETV was successful in 4/4 cases in which etiology was tectal tumor or aqueduct stenosis. In the group with a high ETV-SS score there was a higher rate of success (75%) than in the group with a moderate score (40%). 9 patients presented shunt prior to first ETV and in them, success was 66.6% compared to 50% in the group without prior shunt. All re-ETV were performed without complications. In 11 of the 13 procedures a closed stoma was found and the remaining 2 cases, we found a punctate opening. The mean follow-up after re-ETV was 61.23 months.ConclusionThe selection of patients for re-VET should be cautious. Factors such as age, etiology, and previous shunt (ETV-SS factors) have prognostic influence. However... (AU)

Re-Do endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Retrospective analysis of 13 patients.

OBJETIVES: Indication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment for noncommunicating hydrocephalus is widely accepted. There is controversy regarding the indication of a second procedure (re-ETV) when the first has failed. The objective of this work is to revise ETV failures in a series in which re-ETV was performed and to describe the factors related to its prognosis. METHOD: Retrospective study of pediatric patients with ETV failure treated by re-ETV between 2003 and 2018. Gender, age in first and second ETV, time to failure of first ETV, etiology of hydrocephalus, previous presence of shunt, ETV-SS in the first and second ETV, intraoperative findings, success of the second procedure and follow-up were collected. The ETV-SS result was grouped into high (≥ 80), moderate (50-70) or low (≤ 40) scores. Endoscopic procedure failure was considered clinical worsening or the absence of radiological criteria for improvement (reduction in ventricular size or presence of ETV flow artifact in the floor of third ventricle). RESULTS: Of 97 ETV carried out in this period, 47 failures were registered, with 13 re-ETV performed. Of these, 8 were classified as successful (61.53%). Re-ETV was successful in 4/4 cases in which etiology was tectal tumor or aqueduct stenosis. In the group with a high ETV-SS score there was a higher rate of success (75%) than in the group with a moderate score (40%). 9 patients presented shunt prior to first ETV and in them, success was 66.6% compared to 50% in the group without prior shunt. All re-ETV were performed without complications. In 11 of the 13 procedures a closed stoma was found and the remaining 2 cases, we found a punctate opening. The mean follow-up after re-ETV was 61.23 months. CONCLUSION: The selection of patients for re-VET should be cautious. Factors such as age, etiology, and previous shunt (ETV-SS factors) have prognostic influence. However, there are specific factors which indicate favorable prognostic for re-VET such as a longer time to failure of the first procedure, the finding of a closed/punctate stoma or the loss of flow artifact in the follow-up MRI.

Transorbital penetrating intracranial injury, with cavernous sinus involvement.

Transorbitary intracranial penetrating traumatic injuries are uncommon in the paediatric population, and may occur in the context of domestic, sporting or school accidents. They can extend to skull base and compromise vascular structures such as cavernous sinus and internal carotid. We present a case of 6 years-old girl that suffered an intracranial transorbital penetrating injury with a wooden pencil that crossed from the medial edge of left orbit, transetmoidal and trans-sphenoidal, entering the right sellar region and leaving its end in contact with carotid artery (cavernous segment). After pre-surgical studies, foreign body removal was performed with endoscopic surgery + endovascular control in case of carotid injury. After removing the foreign body, a CSF fistula occurred and was repaired. Patient recovered adequately, without neurological deficit, without postoperative CSF fistula, without CNS infection or oculomotor alteration.

Tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica en la hidrocefalia de presión normal idiopática / Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

