neuroendoscopic surgery for brain tumor
Brain tumor is a general term for tumors that form within the cranium, originating not only from the brain but also from various locations including the dura mater and nerves that surround the brain, and are classified into more than 100 types, including benign and malignant tumors. Diagnosis is made through image examinations, pathological examinations, and genetic examinations, and treatment is determined based on the results of these examinations and individual conditions.
Surgery is the main treatment for brain tumors, and there are two surgical methods: craniotomy, in which the skull is opened and the tumor is removed under a microscope, and neuroendoscopic surgery, in which an endoscope is used. The most common type of neuroendoscopic surgery is transsphenoidal surgery.
Brain tumors that can be treated with nasal transsphenoidal surgery include pituitary adenoma, Rathke’s cleft, and craniopharyngioma. In Transsphenoidal surgery, neuroendoscope is used to reach the sella turcica through the nasal cavity and remove the tumor with magnification (Fig.).
Transsphenoidal surgery
Before surgery, a preoperative simulation is performed using 3D image analysis software in conjunction with CT, MRI, and other examination images to understand the relationship between the tumor and the surrounding arteries, nerves, and sinus cavities.
At the time of surgery, these images are imported into a surgical navigation system, which, like the navigation system in an automobile, allows us to determine the actual location of the operation and whether there are any important blood vessels nearby.
In addition, Our hospital uses 4K neuroendoscope system (Photo 1), which allows the surgeon to view high-precision images on a large screen while performing surgery. In the actual operating room, the surgeon checks the images of the navigation system and the 4K endoscope on the large screen while performing surgical operations. By using these systems, safe surgeries with less burden on the body are performed (Photo 2).
