Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2008; 51(6): 313-318
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1085446
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Neuroendoscopic Trans-third Ventricle Approach for Lesions of the Ventral Brainstem Surface

T. Miki 1 , N. Nakajima 1 , J. Akimoto 1 , J. Wada 1 , J. Haraoka 1
  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
05 December 2008 (online)

Abstract

Due to the establishment in recent years of neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), it has become possible during ETV to observe the ventral brainstem surface – particularly the prepontine cistern – in a minimally invasive manner via the third ventricular base with a neuroendoscope. As an adaptation of that technique in this study, we investigated a neuroendoscopic trans-third ventricle approach (ETTVA), which accesses lesions of the ventral brainstem surface with a neuroendoscope inserted via the stoma of the third ventricular floor. Our study included 6 cases, including one case each of neurenteric cyst, chordoma, pontine glioma (astrocytoma), ecchordosis physaliphora, endodermal cyst, and cystic schwannoma. Surgical operations performed by ETTVA included 3 cases of tumor resection, 2 cases of tumor biopsy, and 1 case of cyst puncture and aspiration. There were no complications accompanying ETTVA. Out of the 6 cases, only 1 required additional surgical treatment following ETTVA surgery. In the other 5 cases, no additional surgical procedures were performed. This study showed that ETTVA allowed access to the prepontine cistern quickly and in a minimally invasive manner. In selected cases, ETTVA can offer a new approach to these lesions.

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Correspondence

T. MikiMD 

Department of Neurosurgery

Tokyo Medical University

# 111-0023

6-7-1 Nishishinjuku

Shinjuku-ku

Tokyo

Japan

Phone: +81/3/3342 61 11

Fax: +81/3/3340 42 85

Email: mikit@qa2.so-net.ne.jp