RESUMEN Introducción: La hidrocefalia de presión normal idiopática es un complejo sintomático caracterizado por afectación de la marcha, incontinencia urinaria y deterioro del estado mental. En la actualidad no existe un esquema diagnóstico estandarizado. La tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica se comenzó a utilizar hace unos años ante la elevada tasa de complicaciones de los sistemas derivativos pero aún no se definen con claridad los factores pronósticos de su éxito y se cuestiona su indicación. Objetivo: Describir el rol de la tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica en la hidrocefalia de presión normal idiopática. Métodos: Se realizó la revisión de la literatura en bases de datos PUBMED, además de literatura gris en los servidores de preprints BioRxiv, MedRxiv y preprint.org. Se seleccionaron los artículos de los últimos 15 años sin aplicación de filtros idiomáticos. Se usaron los siguientes descriptores Normal pressure hydrocephalus AND Endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Fueron seleccionados solo aquellos artículos con texto completo disponible. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 430 artículos. Se analizaron 10 investigaciones sobre tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica en la hidrocefalia de presión normal idiopática, ocho fueron estudios retrospectivos con el 62,5 % de los mismos con una muestra inferior a 15 pacientes, además de dos estudios de cohorte. Conclusiones: La tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica ha tenido relativo éxito en el tratamiento de pacientes cuidadosamente seleccionados con hidrocefalia de presión normal idiopática. Es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo, encaminado a mejorar la compliance intracraneal a través de la restauración de la pulsatilidad cerebral, y la influencia de la misma en la dinámica del líquido cerebroespinal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is a clinical complex characterized by impaired gait, urinary incontinence and deterioration of mental status. Currently, there is not a standardized diagnostic scheme. The endoscopic third ventriculostomy began to be used a few years ago due to the high rate of complications of the derivative systems, but the prognostic factors of its success have not yet been clearly defined, and its indication is questioned. Objective: To describe role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Methods: A literature review was performed in PUBMED and preprint servers BioRxiv, MedRxiv and preprint.org. Articles from the last 15 years were selected without the application of language filters. The following descriptors Normal pressure hydrocephalus AND Endoscopic third ventriculostomy were used. Only those articles with the full text available were selected. Results: A total of 430 articles were identified. Ten investigations about endoscopic third ventriculostomy in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus were analyzed, 8 were retrospective studies with 62.5% of them with a sample of less than 15 patients, in addition to two cohort studies. Conclusions: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy has been relatively successful in treating carefully selected patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. It is a safe and effective procedure, aimed at improving intracranial compliance through the restoration of cerebral pulsatility, and its influence on the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid.

La neuroendoscopia: una técnica revolucionaria en el campo de la neurocirugía / Neuroendoscopy: a revoluciotionary technique in neurosurgery

La neuroendoscopia es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo que se desarrolló a principios del siglo pasado y tiene importancia en el campo de la neurocirugía, representa un método innovador ya que aporta una amplia visualización de las estructuras anatómicas con mínimo traumatismo del tejido nervioso, contribuyendo al diagnóstico y tratamiento de diversas afecciones intra y extracerebral. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica con el propósito de identificar, analizar y describir algunas patologías neuroquirúrgicas que se han tratado bajo neuroendoscopia, así como los aportes más relevantes en cirugía pediátrica y de columna, con el fin de exponer el impacto que ha tenido esta técnica en el desarrollo de la cirugía moderna.

Neuroendoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that was developed at the beginning of the last century and plays an important role in neurosurgery. It is an innovative method since it enables a broad visualization of the anatomical structures with minimal damage to the nervous tissue, contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of intra and extracerebral conditions. A bibliographic search was carried out to identify, analyze and describe some neurological pathologies that have been treated using neuroendoscopic surgery. The most relevant contributions to pediatric and spine surgery are also outlined to show the impact that this technique has had in the progress of modern surgery.

Sagitectomía Endoscópica: Planeamiento Quirúrgico con Modelos de Simulación de Bajo Costo / Endoscopic Sagitectomy: Surgical Planning with Low-Cost Simulation Models

Objetivos: El objetivo es presentar un caso de sagitectomía asistida por endoscopía y su planificación y entrenamiento prequirúrgico con modelos de simulación de bajo costo. Métodos: Se procesó una tomografía de un paciente con escafocefalia, a partir de la cual se realizó una impresión 3D de un cráneo sin huesos parietales. Se completó el modelo de simulación con materiales de bajo costo para simular los tejidos blandos y hueso. Se realizó el entrenamiento con un endoscopio de 30º. Luego del entrenamiento, se realizó una cirugía en un paciente de 2 meses de edad que presentaba una escafocefalia. Resultados: Se creó un modelo de simulación de bajo costo (aproximadamente 20 US$) para el entrenamiento de sagitectomía asistida por endoscopía. Se realizó la cirugía en un paciente, sin complicaciones quirúrgicas ni posoperatorias. Conclusión: El entrenamiento con simuladores de bajo costo permite planificar una sagitectomía asistida por endoscopía, disminuyendo los errores y los tiempos de la curva de aprendizaje.

Re-Do endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Retrospective analysis of 13 patients. / Re-ventriculostomía endoscópica de tercer ventrículo. Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 13 casos.

