Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Brain Tumour Surgery

What is minimally invasive brain tumour surgery?

Neuroendoscopy is a less intrusive surgical procedure that involves resection of the tumour completely through small holes within the skull or via the mouth or nose. When the surgery is carried out through the nose, it is referred to as endonasal endoscopic surgery.

Through this less invasive approach, the surgeon can access delicate areas of the brain, regions which are often difficult to reach with minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.

How do you perform minimally invasive endoscopic brain tumour surgery?

The tubular retractor system, a less invasive procedure, is a testament to the precision of modern surgical techniques. It enables the surgeon to access intricate parts of the brain that are normally hard to reach. This system is considered a better, less intrusive option than a standard open craniotomy. Fortunately, this approach minimizes trauma to surrounding structures, shortens the recovery duration, and significantly enhances the cosmetic outcome.

The tubular retractor is a crucial tool because it pulls apart the delicate tissue folds of the brain and displaces the tissue rather than severing it. The system is particularly useful when the tumour is deep inside the brain.

A small incision is made in the skin, and a small opening is made in the skull. Through specialized computer navigation, the surgeon can operate precisely within the deep regions of the brain. As a result, a fibre optic camera helps view the operative area in expansive detail. Once the tumour is carefully and safely removed from the area, the surgeon seals the region where the incision was made.

The type of minimally invasive surgery performed will depend on your specific tumour and it is not appropriate for every tumour. Your doctor will have an in depth discussion with you regarding the surgical options and if your tumour is appropriate for a keyhole surgery.

How important is imaging during brain tumour removal?

MRI and CT scanning is done preoperatively to better understand the anatomy of the tumour and surrounding structures. These scans can then be loaded on to the Neuronavigation system to assist the surgeon in locating the tumour and it relationship to surrounding structures. It is unfortunately a historical image of the tumour prior to surgery and does not take into account ongoing changes in the brain during the surgery. . Regardless of the remarkable achievement in the advancement of brain tumour surgery, there are still some challenges to be expected, making the tumour hard to operate due to its anatomical location, behaviour and biology.

Your surgeon, with their extensive knowledge and experience, will carefully analyze the findings from the imaging studies to decide on the most suitable treatment option for you.