OBJETIVES: Indication for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment for noncommunicating hydrocephalus is widely accepted. There is controversy regarding the indication of a second procedure (re-ETV) when the first has failed. The objective of this work is to revise ETV failures in a series in which re-ETV was performed and to describe the factors related to its prognosis. METHOD: Retrospective study of pediatric patients with ETV failure treated by re-ETV between 2003 and 2018. Gender, age in first and second ETV, time to failure of first ETV, etiology of hydrocephalus, previous presence of shunt, ETV-SS in the first and second ETV, intraoperative findings, success of the second procedure and follow-up were collected. The ETV-SS result was grouped into high (≥80), moderate (50-70) or low (≤40) scores. Endoscopic procedure failure was considered clinical worsening or the absence of radiological criteria for improvement (reduction in ventricular size or presence of ETV flow artifact in the floor of third ventricle). RESULTS: Of 97 ETV carried out in this period, 47 failures were registered, with 13 re-ETV performed. Of these, 8 were classified as successful (61.53%). Re-ETV was successful in 4/4 cases in which etiology was tectal tumor or aqueduct stenosis. In the group with a high ETV-SS score there was a higher rate of success (75%) than in the group with a moderate score (40%). 9 patients presented shunt prior to first ETV and in them, success was 66.6% compared to 50% in the group without prior shunt. All re-ETV were performed without complications. In 11 of the 13 procedures a closed stoma was found and the remaining 2 cases, we found a punctate opening. The mean follow-up after re-ETV was 61.23 months. CONCLUSION: The selection of patients for re-VET should be cautious. Factors such as age, etiology, and previous shunt (ETV-SS factors) have prognostic influence. However, there are specific factors which indicate favorable prognostic for re-VET such as a longer time to failure of the first procedure, the finding of a closed/punctate stoma or the loss of flow artifact in the follow-up MRI.

Quiste aracnoideo intraventricular asintomático: reporte de un caso / Asymptomatic intraventricular arachnoid cyst: a case report

Introducción: Los Quistes Aracnoideos son colecciones benignas de líquido cefalorraquídeo que representan el 1% de lesiones ocupantes de espacios intracraneales. Se detecta frecuentemente antes de los 20 años, entre 60 a 90% de los casos. La prevalencia estimada es de 1,4% en adultos, siendo la menos frecuente la ubicación intraventricular. Caso Clínico: Mujer de 60 años de edad, consultó por cefalea holocraneana de larga data y ocasionales mareos. Sin alteraciones al examen físico neurológico. Se le realizó tomografía axial computarizada donde llamó la atención una leve alteración de la densidad intraventricular por lo que se procedió a realizar resonancia magnética nuclear que demostró imágenes quísticas en atrio de ventrículos laterales, bilateral. No se requirió de una intervención quirúrgica debido a que la paciente no presentaba sintomatología significativa. Discusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico es recomendado en pacientes sintomáticos, en quistes de gran extensión y en los que cursan con complicaciones. Para los pacientes que cursen sólo con dolor de cabeza, sin hidrocefalia secundaria o un aumento evidente de la presión intracraneal se recomienda la observación con o sin repetición de las imágenes.

Introduction: Arachnoid cysts are benign collections of cerebrospinal fluid that represents 1% of lesions occupying intracranial spaces. It is frequently detected before the age of 20, between 60 to 90% of cases. The estimated prevalence is 1.4% in adults, the least frequent being intraventricular location. Clinical Case: A 60-year-old woman attended for a long-standing holocranial headache and occasional dizziness. No alteration in the neurological physical examination. A computerized axial tomography was performed, where a slight alteration in the intraventricular density drew attention, for which a nuclear magnetic resonance was carried out, which showed cystic images in the atrium of bilateral lateral ventricles. No surgical intervention was required because the patient did not present a significant symptomatology. Discussion: Surgical treatment is recommended in symptomatic patients, in cysts of great extension and in those with complications. For patients with only headache, without secondary hydrocephalus or an obvious increase in intracranial pressure, observation with or without repetition of the images is recommended.

Tratamiento endoscópico de lesiones quísticas supratentoriales en pediatría / Endoscopic treatment of supratentorial cystic lesions in pediatrics

Introducción: La endoscopía neuroquirúrgica es una técnica mínimamente invasiva, utilizada desde principios del siglo XX para dar solución a las patologías localizadas en el sistema ventricular. En la actualidad las indicaciones de esta técnica se han ampliado notablemente. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en presentar el tratamiento endoscópico de quistes cerebrales supratentoriales de diferentes etiologías en pediatría. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal retrospectivo, desde enero de 2016 hasta diciembre de 2019, de pacientes pediátricos con lesiones quísticas supratentoriales tratados endoscópicamente en el Hospital de Niños de La Plata. Para definir el éxito se utilizó la clasificación en 5 grados de Ross et al. Resultados: Se practicaron 14 procedimientos en 12 pacientes, con edades comprendidas entre los 2 meses y los 9 años. Del total, 6 fueron quistes intraventriculares, 3 quistes de línea media, 5 quistes paraventriculares. Todos presentaban algún signo o síntoma al momento de la consulta, predominando entre ellos la alteración del estado neurológico y los vómitos. Luego de practicarse la fenestración endoscópica, presentaron una evolución clínica favorable en 12 de los 14 procedimientos y una mejoría en al menos un criterio imagenológico en 10 del total de los procedimientos.Basados en la categorización de Ross et al. se obtuvo un grado I en el 57% de los casos, lo que implica una mejoría completa permanente. La tasa de complicación global fue del 7%, presentando en solo un caso infección post endoscopia. Conclusión: La neuroendoscopía debería ser considerada como una opción de primera línea para el tratamiento en las lesiones quísticas supratentoriales. Demostró ser un método poco invasivo, con el cual se obtuvieron buenos resultados y una baja tasa de complicaciones.

Introduction: Neurosurgical endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique, used since the beginning of the 20th century to solve pathologies localized in the ventricular system. Currently the indications for this technique have been greatly expanded. The objective of this work is to present the endoscopic treatment of supratentorial brain cysts of different etiologies in pediatrics. Material and methods: We carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study, from January 2016 to December 2019, of pediatric patients with supratentorial cystic lesions treated endoscopically at the Hospital de Niños of La Plata City. To define success, we used the 5-degree classification of Ross et al. Results: 14 procedures were performed in 12 patients, aged between 2 months and 9 years. Of the total, 6 were intraventricular cysts, 3 midline cysts, 5 paraventricular cysts. All presented any signs or symptoms at the time of the consultation, prevailing among them the alteration of the neurological state and vomiting. After endoscopic fenestration was performed, they presented a favorable clinical evolution in 12 of the 14 procedures and an improvement in at least one imaging criterion in 10 of all procedures. Based on the categorization of Ross et al. we obtained a grade I in 57% of the cases, which implies a permanent complete improvement. The overall complication rate was 7%, presenting post-endoscopy infection in only one case. Conclusion: Neuroendoscopy should be considered as a first-line option for the treatment of supratentorial cystic lesions. It proved to be a non-invasive method, with which we obtained good results and a low complication rate

Nuevo modelo de simulador para neuroendoscopía / New simulator model for neuroendoscopy

Introducción: El entrenamiento en simuladores es considerado una herramienta fundamental en las especialidades quirúrgicas, contribuyendo en el aprendizaje de una determinada técnica quirúrgica.Existen modelos de simulación sintéticos que replican la anatomía ventricular con alta fidelidad sin embargo tienen un costo elevado. Algunos centros describieron el uso de cadáveres humanos pero la disponibilidad del material suele ser limitada y la adquisición dificultosa. Otros autores utilizan entrenamiento en modelos biológicos vivos (roedores de laboratorio) que presentan la ventaja de tener alta fidelidad en cuanto a la consistencia de tejidos, sin embargo, la utilización de estos modelos se encuentra cuestionados desde el aspecto ético. Material y Métodos: Se presenta un modelo de simulación que utiliza unidades de cerebro bovino y membrana amniótica. Colocamos el cerebro bovino y las unidades de membrana amniótica dentro de un recipiente esférico de poliestireno expandido. Una vez que se forma la esfera, insertamos dos trocares que nos permitirán insertar el neuroendoscopio y llenarlo con agua. Resultado: Presentamos un nuevo modelo accesible y realista para la simulación neuroendoscópica que reproduce ejercicios de biopsia, coagulación de tejidos, fenestración y dilatación de membrana. Conclusión: Los simuladores para neuroendoscopía descritos hasta ahora son confiables, pero conllevan un alto costo. Los modelos con animales vivos, aunque con menor costo, son cuestionados desde un punto de vista ético.En el trabajo actual, describimos un modelo de simulador neuroendoscópico ventricular de alta fidelidad que, debido a su bajo costo, permite ser replicado en cualquier centro de entrenamiento que tenga un neuroendoscopio.

Objectives: Ventricular endoscopy is considered an excellent technique. However, without an optimal learning curve, it could lead to deadly complications.There are synthetic simulation models that replicate the ventricular anatomy with high fidelity but high costs. Some low-cost models have been published using human corpses for endoscopic training; however, materials' acquisition is difficult. A different option is live biological models (laboratory rodents), although cost is lower, they are questioned from an ethical point of view.The ideal simulator, in addition to aspiring maximum fidelity, must be accessible, affordable and easy to replicate to facilitate repetitive training. Methods: A simulation model using bovine brain and membrane units made by a soda cup covered by an amniotic membrane. We placed the bovine brain and the amniotic membrane units inside an expanded polystyrene spherical container; once the sphere is formed, we inserted two trocars, which will enabled us to insert the neuroendoscope and fill it with water. Result: We introduced an attainable and realistic new model for neuroendoscopic simulation, which replicates biopsy, tissue coagulation, fenestration, and membrane dilatation exercises. Conclusion: Simulators for neuroendoscopy described so far are reliable, but they entail a high cost. Models with live animals, although with lower cost, are questioned from an ethical point of view.In the current work, we describe a high fidelity ventricular neuroendoscopic simulator model that, due to its low cost, allows to be replicated in any training center that has a neuroendoscope

Neuroendoscopic treatment of arachnoid cysts in the paediatric population. Series results for 20 patients. / Tratamiento neuroendoscópico de quistes aracnoideos en edad pediátrica. Resultados de una serie de 20 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendoscopy has become an effective and safe treatment for arachnoid cysts in the paediatric population. We review the paediatric patients with arachnoid cysts treated by neuroendoscopy in our hospital and analyse the results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 20 patients operated on from 2005 to 2018. The variables assessed are: gender, age, clinical presentation, cyst site, presence of hydrocephalus and/or extra-axial collections, endoscopic procedures and complications. Procedure success is defined as an improvement in symptoms and reduction in cyst size until end of follow-up. RESULTS: Our series comprised 13 males and 7 females (mean age: 64.6 months, range: 4-172 months). The most frequent site was suprasellar-prepontine (7), followed by intraventricular (6), quadrigeminal (3), interhemispheric (2) and Sylvian (2). A total of 70% (14/20) of patients had hydrocephalus at diagnosis, which increased to 85% in suprasellar-prepontine cysts and 100% in quadrigeminal cysts. Only 4/14 patients with required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (median age at diagnosis: 12.5 months). Of these 4 patients, 3 developed severe shunt overdrainage. The procedure was successful in 60% (12/20) of the patients in the series. Success by location was 57% (4/7) in suprasellar cysts, 33% (1/3) in quadrigeminal cysts, 66% (4/6) in intraventricular cysts, 100% (2/2) in interhemispheric cysts and 50% (1/2) in Sylvian cysts. Treatment thus failed in 8 cases, with a mean time to failure of 12.12 months (range: 0-45 months). A new neuroendoscopic procedure was performed in 4 of these 8 cases (success in 2/4), a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed in 2 cases, a cystoperitoneal shunt was placed in 1 case and the remaining case was managed conservatively. Mean follow-up time was 52.45 months (range: 3-129 months). CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopy is an effective and safe treatment for arachnoid cysts in paediatric patients that also enables managing associated hydrocephalus in most cases. The choice of neuroendoscopic procedure and success rate depend on cyst location. Younger patients have been found to have a higher shunt dependency rate. In these cases, measures to prevent shunt overdrainage are recommended.

Modelo de neuroendoscopia ventricular "INARUS" / Ventricular neuroendoscopy model "INARUS"

Introducción: La simulación es una herramienta de educación indispensable para un entrenamiento progresivo en un ámbito seguro, no solo para el paciente sino para el educando. La misma fue incorporada en la curricula de nuestras especialidades quirúrgicas a partir del 2013. Las habilidades neuroquirúrgicas requieren de un experticio que implica un periodo prolongado de tiempo de práctica. En la actualidad, dicho periodo, se tiende a disminuir con la enseñanza de ensayo y error, repetición de los procedimientos y automatización de maniobras que la simulación facilita con el agregado de la posibilidad de un feedback de retroalimentación entre el profesional en formación y el educador en un ambiente seguro. Objetivo: Describir un modelo de simulador físico sintético de bajo costo como herramienta inicial para mejorar la curva de aprendizaje de las técnicas de neuroendoscopia intraventricular. Descripción del simulador: es un modelo físico sintético realizado a través de técnicas de mordería con gel autoportante. El simulador ofrece la posibilidad de practicar técnicas básicas neuroendoscópicas intraventriculares, ofreciendo la particularidad de poder repetir las maniobras y gestos quirúrgicas con un coste beneficio muy elevado debido al muy bajo precio de realización del simulador. A su vez, se trata de un modelo de simulación que se puede fabricar de forma casera en cualquier centro de simulación. Discusión: Presentamos un modelo inédito de bajo costo y alta fidelidad para simulación neuroendoscópica. Consta de un cerebro sintético físico que permite replicar ejercicios de navegación intraventricular con maniobras endoscópicas, toma de biopsia de lesiones quísticas o sólidas, sección de tabiques, lavado ventricular y desobstrucción de catéteres intraventriculares. Lo consideramos una herramienta básica y de amplia ayuda para profesionales que decidan iniciar su curva de aprendizaje en la neuroendoscopia intraventricular. Planeamos su validación en futuros congresos de neurocirugía.

Introduction: Simulation is an indispensable educational tool for progressive training in a safe environment, for both patients and learning neurosurgeons. It was incorporated into the curricula of our surgical specialties as of 2013. Neurosurgical skills require an expertise that involves a prolonged period of practice time. Currently, this period tends to decrease with the teaching of trial and error, repetition of procedures and automation of maneuvers that the simulation facilitates with the addition of the possibility of feedback between the professional in training and the educator, all doing in a safe environment. Objective: To describe a low cost synthetic physical simulator model as an initial tool to improve the learning curve of intraventricular neuroendoscopy techniques. Description of the simulator: it is a synthetic physical model realized through self-supporting gel biting techniques. The simulator offers the possibility of practicing intraventricular neuroendoscopic basic techniques, offering the peculiarity of being able to repeat maneuvers and surgical gestures with a very high benefit-cost due to a very low price of its creation. At the same time, it is a simulation model that can be manufactured at home in any simulation center. Discussion: We present an unprecedented model of low cost and high fidelity for neuroendoscopic simulation. It consists of a physical synthetic brain that allows the replication of intraventricular navigation exercises with endoscopic maneuvers, a biopsy of solid or cystic lesions, the section of the ventricular septum, ventricular lavage and unblocking of intraventricular catheters. We consider this simulator as a basic tool of wide assistance for professionals who decide to start their learning curve in intraventricular neuroendoscopy. We're planning its validation in a future neurosurgery congress.

Abordaje pterional transilviano con apoyo neuroendoscópico en colesteatoma cerebral, a propósito de un caso interesante / Transsilvian pterional approach with neuroendoscopic support in cholesteatoma of the brain. A propos of an interesting case

RESUMEN Los quistes epidermoides constituyen el 1 % de los tumores intracraneales y el 7 % de los del ángulo pontocerebeloso. Los colesteatomas son lesiones benignas que se originan de restos de tejidos epitelial ectodérmicos que quedan en el sistema nervioso central, al cerrarse el tubo neural entre la tercera y quinta semana de gestación. Se trata de un paciente remitido de la Consulta de Neurooftalmología con crisis de cefalea y toma de los pares craneales III, IV, V, rama oftálmica desde hace 2 semanas. Se le realizaron estudios imagenológicos donde se constató un tumor hipodenso en región silviana frontotemporal izquierdo. Se interpretó como un quiste arcnoideo. Se le aplicó un bordaje pterional transilviano con apoyo neuroendoscópico y para sorpresa del equipo quirúrgico se abordó un tumor perlado solido identificado macroscópicamente como un colesteatoma silviano. Se resecó la totalidad del tumor cerebral.

ABSTRACT Epidermal inclusion cysts constitute 1% of the intracranial tumors and 7% of the cerebellopontine angle ones.Cholesteatoma are benign lesions originated from the remains of ectodermic epithelial tissues remaining in the central nervous system when the neural tube closes between the third and fifth week of pregnancy. The case deals with a patient remitted from the Neurophthalmologic Consultation with migraine crisis and lesion on the III, IV, V cranial nerves, ophthalmologic branch, for two weeks. Image studies were carried out, showing a hypo dense tumor in the left silvian frontotemporal region. It was taken as an arachnoid cyst. A pterional trans-silvian approach with neuroendoscopic support was applied, and the surgical team was surprised when they found a solid pearly tumor that was macroscopically identified as a silvian cholesteatoma. The cerebral tumor was totally resected.